Independence Homes
Growing our mission to meet a real and pressing need for safe, affordable housing.
The Bob Brown House and Independence Homes are independent living facilities for adults with physical and/or mental challenges. For more than 50 years we have provided safe, affordable housing for this often-neglected population, right here in Central Kentucky.
There is a huge need for affordable housing for this population, and we receive calls and emails every week from people looking for help. Many of our residents are young people wanting to live on their own for the first time. Others are middle-aged adults who lived with their parents until those parents passed away or could no longer care for them. Some have physical challenges that require a fully accessible living environment, and sadly, several of our residents would be homeless due to mental illness and their inability to work. For all of them, the support and assistance we provide is the key to living independently.
Two new facilities to serve more people
Because of this huge need — and our desire to help others — we expanded our mission by adding two new facilities in 2021. At our Rogers Road property we built 24 additional apartments with a new living room, dining room, kitchen and laundry. This expansion was funded by several grants and low-income housing tax credits.
We also purchased a beautiful rural property that was formerly a nursing home and completely renovated the building with new flooring, paint, lighting, bath fixtures and furniture. That building, our Independence Homes on Cleveland Road, has 18 apartments and is fully wheelchair accessible, including a huge roll-in shower. Both buildings filled up quickly, and many of the residents on Cleveland Road came from some state of homelessness.
Care that lets people live independently
There are 65 residents across our three locations, ranging in age from 20 to 80. We prepare all meals for residents and have staff on site 24/7 for their care and protection. Rent is based on income from a resident's disability or social security, and all utilities and supplies are included. The average rent is about $850 per month, and residents help offset the cost of groceries with their SNAP benefits.
The Bob Brown House receives no government funding for our daily operations — the rents paid by residents cover only about 75% of our budget. We raise the rest through fundraising and the support of individuals and organizations in our community. Every penny donated directly affects the lives of our residents.
Independence Homes
3057 N Cleveland Road, Lexington, KY 40509
Part of the Bob Brown House & Independence Homes · Call (859) 293-0886