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Housing For Domestic Violence Survivors To Expand

Josh James
/
WUKY

Domestic violence advocates in Lexington hope to see 24 new apartments built specifically for recovering survivors of abuse by next fall. The units will be divided evenly between GreenHouse17, a shelter on the outskirts of Lexington, and two locations inside New Circle Road.

"They'll be beautiful. They'll be peaceful, " said First Lady Jane Beshear at the announcement Tuesday. "They'll be an opportunity for these survivors to get on their feet with their families and move ahead toward a new, safe, productive life."

Instrumental in that transition are a number of services that go beyond the shelter basics. GreenHouse17 executive director Darlene Thomas says residents receive help with case management, employment, micro-loans, and an array of other services.

"Safety is critical, but it's the first step. And beyond that, families really need to be able to rebuild, economic justice, their safety, using the legal system. It's multifaceted... there's not a one cookie-cutter approach," she says.

The dozen single-story cottage-style duplexes at GreenHouse will be constructed close to the campus’ working farm, where residents are able to grow their own food while acquiring new skills.

Funding for the units is coming from low-income housing tax credits, a low-interest loan from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and nearly $500,000 from the city’s federal HOME funds.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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