Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County on Friday ceremoniously broke ground on a new six-home neighborhood that will be located on the southeast corner of East 3rd and Pearl streets. With the land donated by Owensboro Grain Cargill, the neighborhood will aptly be called Cargill Corner.
“Donations of land are such a blessing. When Habitat receives land, the savings of that donation are directly passed down to the homeowner and their family,” said Jeremy Stephens, executive director of the local Habitat chapter.
Stephens said four of the future homes have already been claimed, the plan is to start construction immediately. Typically, Habitat homes are built by volunteers and the applicants’ families. Owensboro Grain Cargill is supporting its employees who want to volunteer directly with the construction.
“They are willing to send their employees over here to help us build, which we will totally take advantage of. It’s gonna be a good partnership, and we look forward to it,” Stephens said.
With Cargill Corner being directly across from the company’s main offices, Owensboro Facility Leader Brian Reid said it is important that they give back to the surrounding area as they adapt to being in the community.
“Our purpose is to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way, and we look forward to the possibilities that will be available to the Owensboro community in these new spaces,” Reid said.
Future homeowner Kalyn Mays said she is excited to see work begin on her home, as this is a culmination of 2.5 years of volunteer work with Habitat. She’ll live in the new home with her two daughters.
“I think that it’s so surreal,” Mays said. “…I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot to only be 26. I’ll have my own home for my family, and my name will be on it, I’m just so excited about everything. I’m shaking.”
