Member Spotlight: HOMES Inc
Member Spotlight: Creative Compassion, Inc.
April 9, 2020
Supporting Kinship Families amid the COVID-19 Crisis
April 17, 2020
The Fahe Network consists of 50+ Member organizations, spanning across the Appalachian portions of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, and Maryland. During the best of times, these local leaders provide essential services to their communities including housing, economic, and community development. During times of crisis they stand with their communities, often increasing or modifying the types of services available to match the current need. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the Fahe Network has served the region for 40 years Building the American Dream. This collaboration has invested over $1.5 Billion into Appalachia, which has directly impacted the lives of over 616,000 people. We are taking the time to celebrate each of these Members during our 40th anniversary, as we continue in partnership to ensure that no community is left behind.
HOMES, Inc.—Whitesburg, KY
In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains sits Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service, Inc. (HOMES, Inc.), who has been serving their community since 1984. HOMES, Inc. was founded when the Whitesburg Home Repair Program and the East Kentucky Housing Development Corporation merged to provide low income families in Letcher County, KY with affordable housing options.
HOMES, Inc. is committed to the spirit of service by addressing the most basic need of having shelter and a safe place to live. They provide individuals and families the opportunity to secure a safe and inviting home, which allows them to plan for a brighter and healthier future. As the organization has grown, they have expanded their reach and service other counties with similar demographics including Floyd, Knott, Pike, and Harlan Counties.
In the last 36 years, HOMES, Inc. has served over 240 households with new construction. Each year, they service an estimated 50 owner-occupied homes, and maintain 50 affordable rental units. Even now, in the midst of a pandemic, they’re taking every precaution possible to keep building homes for families in need and ensuring their community is being taken care of.
Since local leadership is an important part of HOMES, Inc.’s mission, they are a member of the Letcher County Culture Hub, which is convened and facilitated by Appalshop. The Culture Hub is founded on the principle that every community has latent assets they can turn into new community wealth. HOMES and other diverse partners of the Culture Hub facilitate this process by coming together in an ever-growing network to create new opportunities for development and enterprise, together.
HOMES is a also leader in the Network for the Appalachia HEAT Squad®, a Fahe collaboration with NeighborWorks America that expands access to energy efficient home improvements that save people money and extends the life of their home. HOMES was also an early adopter for Fahe’s USDA 502 Direct packaging project. Seth Long, Executive Director of HOMES, was the recipient of the 2019 Fahe Art Collings Award for Advocacy.
We are thankful to have HOMES, Inc. as part of Fahe. Their dedication to their community helps Fahe build the American Dream throughout the region, no matter the circumstances.
To learn more about HOMES, Inc. and the services they provide, follow the links below:
Join our Anniversary Celebration
Over the course of 2020, we will be celebrating Fahe’s history through sharing historical photos, family stories, and future projects, as well as other Member Highlights. Please join our 40th anniversary celebration by sharing your memories, pictures, and support for Fahe on social media. Please join in by using the hashtag #WeAreFahe. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.
