Owensboro Health is donating 17 parcels of land near its Parrish Avenue campus to kickstart a major affordable housing initiative, the first project of the Greater Owensboro Area Housing Collaborative. The lots, located between Hathaway and Center streets, will be developed by Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County in phases over the coming years.
The land donation marks the first significant step for the Housing Collaborative, which was launched 18 months ago by Owensboro Health to address the region’s growing shortage of affordable homes. The group includes local nonprofits, housing agencies, health providers, and city and county leaders working to address systemic barriers to safe, stable housing.
“This project is the result of many voices coming together to tackle a critical need,” said Dr. James Tidwell, Vice President of Population Health at Owensboro Health. “We know housing is one of the strongest social drivers of health. Without a safe place to call home, it’s nearly impossible for people to prioritize their health. These homes will help fill a gap in our community and create the foundation for better well-being.”
According to the Kentucky Housing Corporation, Daviess County has a gap of more than 4,000 affordable housing units, especially for families earning less than 50% of the area’s median income. Studies show that while affordable homes for those families should cost around $150,000, construction costs for even modest houses now approach $250,000, making homeownership out of reach for many.
The new development will allow 17 families to own homes at significantly reduced costs. Habitat will receive each parcel as it becomes available for construction and follow its standard model of using donated land, volunteer labor, and donated or affordable materials to build homes.
“Our involvement in the Housing Collaborative, initiated by Owensboro Health, reaffirmed the deep commitment our community shares toward advancing affordable housing and fostering healthy, stable environments for families,” said Jeremy Stephens, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County. “We are profoundly grateful for this extraordinary land donation — the largest ever made to a Habitat affiliate in Kentucky. This gift not only reflects an inspiring spirit of generosity but also allows us the rare opportunity to focus fully on building for the next two to three years without the ongoing challenge of securing land.”
The City of Owensboro has pledged to support infrastructure needs, including sidewalks, fencing, and sewer and utility access. Mayor Tom Watson said the project reflects the strength of public-private partnerships.
“The collaboration between Owensboro Health, Habitat for Humanity, and the City of Owensboro reflects the very best of what public-private partnerships can achieve,” Watson said. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are creating pathways to stability, dignity, and long-term opportunity for families in our community.”
Construction is expected to begin following the completion of Habitat’s current Carter Court project. The donated land is within walking distance of the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market, local health clinics, and other essential services.
Owensboro Health leaders said they plan to encourage staff to volunteer during the build process, furthering the health system’s investment in improving community health.
“This is what true collaboration looks like,” said Owensboro Health President and CEO Mark Marsh. “We are proud to stand with other community leaders to invest in solutions that address the root causes of poor health. This is more than a land donation — it’s a shared step toward a stronger, healthier Owensboro.”
The Greater Owensboro Area Housing Collaborative includes:
- Owensboro Health
- City of Owensboro – Community Development Department
- Daviess County Fiscal Court
- OASIS
- Green River Area Development District
- Audubon-Area Community Services
- Green River District Health Department
- Community Ventures
- Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
- St. Benedict’s of Owensboro
- Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County
- Daniel Pitino Shelter
- Housing Authority of Owensboro
- Owensboro Health Foundation
- RiverValley Behavioral Health
The housing initiative is one of two major community efforts launched by Owensboro Health following its Community Health Needs Assessment. The other is a regional mental health collaborative facilitated by RiverValley Behavioral Health.
