Lexington Organizations Sponsor Family's Journey to Homeownership

This Month, Publix Super Markets, ScatterJOY, Inc., and Southside Church of Christ will join Lexington Habitat for Humanity to begin construction in partnership with a new homebuyer family. Baruti and Salima look forward to working alongside these organizations as they build a home for their family of six.

“We are grateful to ScatterJOY, Publix, and Southside Church of Christ for coming together in support of Baruti and Salima,” said CEO Darryl Neher. “This partnership reflects the power of collaboration — where long-standing community anchors and new neighbors unite to create lasting change. Publix may be new to Lexington, but their immediate investment in the community speaks volumes. It’s through partnerships like these that Lexington Habitat can continue to open doors to affordable homeownership and move closer to a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

ScatterJOY is a local nonprofit with the mission to provide shelter, food and clothing to under-resourced families, individuals and communities in Lexington and Nicholasville.

“In the fall of 2024, we began thinking about what God would have us do during 2025. We wanted a larger project for our ministry that would give our donors and volunteers some larger opportunities for service,” said ScatterJOY founder Barbara Rendel. “That is when we decided we would pursue the opportunity to help build a home with Habitat. Helping to build a Habitat home is a big deal for a small Jessamine County nonprofit.”

Publix will also support Baruti and Salima on their journey to homeownership. Since their founding in 1930, Publix has centered business practices that support communities through corporate social responsibility programming, including the creation of Publix Charities in 1966. Publix Charities is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations that provide resources, hope and positive experiences to their clients through financial support and countless hours volunteered by Publix associates.

“Publix Super Markets is proud to support Baruti and Salima’s build,” said media relations manager, Jared Glover. “Our founder, George Jenkins, believed in giving back and donated his time, talent and money. We are proud to continue his legacy of building hope and nourishing brighter futures through our support of Lexington Habitat for Humanity.”S

Southside Church of Christ is thrilled to put their faith into action by supporting Baruti and Salima throughout this process. Serving others in the Lexington community and around the world is a core part of their mission and beliefs.

Publix will kick off Baruti and Salima’s build on Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 a.m. ScatterJOY will kick off their volunteer days on Tuesday, June 10, at 8:30 a.m.