Who We Are

BUILD (Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct-Action) is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2003. With a coalition of 26 congregations with over 15,000 members from diverse racial, economic, and denominational backgrounds, we are committed to making Fayette County a better place for all. We do not provide direct services to individuals. Instead, we harness the collective power of our community to challenge leaders and drive policy and funding changes that address serious issues like unaffordable housing, crime, lack of healthcare, addiction, and inadequate public transit.

How We Work

At BUILD, we believe in the power of collective action. Our process involves:

1. Listening: Every fall, our congregations host hundreds of house meetings to uncover community problems. Priority areas are voted on by Justice Ministry Network Members at the annual Community Problems Assembly.

2. Researching: BUILD leaders conduct thorough research to understand each community problem and to identify proven and effective solutions.

3. Taking Action: BUILD organizes the Nehemiah Action, gathering over 1,000 people each year to secure commitments from public officials to address community problems.

4. Accountability: We make sure that public officials follow through on their commitments.

You can read more about how we've used this 4-step process to win justice in Lexington here.