Gov. Beshear Presents Over $5 Million To Reconstruct 26 Mayfield Homes Damaged by Tornadoes

Governor also gives 5 Mayfield families keys to new homes, breaks ground on 2 homes in Dawson Springs

MAYFIELD / DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2023) – As part of ongoing efforts to help Western Kentucky rebuild after devastating tornadoes in December 2021, today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local and state officials to present $5.2 million to help reconstruct 26 homes damaged by the tornadoes in Mayfield. The award comes from Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief funding.

While in Western Kentucky, the Governor also gave five Mayfield families affected by the storms keys to new homes and helped break ground on two new homes for tornado survivors in Dawson Springs.

“Today, as we get closer to the two-year anniversary of the tornadoes, this community is full of hope,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every home built or repaired allows for another Kentucky family to begin their next chapter. Western Kentucky is strong and full of compassionate, resilient people. And all of Team Kentucky is ready to stand with these folks to not only rebuild but to create a brighter future than ever before.”

“Mayfield has been blessed with rebuilding efforts throughout the past 22 months, and the announcement of this funding is another welcome step in the rebuilding and repair of homes that were affected by the December 2021 tornado,” said Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan. “With the help of the federal and state governments, we are confident that the process of the re-creation of Mayfield is moving forward. This funding will help bring much-needed healing to many in our community.”

The Governor also presented $2,596,322 to Community Ventures Corp. and $1,903,322 to The Housing Partnership Inc. from the first round of Rural Housing Trust Fund (RHTF) awards announced Oct. 23, which will build 45 new homes in Fulton and Graves counties.

“The Graves County community and our local leaders demonstrate dedication and resiliency time and again,” said Sen. Jason Howell of Murray, whose district includes Graves County. “I am so pleased to see stable housing being rebuilt so our area feels like home once again. Your commitment for the long haul is what will make Graves County a wonderful place to call home.”

“As we continue the long process of piecing together our community, I consider it an honor and privilege to take part in this announcement,” said Rep. Richard Heath of Mayfield. “This funding will play an integral part in providing relief from some of the injuries we have sustained through the rebuilding process. The legislature works diligently to maintain availability to funding such as this, and I am very pleased to see the fruits of our labor benefit this district.”

Mayfield Home Dedications
Gov. Beshear joined local leaders from The Hope Initiative to hand over keys to five new homes built for tornado survivors that were funded in part by the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. The fund provided $500,000 to help build these five homes.

“Perseverance, commitment and hard work are visible in the neighborhoods that are being built through the efforts of The Hope Initiative. Twenty-two months after the tornado and the mission to rebuild continues. We thank God for His grace and the incredible kindness of so many wonderful volunteers and donors,” said His House Ministries Lead Pastor Stephen Boyken. “With funding from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Fund, we have been able to help more families than we had ever thought possible. We appreciate Gov. Beshear and the commitment of his office to see our community put back together again. Mayfield has not been forgotten.”

“My family is blessed by this opportunity. Due to the losses and rising prices in our society since the tornado, buying a house seemed impossible! But God will always allow the unexpected to happen, you just need a little faith!” said new homeowner, Crystal Parrot.

To date, over 147 home-building projects are completed, under construction or approved to start construction with the support of nearly $11 million from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. The Governor thanked nonprofit building partners, including The Hope Initiative, Habitat for Humanity, Homes & Hope for Kentucky, Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders, The Mayfield/Graves Fuller Center for Housing and The Mayfield/Graves Long-Term Recovery Group.

Launched just days after the tornadoes in December 2021, the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund has raised over $52 million with donations from over 150,000 individuals and businesses. The money raised helped pay funeral expenses for the families of the deceased and provided assistance to survivors as well as local farmers. The remaining funds will be used to build houses. For more information and to donate, click here.

In April 2022, through nonpartisan work with the General Assembly, Gov. Beshear also established the $120 million Western Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies, or SAFE, Fund to assist with tornado recovery.

Dawson Springs Home Groundbreakings
The Governor joined local leaders from Habitat for Humanity to break ground on two new homes for tornado survivors in Dawson Springs. The Governor thanked Habitat for Humanity for its commitment to rebuilding communities affected by the storms.

“As we work tirelessly to rebuild in the aftermath of the devastating December 2021 tornado, Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region is thrilled to break ground on two more homes in Dawson Springs, continuing a journey of tornado recovery,” said Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity Pennyrile Region, Heath Duncan. “This groundbreaking demonstrates that recovery is still a priority in Hopkins County and our work is not complete. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gov. Andy Beshear and the Team West Kentucky Tornado Fund for the unwavering support of affordable housing initiatives and tornado recovery efforts. Gov. Beshear’s commitment to affordable housing and community development, as well as his tireless efforts in aiding tornado recovery, has been an inspiration to us all, and we are deeply grateful for his support as we remain on this significant journey.”

“Habitat has been a blessing, and we know that Kentucky takes care of its own,” said future homeowner Betty Hernandez.

“Going through the tornado was such a horrific thing. It was scary, not only for me, but for my son and goddaughter, who I had with me at the time. I am very grateful that Habitat is here to help us all through it and help us get our forever home. We couldn’t be more excited,” said future homeowner Desiree Hunt.