FISTY, Ky. (July 26, 2023) – Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman joined Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) and Appalachia Service Project (ASP) to recognize the one-year anniversary of historic flooding in the area. Generous donations to CAP created an opportunity to partner with ASP to build new homes for 10 families. The $250,000 grant will help families, primarily located in Floyd and Knott Counties, get back into homes that are safe, warm, and dry.
Both organizations work to reduce substandard housing in Eastern Kentucky annually. This strategic partnership will help families who have continued to face challenges since the historic flooding. Regular homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flooding, and FEMA reports that only 4% of people applying for housing recovery assistance after the floods in July 2022 had flood insurance. The maximum FEMA grant per household is less than $40,000 and it is currently the only source of funding for many residents in the area.
“When tragedy struck Eastern Kentucky last year, we saw the worst of nature and the very best of humanity. Team Kentucky stepped up to help our neighbors when they needed it most,” Coleman said. “There are no better examples of that than Christian Appalachia Project and Appalachia Service Project. They are utilizing their considerable experience and resources to help families rebuild their homes and lives.”
An ASP crew worked to frame a home for the Ritchie family whose home was hit by a mobile home that was drifting at a high speed in the water, knocking their home from its foundation. They were so thankful to get out alive. Had they waited, the mobile home would have hit their daughter’s bedroom.
Also in attendance was Guy Adams, President/CEO of Christian Appalachian Project; Walter Crouch, President/CEO of Appalachian Service Project; and Jamie Hughes and Glenda Shrum, Co-Chairs of the Long-Term Recovery Group in Knott County.
“We know that recovery is a long journey for many families,” Adams said. “CAP has always been here for the long haul to help immediately following a natural disaster, but also months and years later to help families get back on their feet. Strategic partnerships have helped us meet those needs.”
In recent years ASP has expanded its outreach to include building new homes for low-income families whose homes were destroyed by fire or flooding and others whose homes are beyond repair.
"Having witnessed the great work CAP does throughout the region, this partnership is a wonderful opportunity to work with CAP in rebuilding flood-recovery homes,” Crouch added. “I hope this opens the door for more partnership opportunities in the future.”
Since July 2022, CAP’s Operation Sharing program has received and redistributed more than 200 truckloads of building supplies and other essential items specifically designated for disaster relief aid valued at more than $20 million.
