Lexington Habitat Expands Mission Into Franklin County
LEXINGTON (September 15, 2026) — Now in its 40th year of serving Fayette County, Lexington Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce that it will expand its service area to include Franklin County.
Franklin County faces the fourth-largest housing supply gap in Kentucky with a shortage of 4,457 units. Across the county, 37% of renters are cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income towards housing costs (Kentucky Housing Corporation Housing Supply Gap Analysis, 2024).
With this expansion of service, the organization announces a new name: Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties. Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties will collaborate with local stakeholders, community leaders and residents to learn more about Franklin County’s needs and provide a pathway to affordable homeownership.
The organization invites community members to join the discussion and learn more about the new partnership at the Paul Sawyier Public Library’s River Room on October 28 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Attendees will hear from local leaders and community stakeholders and have the opportunity to meet Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties leadership.
“Expanding our service area into Franklin County represents an exciting new chapter for our organization and an opportunity to extend our mission to a broader community,” said Acting CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties Clint Morris. “The need for safe, decent and affordable housing extends well beyond county lines, and we are excited to partner with the people of Franklin County to help address that need.”
“Safe and stable housing is at the heart of a strong community,” said Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson. “We know Franklin County has one of the biggest housing gaps in Kentucky, so anything we can do to add more housing matters. I’m grateful Lexington Habitat for Humanity has decided to expand to include Frankfort and Franklin County, and I look forward to working with their leadership to open more doors to homeownership and help more local families build safe, secure futures.”
“In Franklin County, we are always looking for innovative and meaningful solutions to expand access to affordable housing,” said Franklin County Deputy Judge Jack B. Kennedy. “Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties creates new opportunities to strengthen our neighborhoods, support working families, and make a lasting, positive impact on our community.”
In addition to building new homes and providing critical home repair services, Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties will offer no-cost donation pickup services and kitchen removal services on behalf of the ReStore, located on Southland Drive in Lexington. All proceeds from the ReStore support the organization’s mission to build homes and hope.
As it begins a new and exciting chapter, Habitat for Humanity of Fayette and Franklin Counties remains committed to its mission of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter in Lexington, where residents face a housing gap of over 22,000 units.
With this expansion, Habitat for Humanity of Fayette & Franklin Counties looks forward to serving more Kentuckians with a safe, decent, affordable place to call home.
