Williamson Habitat Dedicates Two New Homes in Fairview
October 17, 2013
| Date Start October 17, 2013 |
On Sunday, October 20, friends, family, sponsors, and well-wishers will join Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County (HFHWC) as they dedicate and bless their 137th and 138thhomes, both in Fairview, TN.
The affiliate’s fourth Women Build home will be dedicated to Tracie Johnson and her four children: Destiny, Hope, Joseph, and Jacob. Tracie and her children worked each weekend alongside volunteers from local civic groups, sponsor organizations, and churches. In addition, 229 individuals came out as Women Build volunteers, which required a pledge to fundraise at least $250 toward the cost of the house and to work at least one day on the build site.
Additional funding for the home was provided by sponsors Fourth Ave Church of Christ, Darrell Waltrip Automotive, NIC, Landscaping by John E. Waller, CRT, Alpha Technology, VGT, Walmart,and the Rotary Clubs of Williamson County; The Hammers and High Heels silent auction, which raised $14,000; and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) Housing Trust Fund Grant, which awarded $1.4 million to Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee (HFHT) to help build 65 homes across the state.
This is the third year in a row the Rotary Clubs of Williamson County have built with HFHWC. Cool Springs Rotary member Brian Wilcox explains what keeps all five clubs engaged each year, “Rotary appreciates how Habitat provides a structured and well-organized opportunity for volunteers of all skill levels. Volunteers use their own hands to help a neighbor with a hand up, thereby making our community stronger. We are excited to come back each year and be part of the Habitat experience.”
After a long year of health issues, multiple surgeries, and financial struggles, Tracie is looking forward to the stability that her new home and zero-interest mortgage will provide, “I can’t think of the words to express how thankful I am for all of the wonderful women and sponsors who are giving me the chance to give my kids something that seemed unattainable for a long time.”
Right across the street, Habitat’s Fall Community Build home will be dedicated to Kelvin and Kelly Bell and their four young children: Tresavious, Karizma, Zakiyah, and Keeno.
Despite working full time at Cool Café and NHC and raising four kids, the Bells were always the first to their build site and the last to leave. “We really looked forward to it,” explains Kelly. “Every weekend was like Christmas. We couldn’t wait to get out and build on our home and couldn’t believe that all these volunteers came out to help build. They didn’t even know us, and here they were bettering our family. It was amazing.”
Beaming with pride Kelvin adds, “When you put the nails in the wood, you know the house is being built right. You know your home is going to be safe. Our new house is going to be 100 times healthier than the house we have now. We are excited about our new home, but it is really for our kids. They deserve a great place to grow up in. They have never had a neighborhood – a safe place to play, but they will now.”
The Bell’s home was sponsored and volunteer-built by First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, Harpeth Presbyterian Church, Franklin Christian Church, Nashville Presbytery, Mapco (BP), and HP.
Pastor Kip Rush from Brenthaven Presbyterian Church explains why the Nashville Presbytery chooses each year to be part of the Habitat ministry: “Since 1992, Nashville Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has given $10,000 a year to Habitat for Humanity in the surrounding counties. This is the second year that we have had the privilege to work with Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County. It is always a blessing to share our gifts with families and friends as we join together to help build. We have been blessed by the Bell family and share in their excitement as their dream comes true. Habitat has made a difference in their lives and the Bells have made a difference in ours. Can there be a better reason to serve?”
The dedication for both homes will begin at 2pm on Brandenburg Cove in Fairview. Members of the participating organizations, board, staff, homeowners, and volunteers will be in attendance. All supporters are welcome!
For additional information or to get involved as a donor, volunteer, or partner family, please contact Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org
Photos can be found on our Facebook page!
