Nonprofit addresses critical housing needs in northern Kentucky

LATONIA, Ky. — A nonprofit in northern Kentucky is trying to help first time home buyers in an increasingly challenging market. The organization unveiled a new renovation, which will soon be inhabited by a family that might not otherwise have the same kind of opportunity.

The house at 4541 Huntington Avenue in Latonia is more than 120 years old. And until about 10 months ago, it was really showing its age.

But in that time, it’s undergone a complete transformation.

“Found out that it had fire damage and smoke damage in the upstairs. We knew from day one this was going to be a monster of a project,” said Jeremy Lawson, construction manager for Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky, or HONK.

HONK is a faith-based nonprofit with a mission of creating affordable homeownership for people in northern Kentucky through the renovation and rehabilitation of homes, a lease-to-own model, and emotional and educational support.

Thursday was an open house for its latest renovation, now a three-bedroom, 1.5-bath home. HONK Executive Director David Hastings said it’ll go to a family that really needs it.

“Affordable housing is a huge challenge for people trying to rent a place, and for people trying to buy. I really feel for first time home buyers right now. It’s a real challenge. I’ve been doing this kind of work for over 25 years, and I’ve never seen it this bad,” Hastings said. “We’re really trying to set them up for that long-term success. We want people to succeed in the long term, have an opportunity to build equity.”

HONK recently passed the milestone of helping 111 homeowners in northern Kentucky. And that help is needed.

Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties are all in the top 10 of Kentucky county housing gaps, according to the Kentucky Housing Corporation. It’s the reason Lawson came to HONK.

“I wanted to use what I loved, and what I was good at for people that needed the help. I have spent lots of time working for people that didn’t need it. But one of the things you find is the people that really do need it oftentimes don’t find the help nearly as easily,” Lawson said.

Now, they can find it in Latonia.

HONK is currently working on three other homes in Latonia, and a few others elsewhere in northern Kentucky. The organization hopes to renovate more houses next year.