Welcome Home George Davis & Patricia Willingham
June 15, 2022
Two Local Families Build Brighter Futures through Homeownership
On Saturday, June 11th, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury welcomed home the Davis and Willingham families at their dedication ceremonies in Columbia, TN.
George Davis entered the homeownership program looking for a new beginning. As a single father, George works very hard to provide for his four children, Geonna (13), Karionna (12), Aarionna (12), and Malachi (5), working two to three jobs at a time to provide for his family.
Mr. Davis worked tirelessly to complete the homeownership program requirements, including over 200 hours working on the build site, budget coaching, and homeownership classes. Although the process was a challenge on top of his day-to-day responsibilities, George was determined to build a better life for his family.
“I am happy to be able to secure a better future for myself, but this is really for my children” he shares.
Through homeownership, Mr. Davis now has the peace of mind that he and his children will have a place to grow for years to come.
Homeowner-to-be, Ms. Patricia Willingham also transformed her homeownership dreams into reality.
After years of relocating due to rental increases and housing instability, Patricia finally found the opportunity to purchase an affordable home through Habitat for Humanity.
“I am 72 years old. You are never too old for your dreams to come true!” she states.
Patricia is looking forward to planting a garden, hosting family gatherings, and having a safe space to raise her great-grandchildren London (12) and Kameron (14).
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is committed to improving the lives of local families by building affordable, quality, sustainable, and energy-efficient homes throughout the community.
Thanks to the generous funding provided by Schneider Electric and Helios Energy, George and Patricia’s home are the first HFHWM builds to feature solar panels and a site-located energy system
Using will significantly reduce energy usage, overall environmental impact, and lifetime utility and maintenance costs for the homeowners.
Schneider Electric is a long-time partner of the affiliate both on and off the build site, volunteering their time and resources to support their mission and the community at large.
“At Schneider Electric, we believe in building viable communities and we support Habitat for Humanity in its dedication to the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” said Ted Klee, senior vice president, Global Supply Chain, Schneider Electric North America. “We will continue to ensure that ‘Life Is On’ everywhere for everyone at every moment. Ensuring that energy is safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable in every home is the core of what we do.”
In addition to funding provided for the solar panels, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is also receiving support from The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).
THDA will provide a one-time $1 million increase to the 2022 Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee Program allocation on behalf of the State to match a $1 million anonymous donation received by Habitat, bringing the total allocation available for 2022 to $1,500,000.
Habitat will use these funds to build 50 new homes across Tennessee by providing grants to affiliates in all three of the state’s grand divisions. Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee provides education, technical assistance, and resources to empower our 40 Habitat affiliates while they are on the ground making a difference in their local communities.
“Our partnership with THDA is fundamental to our continued growth,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, “Our Habitat affiliates are able to take these grant funds and spur donations in their local communities. Habitat affiliates will raise an additional $5.5 million in donations from local individuals, churches, foundations and businesses to complete these builds.”
In addition to supporting Habitat for Humanity with grant funding, THDA also provides zero-interest home loans to qualified Habitat homeowners who complete the program requirements.
Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and contributors on George and Patricia’s builds. Welcome home to the Davis’ and Willingham’s!
