Habitat Williamson-Maury Dedicates Home Built by Columbia Businesses and Churches
July 13, 2015
On Saturday, June 13, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) dedicated its 2015 Spring Columbia Community Build to Carrika Tellington and her son, Chase. Built and sponsored by First Farmers Bank, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, Grace Church of the Nazarene, Highland Corporation Charitable Foundation, Maury Hills Church, St.Peter’s Episcopal Church, and Tennessee Housing Development Agency, this new, energy-efficient residence on Glade Street will be sold to the Tellington family at cost and with a zero-interest mortgage.
In January 2015, Columbia churches and businesses came together and pledged to fund and volunteer-build an additional 2015 Habitat home for a family in the community. Thanks to overwhelming community support, construction on this Spring Community Build began on March 21 and continued each weekend through April and May.
Carrika is a graduate of Columbia High School and is presently taking classes towards a degree in Early Childhood Education at Columbia State. When not at work as a childcare provider for Hospi-Tots, she is busy running Chase to baseball or basketball. Before buying her Habitat home, the family lived in an apartment with only the parking lot as an outdoor play area. Carrika is so excited to have a safe backyard for her son. She remarks, “A yard where he can grow up and continue being active is such a blessing.”
Always decked out in her signature “Unique Diamonds” hot pink cap and self-designed Habitat t-shirt, future homeowner Carrika Tellington brought her endless energy and infectious smile to the long build days. Over five weeks, she worked alongside hundreds of volunteers from Columbia churches and businesses.
She calls the Habitat process “amazing.”
“All the staff has been so kind and sweet and they will forever have a place in heart,” she explains. “We are now family. It is the best thing that has ever happen to me and Chase. Having my first home and to say that I helped build it, is awesome. I would like to thank anyone that sponsored and/or volunteered during this nine week process. You guys are truly amazing, and I love you all. Be blessed.”
In July 2014, the Maury County Habitat merged with the neighboring Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County after much discussion and planning of both boards. The new affiliate, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury, combines and streamlines the two organizations, enhancing the local nonprofit’s capacity to serve more families in need from both counties.
For additional information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please contact HFHWM at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
Click here to see more photos from Carrika’s Build.
Click here to see more photos from Carrika’s Dedication.
