LEXINGTON, Ky. — $10 million from the American Rescue Plan is being used to make housing more affordable in Lexington. The Bob Brown Independence Homes is part of that plan. The facility has expanded by 24 single-occupancy rooms and houses handicapped persons who need affordable living.
What You Need To Know
- Bob Brown Independence Homes opened in 1975
- Independence Homes offers safe, affordable housing for handicapped individuals
- 24 new single-occupancy rooms were added to the facility
- Mayor Linda Gorton attended the ribbon cutting
Moving into a new room at the Bob Brown Independence Homes is something 24 people got to experience this fall, including resident Justin Webb. He is wearing a sweet smile of satisfaction and is happy to be in a safe place like this. A part of moving in for him is pulling out the Wii and playing some games. As for picking out a game to play, that is a simple decision despite having an enormous collection. He moved into his new room on Sept. 1. He is a Narnia fan.
“It is simple. It is a fun game, not a bad game. I was working on this one,” said Webb.
Behind Webb are hand-drawn pictures galore, they cover almost all corners of his room. He has posters up to remind him that he is called the "Titanic man."
“I know everything about the Titanic there is to know about it inside, out and more than anybody in this building. I have taught a lot of people about the Titanic," said Webb.
Webb has a Titanic bell that reads "1912" on it and that special collector's item is something that he does not take lightly.
“I only struck it on the anniversary of the Titanic sink,” said Webb.
Webb has bookshelves in his room filled with knowledge of the tragic sinking. Residents like Webb are what founder Amy Brown is thankful for. That is something her father instilled in her for this living facility.
“This place is the culmination of five years of work, perseverance and making this dream of mine a reality. More than that, this day celebrates some real heroes in my life. I love Maya Angelou who said, 'A hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people,'" said Brown.
Brown’s message of love and acceptance is spread to every resident in the Bob Brown Independence Homes.
“Yeah, this is my territory,” said Webb.
Webb is happy to call this place his humble abode. Amy Brown said her organization has purchased another property for an additional expansion that she is hoping to get started on soon.