Lexington Habitat volunteers begin work on a historic housing project

Lexington Habitat for Humanity is celebrating a milestone in its 38- year history. Work is underway on the City’s 500 ^th homebuyer household.

Marsha Emerson got a life-changing phone call almost a year ago.

“On my birthday November 29 ^th , last year I got the telephone call that I had been accepted for a habitat home. That was the best birthday present I could have ever gotten,” said Emerson.

The longtime Fayette County Schools employee said she didn’t know if this day would ever come.

“After you’ve lived in so many houses and all then you think it’s just gonna be this way,” said Emerson.

Emerson said THIS WAY was fixing up properties, trying to make them livable.

Lexington Habitat Marketing and Communications Manager Laura Daley said the downtown townhome will serve seven families during a time when affordable housing is a big issue.

“Cost of land, materials, all of it keeps rising as well as people’s rent. We’re happy that we can provide people with an affordable mortgage,” said Daley.

The Habitat program calls for the soon-to-be homeowner to participate in construction. The affordable mortgage represents up to 25% of the homeowner’s income. Daley noted now the aim is to build another 500 houses.

** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.