New Executive Leadership

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) has named Kim Randell CEO and Jennee Galland President & COO. The change comes as HFHWM CEO & President Becket Moore steps down after 10 years at the affordable housing nonprofit.

Randell previously served as Chief Development Officer at HFHWM, and Galland as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. They will continue their current duties and divide Moore’s responsibilities between the two of them. Randell will focus on community partnerships, board development, communications, and fundraising, while Galland will oversee the internal operations and programs of the nonprofit.

Jennee and Kim are expected to be a powerful leadership combination, bringing more than 40 years of combined nonprofit experience to the affiliate.

“Kim and I have worked side-by-side at HFHWM for a decade and have worn almost every hat in the organization,” explains Galland. “We are excited to lead our amazing team as we look for new and creative ways to meet the urgent need for affordable housing in our community,” shares Galland.

“Jennee and I have a solid working relationship. We count it as a blessing that while we are very different from one another, we respect the strengths that one another brings to the partnership,” adds Randell.  

The co-leadership model reflects an emerging trend post-COVID, demonstrating and promoting a collaborative workplace culture that values communication and cooperation to drive innovation and maximize outcomes.

The Grand Rapids Business Journal shares, “when two leaders unite knowledge and experience, the company benefits from their joint skillset. Shared expertise diversifies an organization’s core abilities, and in the case of nonprofits, can even expand service capabilities.”

Building on their foundation at HFHWM, the duo has big plans for further driving the organization’s mission and increasing its impact.

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury builds affordable housing for low-to-moderate-income families who have a steady income and solid credit but may not qualify for a traditional mortgage. Creating opportunities for affordable homeownership results in long-term prosperity for the community, including generating business for the local economy, higher civic engagement, and better health and educational outcomes for the homeowners and their families. The affiliate also provides critical repairs for low-to-moderate Williamson and Maury County residents.

This spring, HFHWM will break ground on homes in their first Habitat for Humanity neighborhood in Columbia, TN. Construction will take place over the next three years to provide safe, affordable shelter for 27 local families at the completion of the project.

One of these homes will be the affiliate’s first Zero-Net Energy (ZNE) home sponsored by Atmos Energy. ZNE homes are designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make energy bills more affordable for homeowners.

In Williamson County, HFHWM is one of four local housing organizations spearheading The Franklin Hill Project, which will construct a community of more than 35 affordable townhomes in Franklin, TN. The townhomes will be sold to low-to-moderate-income in Williamson County who work and engage in the community but cannot afford to purchase housing within their means.

Habitat for Humanity is looking for partners to support their upcoming home build season. To learn more, please contact 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.

Homeownership Applications Update

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) is accepting Homeownership Program applications August 12 through September 30.

HFHWM invites anyone who does not currently own his or her home and lives or works in Maury County to apply. Complete a Partnership Questionnaire or stop by the HFHWM office at 109 Noah Drive in Franklin, TN.

Qualified applicants must meet three basic criteria:

First, candidates must have a need for housing – This could be any of several reasons, such as structural or maintenance problems with one’s home or apartment; unhealthy or unsafe living conditions; current residence is too small for the family’s size, or the rent one pays is too much of a cost burden.

Second, candidates must have the ability to pay for a mortgage loan – HFHWM will look at the candidate’s sources of income and employment history to determine if he or she (or the family unit) can make monthly mortgage payments. In addition to stable, reliable income applicants must have a minimum credit score of 500. If all these items are verified, the next steps will be taken.

Last, candidates must demonstrate a willingness to partner – HFHWM is looking for people who desire to change their lives through homeownership! Applicants are required to earn up to 280 hours of “sweat equity” by attending homebuyer education classes, one-on-one budget coaching, and working side-by-side with sponsoring volunteers to build their home!

Once a home is completed, HFHWM sells the home to the partnering family with an affordable mortgage loan. He or she will be responsible for a $500 deposit upon approval and $2,500 in closing costs at the completion of the home build.

HFHWM partners with local businesses, individual citizens, and faith-based and civic organizations to fund and build affordable housing in Williamson and Maury Counties.

For additional information on our Homeownership Program or to get involved as a sponsor or volunteer, please contact our team at 615-690-8090.

Black Tie Moving Partnership

Thank You to Our Partner:

Black Tie Moving lends a helping hand to residents relocating in and around the Nashville area. By eliminating the stress and frustration usually associated with moving, Black Tie Moving has created a five-star company with incredible customer relationships- including Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury!

We are so grateful for the folks at Black Tie Moving who donate their time and labor to help us transport building materials, tools, furniture, and more. Without their support and service, the building process would not be nearly as streamlined and efficient.

When asked what has inspired them to work with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury, Rachel Belesi, an employee with Black Tie Moving, stated, “We are a family-based organization that is part of the community and loves to give back to the community. The idea of helping people who don’t have a home find one in the community ─ there is nothing better than that.”

Black Tie Moving operates like a family, just like Habitat does. It means a lot to them to make new connections and give back to the community while doing so.

Thank you to the Operations Managers, crew, and all of the staff at Black Tie Moving and their willingness to assist us in giving a hand up to families and individuals in need. We look to forward to continuing to foster such a wonderful partnership!

Welcome Home George Davis & Patricia Willingham

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!

Hammers & High Heels Raises Over $107,000!

Our 2022 Hammers & High Heels event was a huge success!

On Friday, May 13th, thanks to our amazing planning committee, generous sponsors, and community members like YOU, our 13th Annual Hammers & High Heels fundraiser raised more than $107,000 towards the 2022 Women Build Home for Linda Lemus and her two children, Isaiah and Mya.

View 2022 Hammers & High Heels Photos by Misty Westebbe Photography here!

We will see everyone back in person in 2023!

Thank you to our sponsors who made this event possible!

Presenting Sponsor

Dinner Sponsor

Wine Sponsors 

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Media Sponsors

Silver Sponsors
CBRE Group, Inc | Lee Company | Legend Homes, LLC  | Williamson Medical Center

In-Kind Sponsors
Curio Brewing Company, Triple Crown Bakery, Papa C Pies, Misty Westebbe Photography, Andreucci Wine Room, Company Distilling (H. Clark Distillery), Empire Distributors, DET Distributing, Performance Food Group, and Distillery 291.

We also want to send a big thank you to all of the local businesses who donated towards our silent auction!

11th Annual Hammers & High Heels Raises $61,578

Another successful Hammers & High Heels is in the books!

On May 20, Thanks to our amazing planning committee, committed sponsors, and YOU, we were able to raise $61,578 toward our 2021 Women Build Home. Work on Searria Peoples’ home begins this month!

We will see everyone back in-person in 2022!

THERE IS STILL TIME TO MAKE A DONATION FOR THE HOME!
We are just $8,500 from our sponsorship goal of $70,000 for the “bricks and sticks” of Searria’s home. Consider making a donation of any amount to help get there. Donate here!

Thank you to our sponsors who made this event possible!

Platinum Sponsors
Gresham Smith and Jackson National Life Insurance Company

Silver Sponsors
Censis Technologies and Schneider Electric

Bronze Sponsors
Fifth Third Bank, First Farmers Bank & Trust, HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health, Pinnacle Bank, Southern Land Company, Republic Bank, SunTrust Now Truist Bank, and Williamson Medical Center

Friends of Hammers & High Heels Sponsors
Ascend Credit Union and Cool Springs International

In-Kind Sponsors
Amerigo, Arrington Vineyards, Buca di Beppo, Cheesecake Factory, Flourish, The Gym Floor, OnBoard Nashville, Panera Bread, and Teegarden Audio

We also want to send a big thank you to the local businesses who donated items for our auction.

COVID-19: A Message to Our Habitat Williamson-Maury Community

State Farm and Local High Schools Team up to Help School Bus Driver Build and Purchase an Affordable Home

Habitat High Campus Chapters Receive State Farm Grants

Franklin, TN (May 13, 2021) – Five of Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury’s Habitat High Campus Chapters have been selected to receive matching grants from State Farm® for their efforts to help build an affordable home for a local family in need. Brentwood, Centennial, Fairview, Franklin, and Ravenwood Campus Chapters have been awarded $20,000 collectively and must raise a matching amount to receive their grants.

A Habitat campus chapter is a student-led, student-initiated organization on a high school or college campus that collaborates with a local Habitat affiliate to build, fundraise, and advocate for affordable housing. This is the 21^st home built by local high school students in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury.

“Our club is so grateful to have been able to be a part of Habitat this year, and we thank State Farm® for helping us continue to serve the community that we live in and that we love,” said Centennial High School English teacher Cat Evans. “As the club sponsor, I have continuously been blown away by the commitment of the students through such an unprecedented year. They have worked tirelessly to raise donations in order to offer as much help as possible. Year after year, I am always impressed with the passion our students bring to helping their community, and I am humbled to be able to be a part of this process with them.”

A few of the Habitat High scheduled fundraising activities include the “Knock and Deliver” door-to-door appeal, “Change for Change” donation fundraiser, sale of Valentine’s Day chocolate roses, Mr. Franklin High School talent show, and a socially distanced movie night. The students are also using peer-to-peer online fundraising to reach their goals.

“We are proud to support young leaders in advancing Habitat’s mission in communities across the country,” said Ed Woods, Director, Corporate Responsibility at State Farm. “At State Farm®, we make it our business to be a good neighbor and are committed to building safer, stronger, and better educated communities.”

It is very fitting that the students are partnering to build and fundraise for the home build of Kim Dixon. Dixon, who attended Franklin High School, has worked for Franklin Special School District as a bus driver since 1993. She has three adult children and grandchildren that keep her very busy and looks forward to hosting holidays in her new home.

Ms. Dixon is very outgoing and wants to be a Habitat for Humanity ambassador. “I will always recommend Habitat for Humanity to everyone I meet who wants to become a homeowner,” she explains. “I am so thankful to my sponsors for their support. With this home, my children and grandchildren will have a piece of me forever.”

The Habitat High home is currently underway in Columbia, TN. After completion, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury will sell the home to Dixon with an affordable mortgage. Students are still in need of donations to help meet their grant goals. Please support your favorite high school at www.hfhwm.org/donate.

About Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) was fully incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International on December 5, 1992. We have built 253 homes in Williamson and Maury Counties and continue to build 12-14 new homes per year. Home construction, critical repair, and neighborhood development services are funded through tax-deductible financial contributions; in-kind donations from local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and individuals; and profits generated from our affiliate’s ReStore.

Homes built by Habitat are not given away, and partner families must complete a homebuyer’s education program and earn at least 200 hours of “sweat equity” by working on their home and the homes of others. After a thorough qualification process, applicants are selected based on three criteria: the need for affordable housing, the ability to pay the mortgage, and the willingness to partner. Completed homes are SOLD with an affordable mortgage to the families, helping build strength, stability, and independence to build a better life.

For more information about our homeownership program, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.hfhwm.org.

About State Farm®

The mission of State Farm® is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its 19,200 agents and 59,000 employees serve approximately 84 million policies and accounts – over 81 million auto, fire, life, health and commercial policies and over 2 million financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm® Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm® family of companies. State Farm® is ranked No. 36 on the 2020 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

Habitat dedicates first post-COVID Columbia home

By Jay Powell of the Columbia Daily Herald

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) dedicated its first completed build since the COVID-19 pandemic began, providing a new home and start to one lucky Columbia family.

Many Habitat staff members, volunteers and locals, most wearing protective masks, gathered Saturday morning in front of the completed Spring Thrivent Home on School Street. The build was made possible in partnership with Thrivent Financial, who awarded $70,000 to fund the house’s construction. Thrivent has been a partner with Habitat since 2005, with its members contributing more than $240 million, along with over 5.5 million volunteer hours across the U.S. and globally.

This year’s Thrivent Home was dedicated to the family of LaTosha Sparkman and her two children Alayshia (19) and A’Ddonnious (17), who qualified through HFHWM’s Homeownership Program. Sparkman, who works full-time at Currie Medical Supplies, said she had previously been declined three times, but that her faith and persistence with the program has allowed her family to “live the dream” of owning a home.

“Habitat opens up doors for those that thought they would never have anything. I never thought in a million years that I would be out of public housing,” Sparkman said. “Habitat has great people working with you, and they make you feel welcome. I know I couldn’t do this without them and my sponsors. Words can’t express how I feel. I am truly grateful.”

An avid cook, Sparkman also received a $250 gift card donated by Kroger.

She said becoming a homeowner will make life better not just for herself, but also her children. Alayshia is currently enrolled at Columbia State Community College studying to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). A’Donnious, a Centennial High School student, has ambitions to attend barber school and to one day own his own business.

“I thank God for my kids, because this isn’t for me. It’s for them,” Sparkman said. “They’re everything to me, and I thank you. This is a blessing.”

HFHWM Chief Development Officer Kim Randell said the build wasn’t that of a typical Habitat project, where dozens, if not hundreds of volunteers and local businesses come together to raise the house over a few days.

Since COVID-19 put a halt to mass gatherings, construction was able to be completed through several local church sponsorships, including St. Peters Episcopal Church, Harpeth Presbyterian Church, Columbia First United Methodist Church, Holy Family Catholic Church, First Presbyterian Church of Franklin and Christ United Methodist Church. “It was really different this year because we didn’t have volunteer build days. Normally when we have our sponsors, families and volunteers, it creates a unified front. People get to know each other and grow close, and lots of times relationships go beyond the build and they become friends making baby blankets for one another,” Randell said. “This was a different situation, and I feel a little sad about that, but know that all of this community supports [The Sparkman Family].”

HFHWM Chief Operations Officer Wayne Weaver added that the program “is not an easy one” to get into, and according to statistics, nine out of 10 families who apply are typically denied, most of the time due to credit issues. The Homeownership Program is also not about “giving away” houses, but building homes that are later purchased using affordable mortgage rates. Qualifying families must also complete at least 200 hundred hours of educational training and “sweat equity” before they can purchase the home.

“We don’t give houses away, we sell houses,” Weaver said. “We have mortgage underwriting guidelines just like any other mortgage lender. So on top of us being a mortgage lender, we’re also a builder and a Christian nonprofit organization.”

Families that are denied are not simply told “no,” but are advised on ways they can reapply, changes that need to be made and what will allow them a greater chance of becoming a Habitat family.

“Those that take the advice, they wind up here today,” Weaver said. “So congratulations, LaTosha.”

For more information about HFHWM, visit the organization’s website at www.hfhwm.org.

Habitat Williamson-Maury Adds New Home Loan Options

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) on Monday announced that it is now offering new loan options to help more families build and buy one of the organization’s award-winning, craftsman-style homes.

“In the past, we have only been able to offer affordable mortgages to families making between 30 and 60% of the area median income,” explains Housing and Community Development Director Wayne Weaver. “We will continue to offer our traditional zero-interest loan program to those who qualify, but with new diversified loan options, including the USDA 502 loan, we can assist thousands more that may qualify to buy instead of rent. For instance, a household of one to four members making a combined $59,500 a year qualifies for a low-interest mortgage option on one of our Williamson County houses under our new program guidelines.”

“People driving by will stop and ask to tour our homes and buy our house plans,” explains HFHWM Construction Site Manager Tasha Towry. “There is a great need for smaller, well-built homes in Williamson County, especially at price points for first-time homebuyers, and we are one of the only builders providing that option. We are gearing up to build a record number of homes for our nonprofit, 16 homes in 2019 in our new Willow Crest neighborhood in Fairview, and couldn’t be more excited.”

To qualify as a candidate for the homeownership program applicants must meet three basic criteria:

First, candidates must have a need for affordable housing – This could be any of several reasons, such as, structural or maintenance problems with one’s home or apartment; unhealthy or unsafe living conditions; current residence is too small for the family’s size; or the rent one pays is too much of a cost burden. This also includes anyone who might have tried to obtain a traditional mortgage, but who cannot find a home with a price for which he/she qualifies in Williamson County.

Second, candidates must have the ability to pay for a mortgage loan. HFHWM will look at a candidate’s sources of income and determine if he or she (or the family unit) can make monthly mortgage payments. HFHWM will consider the applicant’s credit history and the amount of debt, and if all these items are acceptable, the next steps will be taken.

Last, candidates must demonstrate a willingness to partner. Applicants are required to earn up to 280 hours of “sweat equity” by attending homebuyer education classes, volunteering in the community, and working side-by-side with the sponsoring volunteers to build his/her home and the homes of future neighbors.

Applicants who are selected to move on to the homeownership program will complete the HFHWM homeownership program over the next few months and build their homes in Fairview in the fall of 2019.

Anyone who doesn’t currently own his or her home and who lives or works in Williamson or Maury County may apply by completing a Partnership Questionnaire and returning it to their office at 511 West Meade Blvd. in Franklin, TN.

For additional information on HFHWM’s Homeownership or Critical Repair Programs or to get involved as a sponsor or volunteer, please contact Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.

Habitat for Humanity now offers low-interest mortgages in addition to zero-interest loans