A new home under construction in Owensboro is being tailored for a young girl with vision impairment — thanks in large part to a $25,000 donation from the Lions Club of Owensboro.
The sponsorship supports a Habitat for Humanity project for Carmynn Blakeley and her mother, Becca Brown. The home is being built in Carter Community Court and will feature accessibility elements designed to help Carmynn navigate safely and independently.
Lions Club members presented the check Tuesday morning during a ceremony at the build site, joined by Habitat staff, volunteers, and the family.
“This gift from the Lions Club is not just about building a home — it’s about building a future,” said Jeremy Stephens, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Owensboro-Daviess County. “The support will allow us to build a house that accommodates the needs of the family, giving Carmynn the freedom to thrive in her own space.”
Stephens said the funding will allow Habitat to include a backyard fence — something not typically provided — and incorporate features that support Carmynn’s specific needs. While all of the organization’s homes are built to meet ADA standards, he said this will be their first project designed with vision impairment in mind, including voice-activated systems.
Lions Club President Eddie Tichenor said the donation came from the group’s general fundraising efforts. He said the project aligns with the organization’s century-long mission of serving individuals with visual impairments.
“The Lions Club of Owensboro is honored to be a part of this life-changing moment for this family,” he said. “Supporting individuals with visual impairments is at the heart of our mission, and helping provide a safe, accessible home aligns perfectly with our commitment to empowering people through service.”
