Beattyville Housing Addressing Full Spectrum of Housing Needs in Lee County

Fahe Member Beattyville Housing and Development Corporation (BHDC) hosted an open house to celebrate the completion of a new duplex project which brings much-needed, quality housing to the residents of Lee County, Kentucky.

Dubbed “The Woodlands,” these duplexes offer spacious accommodations and affordability to families who are living below 60% of AMI (area median income).  Each residency is energy efficient with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 48, which means they are 52% more efficient than a standard code-built housing unit.  Energy savings equals financial savings for the families.

“Beattyville Housing is diligent in addressing the full spectrum of housing needs in the Lee County area, from emergency shelter for individuals and families to those looking for home ownership opportunities,” said Vonda Poynter, Fahe’s Senior Vice President of Membership. “The Woodlands duplex project provides an energy efficient, quality rental housing solution for families in the Beattyville area that may not yet be ready for home ownership.”

In addition to housing, BHDC operates the Lee County Helping Hands Food Bank / God’s Pantry which provides monthly commodities for qualified households as well as an emergency food program. BHDC also manages a homeowner rehab program that serves people below 60% of AMI with repairs that meet health and safety needs such as roofs, doors, windows, floors, and heating and air.  

Starting in 2019, BHDC will offer another service to address the issue of homelessness in the area.  They will open the doors to Beattyville Hope Station, a homeless shelter that will provide safety, security, and access to education and transitional services which will help clients find stable housing and employment.

The efforts of local leaders such as BHDC have tremendous impact on our Appalachian communities.  They create solutions that are innovative, person-focused, and efficient in the use of available resources.  Quality housing and safe neighborhoods such as The Woodlands contribute to better life outcomes for our families and communities.