FRANKFORT, Kentucky — Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) brought together housing and community leaders from across the Commonwealth for the 2026 Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference, Framing Kentucky's Future, August 5-6 in Lexington.

The event's 600 attendees aimed to address the state's housing supply gap through actionable strategies, new financial tools, and collaboration.

A cornerstone of the conference was KHC's launch of the state's first  Shared Appreciation Mortgage (SAM) program. Designed to stimulate new construction and support first-time homebuyers, the SAM program offers eligible homebuyers a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan of up to 25% of a home’s purchase price to cover the down payment. See full program details and eligibility requirements here.

The conference also featured robust discussions and keynote addresses, including a special appearance by Governor Andy Beshear, State Representative Susan Witten, and Strong Towns Founder, Chuck Marohn.

Governor Beshear highlighted the critical intersection of housing development, community resilience, and economic opportunity, emphasizing ongoing disaster recovery efforts and his steadfast support for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

The conference concluded with KHC celebrating individuals whose dedication, innovation, and leadership are making a lasting impact on affordable housing. KHC proudly recognized this year’s housing award recipients for their significant contributions to advancing affordable housing and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.

2026 Housing Award Winners

F. Lynn Luallen Innovation Award
2026 Award Winner: Cassie Hudson

The F. Lynn Luallen Innovation Award honors partners who exemplified the imaginative spirit of KHC's longest serving executive director. His vision and creativity changed the scope of the organization and enhanced the affordable housing options Kentuckians could access. This year's recipient, Cassie Hudson of Partnership Housing, exemplifies that spirit. Hudson was honored for her unprecedented results in Owsley County, where she secured tens of millions in funding, led nearly 430 home repairs, developed 53 energy-efficient single-family homes, and mobilized extensive flood recovery efforts.

Porter G. Peeples Lifetime Achievement Award
2026 Award Winner: Natalie Harris

The Porter G. Peeples Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates someone who has made a lasting impact on affordable housing in Kentucky, and for the last 37 years, Natalie Harris has done that. Harris, of the Louisville Coalition for the Homeless, was recognized for a career dedicated to providing housing stability, leading efforts to house homeless veterans, keeping thousands of renters housed during the pandemic, and securing record federal funding to end chronic homelessness.

Mae Street Kidd Public Service Award
2026 Award Winner: Deborah Williams

The Mae Street Kidd Public Service Award, named for KHC's founder, recognizes individuals whose tireless work, advocacy, and leadership have significantly advanced and raised awareness for affordable housing across the state of Kentucky. This year's award went to Deborah Williams of PNC Bank. Williams was celebrated for her 25 years of service in community development banking, actively engaging with residents, and aligning strategic investments to foster inclusive financial growth and neighborhood revitalization.

Darrell Overstreet Homeownership Award
2026 Award Winner: Buddy Kittle

The Darrell Overstreet Homeownership Award recognizes a lender or real estate agent whose commitment to connecting homebuyers to affordable housing options has distinguished them in their field. Buddy Kittle of Stockton Mortgage was presented the Homeownership Award this year. With over 25 years in mortgage lending, Kittle was recognized for his integrity, high-quality business practices, and longstanding commitment to housing policy advocacy and helping Kentuckians achieve the dream of homeownership.

For more information about the Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference and KHC's programs, visit www.kyhousing.org.