The Inspiration “When we were in Tucson in spring of 1986 our travel trailer was parked next to a lot upon which a Habitat for Humanity house was being built. We were very much impressed by the volunteers who were building it, the sweat equity of the family who were to live in it (even the children were there helping when they could), and the attractive and functional house that was being built. After we returned to Lexington the thought kept coming to us that Lexington needs a program like that.” Jack and Eudora Russell
The Next Step The Russell’s learned Midway had a Habitat program and contacted the Habitat president, Dr. Jim Roach to learn more.
Dr. Roach invited Jack Russell to attend a Habitat 10th Anniversary Celebration in Kansas City. Mr. Russell and fellow Golden K Kiwanis member Les Versaw represented Lexington at the Celebration where they met Habitat Founder Millard Fuller as well as Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.
They returned to Lexington and enlisted a group of community leaders that represented churches, businesses and civic organizations including the Golden K Kiwanis. They shared the vision to bring simple, decent, affordable housing to Lexington through Habitat for Humanity and worked tirelessly to make it a reality.
Lexington Habitat for Humanity In December 1986, Lexington Habitat was incorporated and the first board was elected. Jack Russell, Overton Green, Dee Wade, Charlie and Phyllis Hanna, Les and Mary Versaw, Margo Cooke, William R. Holt, Williams S. Hayes, Claude Howard, Henry G. Lowe, Chester Jenkins, and Norrie Wake.
Lexington Councilmember Debra Hensley served as a liaison with the city in obtaining the first lot.
Ground was broken on November 11, 1987 at 224 Willard Street for the home of Edwina and Henry Smith.
September 7, 1988 the first Lexington Habitat for Humanity Home was dedicated with the Smith family.
That same day, ground was broken next door on the second Lexington Habitat for Humanity home.
Today the same spirit of community that helped create Lexington Habitat still exists. Each year hard-working, low-income families achieve their dream of homeownership by building their own homes alongside Habitat staff and volunteers who believe in the need for simple, decent, affordable housing.
