Lexington, KY, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Lexington Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a donation of over $14,000 from Forever 24 to support mental health initiatives. This donation was given at a ceremony led by Leilani Gilbert, founder of Forever 24, following a darts tournament held to raise funds for mental health awareness. The funding will assist in the construction of townhomes aimed at promoting housing stability while highlighting the connection between housing and mental well-being.
Lexington Habitat for Humanity Receives $14,000 Donation to Support Mental Health Initiatives
Lexington Habitat for Humanity has received a donation of over $14,000 from the non-profit organization known as Forever 24. The funds were presented during a ceremony held on Sunday by Leilani Gilbert, the founder of Forever 24. The money was raised at a darts tournament held at Squire’s Tavern in September, aimed at supporting mental health initiatives.
Leilani Gilbert established Forever 24 following the tragic loss of her son, Caleb, who took his own life in 2022. The initiative reflects Gilbert’s efforts to raise awareness about mental health and provide support to those in need. During the ceremony, Gilbert expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to continue her son’s legacy and stressed the vital importance of seeking help concerning mental health struggles.
The Lexington Habitat for Humanity organization is preparing for its 2025 build season, with a focus on promoting housing stability while simultaneously raising awareness for mental health issues. According to Darryl Neher, the CEO of Lexington Habitat for Humanity, housing instability can cause significant stress, which can jeopardize individuals’ mental well-being. He highlighted the transformative impact home ownership can have on people’s lives.
To address the growing demand for housing, Lexington Habitat for Humanity is developing a new cluster of townhomes intended to maximize available housing in the community. Initially planning to construct three or four lots, the organization is now set to provide housing for seven families on a single site. The construction process for each townhome is estimated to take approximately 12 to 14 weeks.
Upcoming projects include a townhome development sponsored by the Parker Family Foundation, created in memory of Grayson Parker, who struggled with depression and passed away in 2024. Neher encouraged individuals experiencing depression to reach out for support and to communicate openly about their emotions.
Although cold weather has recently delayed the wall-raising for the fourth of the seven planned townhomes, Lexington Habitat for Humanity aims to complete the entire project by August of this year. The full development timeline is projected to last around one year.
The organization’s efforts not only offer essential housing solutions but also promote a crucial dialogue regarding mental health, illuminating the connections between one’s living environment and mental well-being. By addressing both housing needs and mental health advocacy, Lexington Habitat for Humanity is taking significant steps toward enhancing the overall quality of life for families in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forever 24?
Forever 24 is a non-profit organization founded by Leilani Gilbert in memory of her son Caleb, who died by suicide in 2022. It focuses on raising awareness about mental health and supporting those in need.
How much money was donated to Lexington Habitat for Humanity?
Lexington Habitat for Humanity received a donation of over $14,000 from Forever 24 to support mental health initiatives.
What is the purpose of the donation?
The donation aims to support mental health initiatives while helping provide housing stability through the build season of Lexington Habitat for Humanity.
What is being built by the Lexington Habitat for Humanity?
Lexington Habitat for Humanity is constructing a new group of townhomes to provide housing for families. They initially planned for three or four units but expanded this to seven units on a site.
When is the completion date for the townhome project?
The entire project is expected to be completed by August of this year, with a timeline estimating around one year for full development.
Key Features of the Donation and Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | Over $14,000 |
| Organizing Event | Darts tournament at Squire’s Tavern |
| Established By | Leilani Gilbert, after her son Caleb’s death in 2022 |
| Townhome Project Size | Construction of seven townhomes |
| Construction Duration | 12 to 14 weeks per townhome |
| Completion Date | Expected by August of this year |
| Addressing Mental Health | Promoting awareness and support through housing initiatives |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Family Donates Proceeds from Annual Dart Tournament
- Lex 18: Lexington Habitat for Humanity Kicks Off 2025 Build Season
- Kentucky.com: Local News on Lexington Habitat for Humanity
- Google Search: Lexington Habitat for Humanity
- Wikipedia: Habitat for Humanity
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