Organization Invites Community to Visit Chestnut Ridge
LEBURN, KY, June 17 — The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, in partnership with the Knott County Community Foundation, will be hosting a Neighborhood Dedication event at the Chestnut Ridge development site in Knott County, KY.
The event will begin with a ribbon cutting at the entrance of the neighborhood at 9:45 a.m., with scheduled speakers involved with the project beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastries and beverages will be provided, and the event is open to anyone interested in visiting the new, developing neighborhood, and celebrating with the families who are receiving a new home after the devastation caused by historic flooding in Appalachian Kentucky.
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude as we watch this community come to life. These families have endured unimaginable loss, and now—at last—we have the chance to bring them hope and healing. A new home means more than shelter; it’s a fresh start, surrounded by neighbors who understand their pain and are ready to build a brighter future together,” says Gerry Roll, Founder of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.
Community coming together is exactly how the Chestnut Ridge neighborhood came to be. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is a co-founder of the “Housing Can’t Wait” initiative, a project rooted in the belief that our community members deserve to have homes that are safe and reliable, and where they can raise their children and grow old.
After the floods of 2022, the Foundation received 27 acres of land from partners in the coal industry and, in cooperation with Corbin J. Robertson, Jr.—president of Western Pocahontas Properties—and Joe and Kelly Craft, the Foundation granted lots to trusted housing partners.
Greg Wooten, Executive Vice President and Regional Manager at Western Pocahontas Properties, says, “We are extremely proud to be a part of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky project providing affordable housing for victims of the devastating floods that destroyed the homes and lives of many East Kentucky families. We salute Joe and Kelly Craft for their vision and generous contribution to the project as well as all the Foundations partners involved in making this dream a reality.”
The Chestnut Ridge neighborhood is providing 56 homes for 56 families whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged by the flood. The Chestnut Ridge Neighborhood Dedication is an opportunity to celebrate with the families and marvel at the collaborative effort of all involved in making it happen.
Kristin Walker Collins, Chief Executive Officer at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, says, “Chestnut Ridge is what happens when Appalachian Kentucky comes together — neighbors, nonprofits, and local leaders united with one clear message: Housing Can’t Wait. This project reflects the urgency and love we bring to our communities, proving that when we work together, we can build more than homes — we build community.”
This development project is only possible because of the generosity of community partners, including Samaritan’s Purse, HOMES, Inc., Appalachian Service Project, Housing Development Alliance, Western Pocahontas Properties, Craft Philanthropy, Knott County Community Foundation, Housing Can’t Wait, and Knott County Fiscal Court.
The following photo displays the site development plan for Chestnut Ridge.
If you would like to attend the Chestnut Ridge Neighborhood Dedication, you can visit https://www.facebook.com/appalachianky/ for more information.
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky is a 501(c)(3) non-profit created by and for the people of Appalachian Kentucky. Their goal is to help make a positive impact on the Appalachian region through community building and philanthropy. The Foundation approaches grantmaking from a commitment to keeping the power, wealth, and decisions with people rooted in these communities; by sharing experience and expertise, it provides a platform for communities to speak for themselves.
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