DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. — As part of an effort to help communities rebuild from the December 2021 tornadoes, Kentucky Sports Radio (KSR) and Kentucky Chamber Foundation presented a $951,000 donation to Kentucky Habitat for Humanity on October 27 in Dawson Springs.
The event took place at one of the construction sites Habitat for Humanity plans to use with the KSR Tornado Relief Fund donation, and featured remarks from Kentucky Sports Radio Host Matt Jones, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ashli Watts, Kentucky Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Mary Shearer, Dawson Springs Mayor Chris Smiley, and others.
Following the devastating tornados in December 2021, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation and KSR partnered to create the KSR Tornado Relief fund, which raised almost $1.7 million from more than 7,100 individuals, businesses, and groups across the world.
In conjunction with the fundraiser, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation and KSR hosted a roundtable event that brought together local elected officials, nonprofit organizations, charities, and other leaders to coordinate recovery efforts and meet the needs of the impacted areas.
“When talking with leaders in the impacted areas about their short and long-term needs for their communities, housing was front of mind,” said Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts. “We are proud to partner with KSR and make this donation to Kentucky Habitat for Humanity—to meet the needs of those impacted by the devastating tornadoes.”
“We are very excited to partner with Habitat and use this money that was raised by our listeners and the state to help rebuild for families devastated by the events of last year,” said Kentucky Sports Radio Host Matt Jones. “This effort by thousands of donors from around the state showcases the best of Kentuckians.”
“One of our major concerns after the tornadoes was that if Habitat did not respond quickly and boldly, families would have little option but to move away from their communities, friends, families, and jobs,” said Kentucky Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Mary Shearer. “With support from the Kentucky Chamber Foundation and KSR, we can now work together to rebuild not only homes but also assist communities and help rebuild lives.”
The funds from the donation will be used to build 30 new homes that are safe, healthy, energy-efficient, and affordable in impacted communities. Up to $25,000 will be allocated per unit, covering, on average, 20% of the direct construction cost needed. Furthermore, the funds will help local Habitat for Humanity offices grow in their capacity to better serve their communities as they recover, which will include hiring more key staff positions, funding additional construction equipment, and more.
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