OWENSBORO, KY – For Alma Randolph Crump, the journey began with a childhood memory: the stark contrast between children arriving at school with new clothes and those who couldn’t afford them. That early experience fueled a lifetime of service, culminating this past Friday in the celebration of the 100th home transformation completed by her organization, Hands Up To Succeed (H.U.T.S.). The milestone, commemorated at the Holiday Inn Riverfront in Owensboro, represents a tangible impact on families in need, providing not just furnishings, but a foundation for stability and hope.
H.U.T.S., an initiative of the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation, doesn’t simply offer charity; it aims to provide a “hand up, not a hand out,” as Crump often says. The program furnishes homes with essential items – beds, washers, dryers, clothing – transforming houses into welcoming homes for families facing hardship. This approach, born from a deeply personal understanding of disadvantage, has resonated throughout the community and beyond. The celebration underscored the power of sustained, compassionate action, and the ripple effect of investing in families.
Crump founded the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation in 1993, initially focused on providing back-to-school clothing for children. Over nearly three decades, the foundation has assisted almost 18,000 students, addressing a fundamental need and easing the burden on families. But in 2016, Crump felt a new calling. “I received another message from God,” she explained, “and this time, He told me to help the entire family.” This revelation led to the creation of H.U.T.S., expanding the foundation’s reach and impact.
From Humble Beginnings to 100 Homes Transformed
The first H.U.T.S. Home reveal took place in December 2016, transforming the home of Diana Winstead Simmons, a grandmother raising five grandchildren after the loss of her daughter. Simmons, present at Friday’s celebration, described the experience as “a miracle and a blessing.” “To walk into your home and see what (Alma) has done…it was a miracle,” she shared, recalling the joy of seeing her grandchildren’s faces light up in their newly furnished bedrooms. “She made our dreams come true that year.”
Raven Hagan, another early recipient of the program’s support in 2017, echoed Simmons’ sentiment. “I’m still enjoying the blessings,” Hagan said. “She just changed my life.” Hagan added that the support she received inspired her to give back to the community, demonstrating the cyclical nature of kindness and the power of positive change.
The program’s impact extends beyond the immediate recipients. Owensboro Mayor Pro Tem Bob Glenn, speaking at the event, highlighted the long-term benefits of investing in families. Glenn shared a personal story of growing up in a single-parent household, emphasizing the importance of stability and opportunity. “It’s just so heartening to see the great work that you have done to change people’s family tree, to transform lives and really to set a seed for the next generation,” he said. Glenn and Daviess County Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen both issued proclamations designating Friday as “Hands Up to Succeed Day,” formally recognizing the organization’s contributions to the community. The Owensboro Times reported on the proclamations and the event.
A Testament to Faith and Community Support
Crump’s vision, rooted in her own experiences with poverty as a child raised by a single mother in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, is deeply intertwined with her faith. She openly acknowledged the initial fear she felt when embarking on this journey 33 years ago. “Without a doubt…I heard the voice of God to establish this Christ-centered nonprofit organization,” she said. “But I was scared to death to take on.” Her willingness to overcome that fear, she explained, stemmed from a profound understanding of the challenges faced by disadvantaged families.
The success of H.U.T.S. Is not solely attributable to Crump’s leadership, but also to the generous support of numerous sponsors and partners. These include Bell Bank Mortgage, the Holiday Inn Riverfront, the William and Marilyn Young Foundation, the Jo and Bill Barron Family, First Baptist Church, OMU, Harold’s Cleaners, Mom’s Residential Commercial Cleaning, the Green River Community Foundation, Murphy Appliances, and Limos by Knight. This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of community involvement in addressing social needs.
Looking Ahead: Kelondrea Greer and the Future of H.U.T.S.
The 100th home reveal was dedicated to Kelondrea Greer, a single mother of two who faced homelessness at the end of 2025. While she was able to secure new housing, she lacked the basic necessities to create a comfortable and safe home for her children. “I’m so grateful to be standing here today,” Greer said, visibly moved. “This isn’t just a fresh start for us. This is a reminder from God that He never forgot about us.”
The Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation continues to accept donations and volunteers. Those interested in supporting the organization’s mission can find more information on their website, though a direct link was not provided in the source material. The foundation’s ongoing work promises to bring hope and stability to even more families in the years to come, building on a legacy of compassion and community spirit.
As H.U.T.S. Looks to the future, the organization will continue to rely on the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers to meet the growing needs of families in the region. The next scheduled event, a fundraising gala, is planned for November 15th, according to information shared at the celebration. We encourage readers to learn more about this impactful organization and consider how they can contribute to its vital work.
What are your thoughts on the impact of community-based organizations like H.U.T.S.? Share your comments below, and please share this article with your network to help spread awareness of their essential work.
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