Located in Harlan County, KY, the City of Evarts has a long and storied history with the coal mining industry. As the community reimagines a future beyond coal, the site of the former Evarts High School lends itself as a central location for community revitalization. Along with local leaders and other partners, Backroads of Appalachia, a regional non-profit organization, will lead a project to repurpose the site of the high school and re-develop existing coal camp cottages into spaces for the creative arts to thrive.
We are profoundly honored to have been awarded the Coal Communities Grant through the Just Transition Fund’s Get Ready Challenge. This support brings renewed hope to Evarts, Kentucky, and provides us with a pivotal opportunity to revitalize our community.
The grant enables us to transform the old high school into “Hope High,” a groundbreaking program designed to attract and retain creative professionals, aiming to reverse the severe decline our town has experienced due to the downturn in the coal industry. The award not only offers a clear framework for development but also sets the stage for securing additional funds and creating a unique community model.
A standout aspect of this grant is the creation of a video documentary that will chronicle every stage of our journey—from community engagement and planning to grant writing and implementation. This documentary will be instrumental in showcasing the collaborative efforts and network involved in this transformative project.
We are incredibly grateful to the Just Transition Fund for their partnership and support. Their belief in our vision empowers Backroads of Appalachia and me, Erik Hubbard, to continue our work in fighting for the future of our people and our region.”
– Erik Hubbard, Director, Backroads of Appalachia
