Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County has received a $100,000 grant from the Hager Educational Foundation to support the development of a new neighborhood on land that was donated by Owensboro Health.
In May, it was announced that OH was donating 17 parcels of land near its Parrish Avenue campus to kickstart an 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 in phases over the coming years.
The first $50,000 payment of the Hager grant will be issued in Fall 2026, with the second installment coming in 2027.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Hager Educational Foundation for this generous grant,” said Amanda Green, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro-Daviess County. “These funds will go directly toward the Owensboro Health build, helping us create a thriving new community of 15–20 homes for families who need safe, affordable housing. This partnership is a true investment in the future of Owensboro.”
The Housing Collaborative was launched nearly 2 years 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,” Dr. James Tidwell, Vice President of Population Health at Owensboro Health, said previously. “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.
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.
