On September 2nd, 2025, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear attended a home dedication ceremony hosted by the Hope Initiative, a Mayfield organization devoted to rebuilding their community in the aftermath of the tragic December 2021 storms. This home is the 55th built in Mayfield by the organization, and MRCOOL® is honored to have helped with development efforts through the donation of three mini split systems. “When I brought this to MRCOOL®, it wasn’t a hard sell,” said Stephen Boyken, CEO of the Hope Initiative. “The heart of the company’s leadership is to leave an impact.”
Built by 356 Industries, this home consists of three repurposed shipping containers provided by MrRTO, which reduced a typical 16-week building schedule to 8 weeks or less. The Hope Initiative also received three MRCOOL® Ductless Mini Split systems for heating and cooling purposes. The versatility and affordability of the donations make this home an ideal example of the new IronCLAD series established by the Hope Initiative, which prioritizes building homes that are “cost-effective, livable, affordable, and durable.”
The home was given to Trina Cruse and her family, survivors of the 2021 tornado, as a permanent and affordable housing option. “We’re excited and ready to get in there,” said Cruse. “This is my home! I couldn’t ask for anything better.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Team Kentucky have been an important part of the reconstruction of Mayfield, supporting the work of the Hope Initiative and paving the path toward a brighter future for the community. Beshear, who presented Cruse with the keys to her new home, said, “These home dedications are a great reminder, not just to Mayfield or Kentucky, but to the United States of America about what’s actually important.”
“I can’t think of another natural disaster where three and a half years later, so much work has been done,” Beshear continued, including this home as a part of a larger development plan in Mayfield and announcing the future groundbreaking of 66 affordable apartment units in the area. “Mayfield’s rebuilt housing faster than just about anywhere after a natural disaster. What it means is it might have been knocked down, but it wasn’t knocked out.”
Boyken mentioned that these homes are a safe solution that cuts down on response time to disasters. “The people that have been involved in this rebuilding process, they themselves were impacted and affected by the same storm that Mrs. Trina was. People that were hurt are helping those that are still hurting.”
“Nearly everyone I know was affected by the tornado four years ago,” said Jason Ingram, Managing Member at MRCOOL®. “We were happy to make a difference in the lives of Trina and her family. Her new home is one that she can finally relax in, and we’re glad that we could support the rebuilding efforts in this community.”
“It’s an incredible act of generosity,” said Governor Beshear when asked about the donation of the mini splits. “And it really works! For anybody else out there looking for a great product that’ll cool down your home, I’ve been in this one.”
MRCOOL® is grateful to have their donation recognized by the governor, and hopes to continue being a part of creating a “New Kentucky Home” for those in need. For more information on MRCOOL®, visit https://www.mrcool.com/.
