Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County ceremoniously broke ground Monday on Ms. Virginia’s Education & Training Center, a first-time homeowner education facility. The facility is named in honor of longtime Executive Director Virginia Braswell, who was present for the ceremony.
“We are so excited to finally be breaking ground on this one-of-a-kind facility,” said Jeremy Stephens, current Habitat executive director. “This is going to change the game and take Habitat’s already successful Homeownership Program, and dramatically increase our ability to prepare people in our community to be self-sufficient homeowners.”
The project is being funded by a 2022 grant from IMPACT100 Owensboro. Habitat has since been finalizing a site development plan and obtaining the necessary permits for the facility.
The nonprofit has also developed a complete yearlong curriculum full of workshops and classes rooted in necessary homeownership skills and responsibilities, Stephens said.
“The entire premise of this project is to create a resource for the community so everyone has the ability to find success in homeownership,” Stephens said. “It will be the first of its kind in the United States, and paying homage to Ms. Virginia’s years of devotion to affordable housing in our community is something our organization is very proud to do.”
Dr. Jodi Krahwinkel, IMPACT100 Owensboro Chapter President, said they are thrilled to play a role in getting the facility built.
“The grants awarded by IMPACT100 are meant to be transformational, not only for the nonprofits who receive them but in turn for the community they serve. … We know that this facility will continue to give back in collaboration with other community partners to elevate the Greater Owensboro Area for years to come.”
Last month, Habitat held groundbreaking ceremonies for their next four home builds. The local Habitat chapter expects to complete 9-10 houses in 2023.
The next four Habitat homes include one home on Walnut Street, two on Cravens Avenue, and one on Western Court.
“As Habitat Owensboro-Daviess County continues to provide affordable housing in our region, we are so excited to announce four new home groundbreaking ceremonies for well-deserving families,” Habitat Board President Dr. David Danhauer said previously. “These families have/will be putting in hours of sweat equity for home ownership. It is only through the continued generosity of our community that these homes are possible.”
