State partnering with Hope Initiative to build homes in Mayfield

MAYFIELD, Ky. (KT) - Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday a new partnership with Mayfield's Hope Initiative to build over two dozen homes, using $2.4 million from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to purchase the necessary building materials.

The Hope Initiative is a local nonprofit entity working to provide new housing in Mayfield and Graves County, for those who lost their homes during the deadly tornado outbreak in December 2021. During a stop on Wednesday, the Governor attended six home dedications for properties rebuilt on South 10th Street in Mayfield.

"As I've said from day one, we will be with this community until every structure and every life is rebuilt," he stated. "This project gives more Mayfield families who had to leave the area an opportunity to move back home."

Because many renters had to relocate outside of Graves County, this project focuses on people with longer commutes and higher rents in the surrounding cities.

"The Hope Initiative has worked to serve the needs of our community throughout each phase of recovery," said Stephen Boyken, founder and president of the Hope Initiative. "In our long-term efforts, the biggest need has been housing solutions for renters whose home was lost or destroyed by the tornado. We are grateful for both the recognition and the support of Gov. Beshear's office. The financial support from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief fund will allow us to go the distance in rebuilding our community one home and one family at a time."

The Hope Initiative's Build Hope program offers an affordable pathway to homeownership. Qualifying citizens receive both a new home and financial management and life skills training. House payments are based on the average cost of building the home, which currently averages about $75 per square foot.

To date, the Hope Initiative has nine homes under construction and is developing a neighborhood for 16 more. They have also provided roofing materials to repair 100 homes.

The Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund raised over $52 million with donations from over 150,000 individuals and businesses. The money raised has helped with funeral expenses for the families of the deceased, aided survivors approved for any amount of FEMA assistance as well as insured and uninsured homeowners and renters and provided assistance to local farmers along with other unmet needs, through local long-term recovery groups. The remaining funds will be used to build houses.

Go to teamwkyrelieffund.ky.gov for more information.