MAYFIELD, KY – Eleven families who lost their homes during last year’s tornadoes in western Kentucky were presented new transitional housing earlier this month thanks to the efforts of the local construction industry and other community groups. Construction firms belonging to the Associated General Contractors of Western Kentucky as well as the Bread of Life Humanitarian Effort helped construct, furnish, and supply the new housing.
“There was no way our members were going to let our neighbors languish in hotels after losing their homes,” said Joel Crider, workforce coordinator of the Paducah-based construction association, who oversaw recovery. “Instead, they used their skills, expertise and resources to make this effort possible.”
The many firms and other groups that helped out to install newly-built transitional housing on land made available by the local housing authority. The firms connected the new houses to utilities and made sure the houses were furnished and stocked with items like groceries, toys and essentials. Crider added that much of the work was donated or discounted by member firms.
In addition to the eleven homes assigned today, the association and its members also prepared another nine transitional homes in other parts of the area. All told, the work provided is worth an estimated three quarters of a million dollars.
The families will live in the transitional housing, which is located in Mayfield, Kentucky, until their permanent homes can be rebuilt. There is no cost to the families to live in the transition housing, except for electricity
Local firms supporting the effort included: Jim Smith Contracting; Murtco; Beltline Electric; Gibson Plumbing; Jett’s Mechanical; ICI Mechanical; Ray Black & Son; Mako Industries; Air-Tite Insulation; Carter Concrete Products; Cape Electrical Supply; Cayce Mill Supply and Ferguson Enterprises.
The Bread of Life Humanitarian Effort is a locally-based disaster recovery organization. The transitional housing project is one of many efforts the local group has supported.
In addition to moving the families into the transitional housing today, the Associated General Contractors of Western Kentucky also hosted a thank you picnic for the groups that provided help and the families they supported. For more information about the regional construction association and its many efforts, visit www.agcwky.org. Click here to view photos from the event.
