Bringing It Home Blog

Discussing Homeownership with Realtors

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Wed, 15 May 2024 14:15:00 GMT

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) serves Kentucky homebuyers with a variety of loan products, down payment assistance, closing cost grants, excellent customer service, and more.

Summit to End Rural Homelessness

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:40:58 GMT

Net-Zero Houses in Letcher County

Steve Morrow — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:20:51 GMT

For solar power, direction matters. A house facing south is best. Southwest will do. Topography matters, too. Yet in the hills of Southeastern Kentucky, deep in the valleys, where one might assume the sun doesn't shine directly or is obscured by mountaintops, nonprofit housing developer HOMES, Inc., is building "net-zero" houses with solar panels.

Intro to Kentucky's Housing Supply Gap Analysis

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 14:30:00 GMT

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), with the help of Bowen National Research, is conducting a comprehensive housing supply gap analysis in Kentucky to help agencies, housing providers, housing developers, and nonprofit organizations better understanding the existing housing market.

The aim of this research project is to assist decision makers across the Commonwealth in updating their intervention strategies, including land use and zoning decisions, and encourage housing development projects that meet market demand and disaster-related recovery efforts.

Recovery Kentucky

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 20:21:38 GMT

Sheehan Landing Groundbreaking

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:08:58 GMT

On Friday, March 8, 2024, representatives from KHC joined Ra’Shann Martin,
executive director of St. John Center, Mayor Craig Greenberg, and other stakeholders, including LDG, the developer, to celebrate the groundbreaking of Sheehan Landing, a permanent supportive housing facility with with on-site services designed to improve health outcomes, community integration, and recovery for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The K-Count

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:46:05 GMT

Each year, KHC and partners across the state conduct the K-Count, a census of persons experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires this point-in-time count. The data demonstrate the need for resources in each community.

Revisiting Conversations from 2023

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 17:50:33 GMT

In 2023, we discussed the state of affordable housing in Kentucky and the challenges for multifamily developers and loan officers. We explored the need for fair housing and spoke with KHC staff and partners about how Kentuckians can achieve their dream of homeownership. We offered a multipart look at how the Eastern Kentucky floods impacted the region and how residents and KHC partners are rebuilding. And we ended the year with a look at weatherization and homeless resources and the state of affordable housing in Kentucky's two largest cities.

Charlene Mason - From Sparrow Ridge to Haven Crossing

Steve Morrow — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 22:45:40 GMT

Last summer, Charlene Mason was one of the first residents to move into Sparrow Ridge, a 96-unit affordable housing option for seniors in Hebron, Kentucky.

Joey and Joyce - USDA Loan

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:00:17 GMT

Austin and Cassie - DAP and MRB

Steve Morrow — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:55:23 GMT

Northern Kentucky Homelessness Resources

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:34:00 GMT

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Danielle Amrine, CEO of the Welcome House, and Melissa Hall Sommer, Senior Vice President of the Brighton Center, both of whom are deeply involved in addressing the issue of homelessness in Northern Kentucky. Our conversation aims to shed light on the prevalent issue of homelessness and explore the resources currently available to support those in need.

Weatherization Assistance and the Residential Energy Efficiency Center

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:17:21 GMT

The U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is the nation's largest residential energy efficiency program, helping low-income families to lower their energy bills. KHC receives funding for WAP through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services' Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). That funding allows trained inspectors and crews from Community Action Agencies across the Commonwealth to retrofit housing for eligible individuals at no cost to the homeowner. Before doing the work, though, crew members are trained by experts at the KHC's Residential Energy Efficiency (REE) Center in Frankfort, Kentucky.

Elisabeth and Logan - KHC Loan

Molly Tate — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:43:14 GMT

Elisabeth and Logan were probably two of the happiest people to ever enter Re/MAX Elite Realty’s doors. They described themselves as “beaming from ear to ear” and gleefully signed mountains of documents to close on their second home.

Ashlee - DAP and MRB

Steve Morrow — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:32:30 GMT

"I have personally only lived in an actual house one time," said Ashlee. "I grew up in a trailer park, so this has always been my goal. To own a house for my daughter. This is one of my biggest goals. It means everything to me."

The State of Affordable Housing in Louisville and Lexington

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 14:44:58 GMT

In the last three episodes, we looked at the affordable housing situation and recovery in Eastern Kentucky one year after the flooding. In this episode, we turn our attention to the cities.

Housing Choice Vouchers Inspections

Steve Morrow — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 19:33:00 GMT

The housing choice voucher program (HCV) is a federal program that provides rent assistance for very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled. Most people know it simply as the Section 8, and outdated descriptor and a reference to its place in the Housing Act of 1937.

Eastern Kentucky One Year After the Flooding, Part 3

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 14:18:57 GMT

The flooding of late July 2022 devastated communities in Eastern Kentucky. In this episode, we look back at the events of those days through the work being done by the teams here at Kentucky Housing Corporation. We speak with David Starck and Anthony Wright from Multifamily Programs about Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, "the largest driver of affordable housing in the country," and Curtis Stauffer from Housing Contract Administration about the home repair program.

Eastern Kentucky One Year After the Flooding, Part 2

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 20:56:49 GMT

The flooding of late July 2022 devastated communities in Eastern Kentucky. In this episode, we look back at the events of those days through the eyes of two affordable housing developers: Scott McReynolds, executive director of Housing Development Alliance in Hazard, and Seth Long, executive director of HOMES, Inc. in Letcher County. Since the night of the flood, both organizations have devoted their efforts almost entirely to the recovery.

Eastern Kentucky One Year After the Flooding

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:24:46 GMT

&amp;lt;a href="https://rss.com/podcasts/bringing-it-home/1051620/"&amp;gt;Eastern Kentucky One Year After the Flooding | RSS.com&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Hometown Lending

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:07:22 GMT

We want to wish you all a Happy Homeownership Month!

William and Cheyenne White - Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund

Steve Morrow — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:30:14 GMT

When the flood hit eastern Kentucky in late July 2022, William and Cheyenne White were living in Emmalena, not far from Camp Nathaniel and about 10 miles west of Hindman. They had been living there, in a double-wide trailer overlooking Troublesome Creek, for four years. According to William, they had finally saved enough money to begin making the home their own.

From Homebuyer to Lender

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 23 May 2023 14:59:18 GMT

Heather Akins can still remember when her family moved into their first house. It was a modest home, but it felt like a mansion.

James Scott - Stonewall Terrace

Steve Morrow — Mon, 15 May 2023 15:07:30 GMT

James Scott was living paycheck to paycheck and staying in St. James, an affordable housing complex for working and recovering homeless veterans in Lexington. He was grateful for the place to live, but his single room occupancy unit felt like a college dorm room, not a home.

“This is not where I’m supposed to be,” he thought.

Then one day as he rode the bus to work, he spotted a construction site just off Versailles Road. Something massive was going up, and though he couldn’t be sure, it looked like an apartment complex.

“I’m going to find out who owns those apartments,” he said to himself, “and how to get into those apartments.”

James’s life had been a series of struggles. He served in the military. He survived cancer. He wrestled with addiction.

“I’ve been homeless, jobless,” he said, “only because of the choices that I’ve made. I said, I have to change my thinking. There is something out there for me. I’m worth it.”

Getting into Stonewall Terrace proved to be another in a series of challenges. His work schedule and lack of transportation made it difficult to get to an appointment during business hours. But he was up for the challenge. Persistence was key.

“I just kept calling Miss Veronica,” he said, referring to the property manager, “until one day I got to her office, filled out the application, and she said, I’ll get back to you.”

He reminded himself that he wanted an apartment, deserved an apartment, that he had done what he needed to do. She called two days later.

“Mr. Scott,” she said, “you can come sign your lease. We have your keys.”

James gets emotional just thinking about that moment.

“The day Miss Veronica called me,” he said, “my whole life changed.”

“I could still be camping out,” he said, “sleeping on couches and stuff like that. These apartments here: people just don’t know the impact that it has.”

He recounted the effect Stonewall Terrace has had on him. He is happier, more motivated, and incredibly thankful. He named his apartment “Masterpiece.”

“These are not just apartments for people to come and put their stuff in. These are apartments for us to put our lives back together, to feel hope, to feel that we are worthy, no matter what we have gone through and what we have done in the past."

He said that the staff at AVOL, the organization responsible for Stonewall Terrance, never questioned his past.

"They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” he said. “I’m so emotional. I just want to jump up and down and scream and holler, say, thank you Lord for these people.”

Homeownership 101

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Wed, 03 May 2023 19:28:14 GMT

In celebration of June as National Homeownership Month, we asked Melissa Johnson, Kay Smith, and Krista McIver from our Single-Family Department to join us and discuss how more Kentuckians can achieve their dream of homeownership.

Bowling Green Habitat Reaches Milestone with 100th Home

Steve Morrow — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Thursday, March 9, 2023, Habitat for Humanity of Bowling Green/Warren County (BG/WC) dedicated its 100th home, which was built in part by funds from Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC). Staff from KHC joined Governor Andy Beshear, Habitat BG/WC Executive Director Rodney Goodman, and others on the porch to welcome homeowners Kendra Alexander and her daughter Nzuri Posey, who had lost their home in the 2021 tornado.

Kendra and Nzuri’s home is part of a ten-townhouse stretch, six of which will go to tornado survivors, along Regis O’Connor Boulevard, a street of Habitat BG/WC-built homes being developed on the city’s north side. KHC staff, including Keli Reynolds who spoke at the dedication, helped in the construction of Kendra and Nzuri's and the other nine townhouses during a week-long blitz build in July 2022. According to Goodman, 1,100 volunteers completed over 17,000 hours of service for Habitat BG/WC in 2022.

Terri Randol - Mt. Lebanon Apartments

Steve Morrow — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:21:48 GMT

Terri Randol and her husband have been residents of Mt. Lebanon Senior Apartments for about two years. They moved in just before the renovation began.

Kenny Bennett - KHC Loan

Steve Morrow — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:52:36 GMT

Kenny and Lisa Bennett met lender Brad Chambliss through a realtor. At the time, their finances and credit were not in a favorable position to purchase a house.

What is Fair Housing? Why is It Important?

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:22:09 GMT

In celebration of National Fair Housing Month, Bringing It Home with KHC sat down with Drew Bowling, assistant director of Kentucky Fair Housing Council, to explore fair housing in Kentucky. In this lively episode, Drew explained the concept of fair housing, why it is so important in Kentucky, and how people can report suspected fair housing violations. (Spoiler alert: Go to https://www.kyfairhousing.org/complaint, where you can request an investigation and submit your suspicion anonymously or contact them at 859-971-8067.)

William and Jason Gross - Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Steve Morrow — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, William Gross and his son Jason were treated to a special groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the beginning of construction on their new house in Letcher County. Theirs will join three existing houses, all built by HOMES, Inc and sold to flood survivors, which sit just off Copperhead Road in Craft’s Colly.

Brittany Berry - Family Self-Sufficiency Program

Steve Morrow — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 17:04:25 GMT

Kentucky Housing Corporation’s (KHC) Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) offers families in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program the opportunity to achieve economic self-sufficiency by giving them the tools and means to pursue homeownership. At the core of FSS is an escrow savings account. Essentially, like all HCV participants, those in FSS pay their share of the rent, and the rental subsidy covers the rest. If their rent is $500, for example, and their share is $100, then the subsidy will cover $400. As FSS participants' earnings increase, their share of the rent increases, as is the case for anyone in HCV. Where FSS differs, though, is in the subsidy share: it does not decrease in kind. Instead, the excess money goes into a savings account.

Ashley Davis - Habitat for Humanity

Steve Morrow — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:05:03 GMT

Ashley and her fiancé John weren’t directly affected by the tornado in Bowling Green, but they were indirectly affected by the housing situation that followed the disaster and the pandemic. In essence, they pay more than they can afford to pay to rent a 4-bedroom home for them and their five children.

"When we started looking to move," she said, "between COVID and the tornadoes, we realized there was no place to go, and the places that there was, I mean, it wasn’t efficient for the size of our family, or it was way, way too expensive."

Housing Can't Wait - Sherry and George Mullins

Steve Morrow — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:00:00 GMT

Sherry and George Mullins lost their home in the flash flooding that swept through eastern Kentucky in late-July 2022. At the time, they were living in the Lower River Caney community next door to Sherry’s aunt and about a hundred yards from what was a docile creek. Their home is no longer there. After the flood, in which the creek rose about 35 feet, it crumbled and fell into the water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) removed what they could find and carted the pieces away.

Illuminating Voices in Lending

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:19:06 GMT

As we close out Black History Month and welcome Lender Appreciation Month, Teri Knott (NMLS #56539) and Melanie Yarmy (NMLS #1484875) of Stockton Mortgage join us to discuss how they improve homeownership opportunities for their clients.

The Challenges of Multifamily Housing - Two-Part Podcast Episode

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Part 1 - Fahe

Part 2 - Woda Cooper

Welcome to Bringing it Home with KHC, a podcast exploring the housing industry, trends, and issues facing affordable housing in Kentucky. Our second episode explores the challenges Kentuckians are facing with multifamily housing, which is a universal term for any housing that has more than one unit, including apartments, duplexes, and townhomes.

Kentucky Housing Corporation Contributes to Affordable Housing Need in Lexington

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 20:40:34 GMT

Polo Club Park is an affordable housing development for seniors (55+) in Lexington, Kentucky. The four-story, 24-unit apartment building was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, January 18. Lexington officials, including Mayor Linda Gorton and Councilmembers Kathy Plomin and Dave Sevigny, and Johan Graham, president of the developer, AU Associates, spoke at the event.

Polo Club Park includes 13 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom apartments, about a quarter of which were already leased by the grand opening. Two units accommodate individuals with hearing impairment and four of the units accommodate individuals with physical disabilities. Each unit features Energy Star appliances, modern cabinetry and fixtures, and washer and dryer hookups. The amenities include a fitness center, two laundry rooms, a community room, and close proximity to public transportation.

Ingrid Holt - Residences at Courtyard Crossing

Steve Morrow — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:57:36 GMT

Ingrid Holt grew up in Germany. When she was 17, though, she met and married a U.S. soldier who was stationed in her hometown. They moved back to the States and started a family. That was over 60 years ago. Now she has four kids, eight grandkids, and eight great grandkids, the youngest of whom is three years old.

Robert Tolliver Sr. - Residences at Courtyard Crossing

Steve Morrow — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:44:16 GMT

Robert Tolliver lived in a two-family house in Latonia for 16 years. He was happy there. His place had a basement for storage and a driveway where he parked his camper. When the landlord doubled the rent from $600 to $1200, though, he had to look for a new home. He chose the Residences at Courtyard Crossing, a 47-unit, age-restricted affordable housing community that was funded in part through Kentucky Housing Corporation's innovation pool. He moved in March 2022.

Housing Development Alliance and HOMES, Inc. Helping to Rebuild After Flooding

Steve Morrow — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:23:56 GMT

From July 26 to 30, 2022, thunderstorms overwhelmed eastern Kentucky in a narrow ribbon stretching from just southeast of Lexington to the West Virginia state line. Day after day, the same areas in the Appalachian region were pounded with unprecedented rainfall. Much of the inhabited landscape there lies in valleys, what are called hollers, the flat, low-lying land next to rivers and creeks on which residents are able to build houses or park mobile homes. The advantage of the terrain is that it's flat and generally within range of utilities and roads. The awful disadvantage comes in the form of floods, which have historically been devastating to this region.

Welcome to Bringing It Home, KHC's New Affordable Housing Podcast

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Bringing it Home with KHC, a podcast exploring the housing industry, trends, and issues facing affordable housing in Kentucky.

Habitat for Humanity Helping Bowling Green Rebuild After Tornado

Steve Morrow — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 18:44:00 GMT

In early December 2021, Chris and Kaylah and their two-year-old son were asleep in the house they rented in the historic Magnolia District of Bowling Green when they were awakened by a boom. "One of the loudest booms we have ever heard," Chris remembered. Hours earlier they had gone to bed despite tornado warnings issued for the area and much of southwest Kentucky.

Jason Hicks - The Healing Place

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 18:57:00 GMT

By the time Jason came to the Healing Place, he had damaged most of his close personal relationships. Now, a year later, having worked hard on recovery, he has earned a role as a peer mentor in the program and earned the opportunity to reconnect with his family. “Today, I get to help people,” he said about his role. “Everybody’s story is different, but if they can get anything from my story, it’s that it can be done.”

KHC's Disaster Response Housing Dashboard

Steve Morrow — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 18:56:00 GMT

In December 2021, a volatile storm system that formed in central Arkansas traveled due northeast into western Kentucky, introducing several tornadoes along the way, including one that traveled over 200 miles. In Mayfield, a tornado leveled a candle factory before passing directly through the center of downtown. In Bowling Green, to the east, where winds were measured at more than 150 miles per hour, 475 homes were destroyed and another 500 damaged. In Dawson Springs alone, 75% of homes were lost. The housing situation in eastern Kentucky changed overnight. Suddenly, over a thousand residents were homeless.

Tallia Cuttino - Scholar House

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Tallia Cuttino came to the Scholar House at Kit Carson Commons by a circuitous route. She joined the army reserves as a junior in high school; then she tried college for a few semesters, worked at Fort Knox in human resources, and temporarily moved to St. Louis to be a flight attendant. Back in Louisville as a single mother, Tallia determined to become a pilot, taking classes first at JCCC and then at Eastern Kentucky University, where she joined the Scholar House. “The program is awesome,” she said. “I just don’t really know how else to explain it besides that it is just support for me, support for my kid… Everything we need.”

Les and Shirley Moore - People's Self-Help Housing

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 19:00:00 GMT

Lifelong Lewis County residents Shirley and Les Moore owned a farm with about two acres just a few miles outside of Vanceburg in northeast Kentucky. When they could no longer tend such a large plot of land, they decided to downsize, finding Central Crossings apartments through a friend at their church who works for People’s Self-Help Housing, Inc., the nonprofit that built and manages the property. “It’s really handy,” said Shirley. “It’s close to the store. It’s close to our kids.” Les agreed. “It couldn’t have worked out any better than it is right here for us.”

Podcast Interview - Jonathan Kumar, Keynote at #KAHC19

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 12:40:08 GMT

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In this podcast, Jonathan Kumar—a user experience designer by trade, and founder of several projects to solve social issues—speaks with KHC’s executive director, Edwin King, about Samaritan. Samaritan is a mobile app that enables Seattle city-goers to invest directly and compassionately into individuals around them struggling through homelessness. Bluetooth beacons, through the Samaritan app, collect donations that the beacon holders can use with the help of a counselor. Jonathan will be a keynote speaker for #KAHC19, on Friday, September 13, 2019.

Podcast Interview - Jon Petz, Keynote at #KAHC19

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 02:24:33 GMT

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In this podcast, Jon Petz—Performance engagement, motivational and business leadership coach, and keynote speaker and author of Significance In Simple Moments—talks with Kentucky Housing Corporation’s Edwin King about having a performance mindset, engagement, and the Miracles and Magic Foundation that helps children with life-threatening illness have some fun and entertainment with magicians around the world who come together for these events.

Podcast Interview - Glenn Lundy, Host of Rise and Grind, and Keynote at #KAHC19

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 20:11:21 GMT

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In this podcast, Glenn Lundy, Host of Rise and Grind and Keynote at 2019 Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference, talks with KHC’s Executive Director, Edwin King, about formerly being behind bars and homeless and his triumphant story of success. He is an automotive expert and leader serving as general manager at Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick in Central Kentucky and is a national mentor who teaches us about inspiration and motivation, and about personal branding, business strategies, and more. Glenn is the powerful force, creator, and host of the morning show, Rise and Grind and will share his morning routine for success.

The Four-Letter Words That Aid in Ending Homelessness

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 20:24:00 GMT

Data is everywhere. Data is complex. Data can be confusing, becoming a four-letter word inducing anxiety, but data is so important as the foundation for making the best decisions, especially when administering housing solutions for families in the most need of shelter solutions and stabilization.

Podcast Interview - The Housing Industry and Federal Housing Finance Reform

communications@kyhousing.org (Kentucky Housing Corporation) — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 13:00:00 GMT

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In this podcast, “The Housing Industry and Federal Housing Finance Reform” Kentucky Housing Corporation’s Executive Director, Edwin King, talks with the executive director of the National Council of State Housing Agencies, Stockton Williams, to discuss insights on housing finance reform and the recently issued IRS guidance for projects that provide homes to at-risk populations.