Central Baptist Hospital is joining with other Lexington healthcare organizations for a good cause - building a home for Lexington resident Hope George and her four children through the Lexington Habitat for Humanity.

Central Baptist, along with Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, Lexington Clinic, the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, Saint Joseph HealthCare and Samaritan Hospital, are raising funds and volunteering labor for the six-week build project called the Good Health Build. The project will begin at 187 Eddie Street on May 12, which coincides with national Hospital Week.

"Coincidentally, the Habitat build begins on the 50^th anniversary of the date we opened our doors," said Larry Gray, vice president of administration. "We feel that this is an important way in which we can give back to the community that founded and nurtured this hospital."

Hope George and her four children are excited about the prospect of owning a Lexington Habitat for Humanity home. To qualify to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, a prospective family must perform over 250 hours of sweat equity, which includes classes in budgeting and home maintenance, pre-building components of their home and helping other Habitat partner families. The Georges started earning sweat equity in January 2003 and will take on a 20-year, interest-free mortgage when the house is completed.

"The Good Health Build is a unique opportunity for Lexington’s finest health care providers to join forces as one and will enable a deserving family to become a homeowner," said Lexington Habitat for Humanity spokesperson Doug Goodwin.

Lexington Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ecumenical Christian ministry, which, through partnerships with individuals, local companies, civic organizations and government, builds safe, decent, affordable housing and provides homeownership opportunities to low-income families. Lexington Habitat for Humanity began in 1986 and has built 210 houses in Fayette County.