In September 1986, Jack Russell, Les Versaw and Dr. Jim Roach, the director of Woodford County Habitat for Humanity, attended the tenth anniversary celebration of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). After the convention, Mr. Russell invited Dr. Roach to give a presentation on Habitat to the Golden K Kiwanis Club. As a result of this meeting and the actions that followed, LHFH became an official HFHI affiliate, incorporating in December 1986.

The diversity of the original board members lent just the right ingredients for a successful Habitat program. There were construction professionals, legal advisors, fundraisers, financial advisors, ministers and dedicated people willing to work hard. On November 11, 1987, LHFH broke ground on its first house at 224 Willard St., and on September 7, 1988, its was dedicated and the second LHFH home begun.

Since its humble start, LHFH has increased its production exponentially. In 2004, it was ranked 36th out of 1,600 U.S. Habitat for Humanity affiliates in terms of cumulative housing production (top 2 percent nationally). LHFH Has dedicated over 250 homes to date.

LHFH has worked tenaciously to fulfill its mission. While annual median income in Fayette County is $38,322 (US Census 2004), our partner families earn approximately $19,221, of which 50 percent or more is usually applied to housing. When one considers Fayette County's average mortgage ($937) or fair-market value for a three-bedroom apartment ($836), it is easy to understand why these families must seek subsidized housing or substandard housing options.

LHFH offers an affordable alternative through permanent homeownership. The average LHFH mortgage payment is $300 - $500, and by paying their 15-30 year, zero-interest mortgages, families acquire not only immediate upgrades in their standard of living but also opportunities to break the cycle of poverty. When their mortgages are paid in full, their homes are theirs.

In March 2001, LHFH moved into offices at 1260 Industry Rd. The property has enabled LHFH to increase its productivity by consolidating office space, expanding materials storage and accommodating the new resale store, Renovation Station. The store, which opened in May 2001, sells used home goods, building supplies and appliances, and the proceeds offset LHFH's operating costs and benefit the community by significantly reducing landfill use.

LHFH's success is due to the dedication of partner families, house sponsors, board members, volunteers and staff and the generosity of the entire community. Our goal is to develop and strengthen relationships with other affordable housing providers, so that together we can eliminate poverty housing in Fayette County.

LHFH will have served over 300 families in Fayette County by the end of 2008.