Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman was in Owensboro on Thursday to present the keys to a new Habitat for Humanity house to Tinisha McHenry. The house was built with a record number of local volunteers and with financial assistance from the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund.
McHenry had to fight back tears of joy and thanks as she spoke about just how meaningful the new home is to her and her son. When she started the program in July 2022, McHenry was told it takes 2 years to get into a house, largely due to having to put in 350 volunteer hours before they are eligible for their own home. McHenry has almost 500 hours in just more than a year.
“I’m overwhelmed because I’m so happy that I’m blessed with this home, and I can have something for my son. Y’all don’t know what y’all just did to my life or his,” she said to the roughly 50 people — many of them Habitat volunteers — who attended the house dedication. “When you go inside we’re gonna see it, all the hard work I put in, the hours, the dedication. I appreciate you all.”
McHenry’s house was built using funds made available by the Team Kentucky Nonprofit Assistance Fund.
“This project is another example of the Team Kentucky spirit that permeates this community and our state, and it shows us what a difference we can make when we drown out the noise, come together, and do the things that help our families,” Coleman said. “Unfortunately, to some of our neighbors, owning a home is unlikely due to a multitude of challenges. But organizations like Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County continue to help level the playing field.”
McHenry’s home is the 156th built by the Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County, and it’s third Habitat house in a row on West 10th Street.
“All three of these houses were built on the backs of volunteers,” said Jeremy Stephens, Executive Director for Habitat. “We broke a record with these three houses. Over 900 volunteers and over 2,000 volunteer hours were spent on these three houses. That is a testament to the community we live in.”
Stevens said the home is in the midst of several community development house builds by the City of Owensboro.
City Commissioner Mark Castlen said one thing that makes Habitat successful is the investment the recipients have to make.
“One thing I love about Habitat for Humanity is the owners have some skin in the game,” he said. “They dedicate their time to help build their house and other houses, and it brings the community together. It’s a testament to how successfully the public and private sectors can work together to provide affordable housing here in our city and to bring our community together for the development of positive things.”
Stephens noted that the Alma Randolph Foundation and her HUTS program is partnering on this build, and next week the foundation will completely furnish the house with all new furniture. He added that Habitat’s campus chapters at Owensboro Catholic and Daviess County high schools will be doing the landscaping for all three of the houses.
