Two Owensboro mothers received the surprise of a lifetime Thursday as their families were gifted fully furnished homes through a collaboration between the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County.
The reveal marked homes No. 93 and 94 for the foundation’s Hands Up to Succeed (HUTS) Program, which has helped disadvantaged families achieve stability and comfort since 2016. Each home makeover includes furniture, home goods, and appliances — at no cost to the family — thanks to donations and sponsor support. The Truist Bank Foundation funded this week’s homes.
“Faith is not faith if you have the answers,” said Alma Randolph Crump, founder and president of the foundation. “I had no idea we’d be here nearly a decade later. But I knew in my heart we were called to do this. And when you see how it transforms these families, it makes every step worth it.”
First up on Thursday were Victoria Johns and her two daughters, who received a complete home transformation. Johns was nominated by the H.L. Neblett Community Center, and her new space included a washer and dryer along with a Thanksgiving meal for the family.
Then, Kelsey Hayse and her three children walked into a newly furnished Habitat for Humanity home, one built by the local affiliate and made into a home by the Randolph Foundation.
Hayse’s reveal coincided with her sobriety anniversary, making the moment even more powerful. After years in recovery programs, Hayse gained full custody of her children in 2024.
“It was absolutely beautiful,” she said. “My heart was filled with love and joy. Mrs. Alma kept telling me, ‘You’re very deserving,’ and that assurance meant everything.”
Hayse said everything they previously had was either donated or borrowed. Now, her children have beds of their own, and she has a space she’s proud to call home.
“I proved to my kids, day in and day out, that I was going to work hard and get us here,” she said. “And we did it. We have each other, and now we have all the things I’ve been working so hard for.”
Amanda Green, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County, said this partnership is what community transformation looks like.
“When those of us with common missions work together, the entire community benefits,” Green said. “We were so excited to have our 170th home — which was built through volunteer labor and community support — fully furnished by the Randolph Foundation.”
Green said the foundation’s work ensured every room was complete with beds, furniture, and décor, and even included gifts for the children and a family meal.
“The community we live in never ceases to amaze,” she said. “If you want to feel good about the world we live in, just look around Owensboro-Daviess County and you’ll see remarkable acts of love and kindness.”
Randolph Crump said momentum is building for the program thanks to sponsors like Truist, OMU, Big Rivers, Kenergy, Atmos, and Bell Bank. She said the foundation is already planning to celebrate its upcoming 100th home makeover in 2026.
“We just ask these families to take this blessing and do well,” she said. “That’s all that’s expected. And when you see how these homes can change the course of a family’s life, it’s a reminder that this work matters.”
