The Kentucky Changers volunteer program will be coming to Owensboro for the first time this year, with plans to help low-income residents complete minor exterior repairs on their homes.
Six to 12 homes will be chosen by the Kentucky Changers after the application process, which runs Feb. 3-28.
Eligible homes must be located within City limits, and this project applies to homeowners only. No rental property will be considered.
Roof shingle replacement, exterior painting, wheelchair ramps and yard cleanup will be considered for a project, and each household must meet HUD (Housing and Urban Development) guidelines, which include a $38,400 maximum annual income for a single person and a $54,800 maximum annual income for a family of four.
Homeowners must provide proof of current homeowner insurance and, as explained by Community Development Director Abby Shelton, income verification will be required for applicants hoping to make the project list.
Shelton said the number of homes chosen will depend on the number of volunteers Kentucky Changers has for the Owensboro project. Owensboro will be the first city of three Kentucky cities to receive help from Kentucky Changers, followed by Greensburg and Somerset.
“They’re likely going to choose those who haven’t worked with World Changers Church International in the past,” Shelton said.
Volunteers will be fed and housed during the week they spend in Owensboro and, more often than not, volunteer groups like Kentucky Changers and World Changers choose a number of elderly individuals to assist with home repairs. Shelton said it’s great to see the elderly community have a chance to interact with younger people who volunteer for the job.
“The human aspect of the program is wonderful in that way,” Shelton said. “They get everything done for free, essentially. It’s a win-win for the entire community. Out of all the partnerships we have, this is one of the really neat ones.”
Eligible homeowners can call CityAction starting Feb. 3 at 270-687-4444 to place their home on the 2020 list for consideration.
