HENDERSON, KY — The City of Henderson and Habitat for Humanity of Henderson, KY announced a five-year partnership aimed at eliminating blighted properties within the city limits and creating more opportunities for affordable housing.
The Blight Elimination Program will invest $1 million over five years, with the City contributing $100,000 annually. This doubles the amount of money allocated by the City in the past for blighted property elimination. Habitat for Humanity will match the City’s investment, bringing additional resources to neighborhoods that have long struggled with blighted properties.
This partnership is a result of the City’s Inner City Improvement Plan, which prioritizes revitalization, equity, and long-term investment in Henderson’s Inner City neighborhoods. The idea of this collaborative effort was brought forward by the Blight and Affordable Housing Committee, chaired by Habitat for Humanity of Henderson’s Chief Operating Officer, who approached the City with the concept and a shared vision for lasting change.
The initiative focuses on three goals:
- Eliminating blight in Henderson neighborhoods,
- Acquiring and managing distressed or vacant properties, and
- Creating new opportunities for affordable homeownership.
Once a property is acquired through the program, Habitat for Humanity will have a minimum of four years to build a home on the site, ensuring a steady pace of neighborhood transformation while allowing flexibility based on need.
“This partnership represents a bold investment in the future of Henderson,” said Mayor Brad Staton. “Thanks to the leadership of Habitat for Humanity and the momentum of our Inner City Improvement Plan, we’re not just removing what’s broken—we’re building something better. This funding commitment is double what we typically spend each year, and that’s what it takes to make a real difference.”
To oversee the process, two joint committees—composed of representatives from both the City and Habitat—will be established. These groups will help field questions, guide decision-making, and evaluate potential interest from local developers. Developers wishing to purchase the acquired properties must pay no less than the combined amount invested by both the City and Habitat for the site.
“This is a win-win for our city,” said Matt Reynolds, Chief Operating Officer of Habitat for Humanity of Henderson. “By working together through this long-term partnership, we’re eliminating blight, protecting our neighborhoods, and giving more Henderson families a chance at affordable homeownership.”
The memorandum of understanding officially creating the partnership between the City and Habitat for Humanity of Henderson was unanimously approved at the Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 Board of Commissioners meeting.
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