Fahe Joins H.O.M.E.S., Inc. at Groundbreaking Event Showcasing Net Zero Homes at Thompson Branch

Fahe staff joined in the celebration of progress in flood recovery in Letcher County at The Cottages at Thompson Branch on October 30 in Whitesburg, KY alongside Fahe Member H.O.M.E.S., Inc., Team Kentucky, and Secretary Ray Perry of the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet. The event showcased cutting-edge building science used in the construction of eight Net-Zero houses for flood survivors.  

As part of his remarks, Fahe CEO Jim King said, “I want to thank Team Kentucky for coming out – everybody who is associated with Governor Beshear and the team.  We are grateful for his leadership.  The vision, the dedication to keep showing up for these flood communities so that we might build back even better than we were before.  I think this development that we’re at today – the first of several – can serve as the model of what a high ground community will look like, where we have strong and resilient communities and the types of places that people really do want to move to and be a part of.  I’m very excited to be a part of this.  We’re proud to work with H.O.M.E.S., Inc., Habitat for Humanity – the Kentucky folks, and the governor and his team to provide new housing and opportunity to flood affected communities across the southeast.” 

It has been two years since the floods, with many more homes to build. Fahe is optimistic that we are underway. King explained, “Our team has been working with the department of local government.  We’ve already secured over $40 million of CDBG-DR.  If you don’t know the alphabet soup, that’s the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery money that comes through HUD.  By this time next year, we hope to secure over $90 million for communities that were affected by the flooding.  And by the time we’re done, thanks to the partnership of Fahe, Team Kentucky, folks like H.O.M.E.S. – we expect to secure over $200 million to rebuild these communities.”

Energy efficiency is key to supporting the residents so that they can afford their utilities and live in a comfortable home.

The flooding in Eastern Kentucky in 2022 resulted in the loss of about 8,000 homes. We’ve learned that 40% of people in Letcher County and several of the other affected counties pay more than 30% of what they make on their utilities. 

In rebuilding from flooding it was important to address the cost effectiveness of the homes. H.O.M.E.S., Inc. Executive Director Seth Long expects utilities on an energy efficient house at Thomson Branch to run about $20 per month.  If H.O.M.E.S., Inc. can complete all of the solar installation, the new homes will all be zero energy homes, resulting in no energy bills for residents.

For additional information, refer to this recent media coverage of the groundbreaking and an in depth article on how solar can lower utility costs in Letcher County:

WYMT news: https://www.wymt.com/2024/10/30/officials-host-groundbreaking-homes-higher-ground/

Kentucky Lantern: https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/10/31/eastern-kentucky-housing-builder-looks-to-the-sun-for-relief-from-crushing-power-bills/