New homes for domestic violence survivors

LEXINGTON, Ky. – 24 new supportive housing units will be built for survivors of domestic violence.

The housing development project, called KCADV Homes Lexington, will consist of 24 units at three locations: 12 single-story cottage-style duplexes on the GreenHouse17 campus and 12 apartments that will be rehabbed in two existing buildings located on Mackenzie Lane and Cambridge Drive in Lexington.

The new units at GreenHouse17 will be built near the organization’s working farm, and residents will have access to the agency’s services. The 12 renovated apartments are located near bus lines and in neighborhoods with access to shopping, jobs and social services.

“So families that are already on the move and have jobs maybe or are in school and doing those things, we’ll be able to place back in the community,” said Darlene Thomas, executive director of GreenHouse17.

All residents with incomes below 60 percent of the area median income will receive case management, which includes referrals to public assistance, educational and employment programs, and community-based services. They will also be able to participate in financial education, credit counseling, micro loans, free tax preparation services and the opportunity to open matched savings accounts.

Kentucky Housing Corporation made the $4.6 million development possible with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits generating $3.2 million in investor equity and a $226,000 low-interest loan from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government contributed $499,999 in federal HOME funds and a $560,000 loan through its Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Lexington House Authority is providing rental assistance.

Construction is expected to begin next month and people could start moving in next fall.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.