Area residents will have the opportunity to support housing stability and community food assistance efforts during House on the Hill’s Community Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, a full day of events organized to benefit housing initiatives.
The day will feature a morning 5K run and walk, a downtown arts festival, a community food effort and an evening concert at the historic Capitol Theater. Together, the events aim to bring the community together around housing and food security while raising more than $100,000 to support programs that help individuals and families move from crisis to long-term stability.
Throughout the day, local businesses, artists, volunteers and community partners will participate in activities designed to raise funds while strengthening South Central Kentucky.
Morning Events Launch Community Day
Community Day begins at 8am with the Danny Carothers Housing Endowment 5K “Conquer the Hill.” The event is hosted by TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital as title sponsor of the race.
The run and walk invites participants of all experience levels, from competitive runners to families and community members who simply want to walk in support of affordable housing efforts in the region. Businesses, civic organizations and community groups are encouraged to form teams and participate together.
Also beginning at 8am, the Fountain Square Arts Festival will take place in downtown Bowling Green at Fountain Square Park.
Regional artists as well as local schools have the opportunity to participate in the Arts Festival at Fountain Square Park. Artists from across the region will set up booths to display and sell their work, turning the square into a vibrant gathering place for the community.
The festival provides local artists and students an opportunity to connect with the public while supporting housing programs operated by House on the Hill. Visitors will be able to explore a variety of art forms including painting, photography, sculpture and other handmade works.
Both the 5K and the Arts Festival are designed to encourage broad community participation, making Community Day accessible for families, students and visitors from throughout the region.
Community Service Efforts Throughout the Day
House on the Hill will host the Realtors Association of Southern Kentucky, along with members of the Greek community at Western Kentucky University, for a creative food drive known as “Canstruction.”
During the event, teams use canned goods to construct imaginative structures and displays. The activity combines creativity, teamwork and service while collecting large quantities of food for distribution to families in need.
All canned goods collected through the event will be delivered to the House on the Hill warehouse, where they will be sorted and later be distributed through regional food assistance partners.
Community Day will also coincide with the organization’s regular Food Box Distribution and Delivery, a monthly effort that provides groceries to households across South Central Kentucky. Volunteers will spend part of the day distributing and delivering food boxes to individuals and families enrolled in the program.
Evening Concert at the Capitol Theater
The day concludes with an evening concert bringing the community together in celebration.
At 7pm, Bigfoot Legends 96.7 will host country music legend Ronnie McDowell in concert at The Capitol Theater in Bowling Green. The performance will serve as the culminating event of Community Day.
McDowell, known for his decades-long career in country music, will perform many of the songs that have made him a fan favorite across the country. Organizers expect the concert to draw attendees from across the region and extend the impact of the day’s fundraising efforts focusing on transitional housing.
Supporting Transitional Housing Through the Guesthouse Program
Funds raised will support several housing initiatives including the organization’s Guesthouse Program, a transitional housing program designed for individuals and families experiencing crisis.
The Guesthouse Program provides temporary housing when units are available, offering stability during a difficult season while residents work to rebuild employment, finances and overall life balance.
Households may remain in the program for up to one year, with the possibility of extending their stay to approximately 18 months when additional stabilization time is needed.
Residents pay rent and utilities directly to House on the Hill based on their income, gradually working toward paying the full amount as they regain financial stability. This structure allows families to recover without the immediate risk of eviction or utility disconnection during periods of crisis.
Participants work with House on the Hill to develop a month-to-month stabilization plan focused on employment, budgeting and long-term housing preparation. The goal of the program is for most households to transition successfully into permanent housing after approximately 12 months of stabilization.
Due to increasing demand, House on the Hill is working to expand the Guesthouse Program to 15 housing units in 2026, allowing the organization to serve more families and individuals facing housing instability.
Investing in Long-Term Affordable Housing
The keystone to the day’s events is the Danny Carothers Housing Endowment. The endowment was created through the 2024 Woman’s Fund of Southcentral Kentucky grant to provide long-term financial support for affordable housing initiatives led by House on the Hill. While the Guesthouse Program addresses immediate housing needs, the endowment helps create a sustainable funding source for future affordable housing development. Together, these efforts represent both short-term crisis response and long-term investment in housing stability for the region.
Community Sponsors
Community Day is made possible through the support of local businesses and community partners.
TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital serves as the title sponsor of the Conquer the Hill 5K, while Bigfoot Legends 96.7 is the title sponsor of the Ronnie McDowell concert.
Additional sponsors include WNKY, Back Down South, American Bank and Trust, Service One Credit Union, Candle Makers on the Square, Meltdown, BGMU and Foundation Solutions Group. The Community Day event reflects the power of community collaboration in addressing complex challenges like housing and food insecurity.
Event registration, volunteer opportunities and additional information are available at www.houseonthehillbg.com/april18.
-submitted by House on the Hill Bowling Green
