Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Dedicates First Homes of the Year to Three Single Mothers
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Dedicates First Homes of the Year to Three Single Mothers
On Thursday, April 27, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury dedicated three new affordable homes to local families in need. These are the first 3 homes of 10 that the Habitat affiliate will build or rehab this year by partnering with local churches, civic groups, businesses, and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency New Start Loan Program.
This spring marks the 17th year students from Williamson County high schools have banded together to fund and build a home with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury. More than 200 students from 7 high schools joined Habitat’s construction team, future homeowners, and community volunteers to help build a home for single mother Kayla White and her son, Javin (8).
Kayla works for the Drury Plaza Hotel in Franklin. She travels 60 miles a day to work and lives in area lives that she describes as “less than optimum” for her son’s upbringing. Ms. White experienced homelessness as a young girl, so having a stable home for Javin has great meaning to her. “My mother and I would have to wander all night, not knowing where we would lay our heads. Thanks to the goodness of a stranger, we got back on our feet. Someone gave us a hand up, much as Habitat is doing now. I am so grateful to my sponsors for believing in me. I want to give them a big hug, look them in the eyes, and say thank you.”
Kayla’s future neighbor Sharniece Rayford is also a single parent who joined the Habitat Homeownership program to obtain the strength, stability, and self-reliance that an affordable home provides. After attending Mt. Pleasant High School, Sharniece received her Certificate in Medical Assisting from Fortis Institute. Currently, she works as a certified medical assistant at Heritage Women’s Center in Franklin and is taking classes at Columbia State University to become a registered nurse.
The $70,000 sponsorship needed for the “bricks and sticks” of her home were jointly sponsored by Publix and Bridgestone. This is the second year Publix has sponsored a HFHWM home, but a first-time partnership for Bridgestone.
“Bridgestone is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury for such a worthwhile
endeavor,” notes Brian Cunningham, Vice President of Sales & Service for Bridgestone Americas. “Bridgestone’s teammates are committed to helping in our communities and assisting with this home build enabled us to do just that. It is one small way that Bridgestone can give back.”
Just down the street, Sedric McFall’s home was built by 29 local homebuilders and contractors during HFHWM’s 6th annual Home Builders Blitz. Habitat’s Builders Blitz is a partnership between Habitat affiliates and the building community to build and renovate homes across the United States, helping to fulfill Habitat’s vision of “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” This type of build began in 2006 and has resulted in more than 1,700 safe, affordable homes across the country. Builders and Habitat affiliates work closely to organize all aspects of building, including securing subcontractors and suppliers, fundraising, and seeking donations of materials.
Huskey Truss and Building Supply has partnered with Habitat Williamson-Maury for more than 10 years and has participated in the Home Builders Blitz since 2009. President Jim Huskey explains what keeps their commitment strong. “We know Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury does a great job by not only offering quality built homes, but homes that are in keeping with the aesthetics of the surrounding communities and trends in today’s new construction. We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity to help make homeownership possible for families who wouldn’t have that chance otherwise.”
Ms. McFall lives with her parents and three-year-old son, Nehemiah, in Columbia and has worked at APCOM in Franklin for the past three years. Although her parents own their home, it is much too small for a family of four and is in serious need of repairs. Sedric has always wanted a place of her own, but has been unable to find an apartment she could afford to rent. Studies show that rental costs, as well as mortgages, continue to climb rapidly in the Greater Nashville area. The average rent for an two-bedroom apartment in Williamson County was more than $1200 per month in 2016, making it increasingly difficult to for families to secure affordable housing.
“My parents taught me the value of homeownership and how to save my money,” McCall explains. “I most look forward to having our own space where we can celebrate special occasions with our loved ones. I cannot express how excited I am and how grateful I feel to those who are helping make this happen for me and my son.”
After the dedications, the houses were sold to these families with an affordable mortgage.
For additional information on our Homeownership Program or Critical Repair Program or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please contact Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury hosts second annual Hab-a-Splash! & Winter Festival
Dropping temps don’t ‘hamper the fun’ at Habitat’s Hab-a-Splash
By Carole Robinson • Senior Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 28, 2017-
All things considered, quite a few brave – or maybe crazy – people young and older turned out Saturday morning to make a splash at the second annual Hab-a-Splash benefiting Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury.
Just 24 hours earlier, temperatures were approaching 80 degrees but by jump time on Saturday the thermometer had dropped to about 45 degrees and winds between 11 and 21 mph at the Westhaven Resident’s Pool – but the sun was shining brightly.
In spite of the weather, there was a carnival-like atmosphere around the pool with music and games to occupy the whole family as participants and spectators awaited the first plunge.
“It was a brisk 45 degrees, but didn’t hamper the fun in any way,” said Jennee Galland, HFHWM director of communications. “We want to thank all our sponsors, attendees and those who raised funds to jump to support Habitat Williamson-Maury.”
Pool water was a warm 58 degrees, according to Traci Blue, co-owner of Sweetwater Pool Maintenance, the company that maintains the Westhaven pool year-round. It was higher than expected, but the brisk wind negated any warmth the bright sun might have provided.
Tristan Rettich, one of three lifeguards on duty, was ready to do his job if needed but hoped he wouldn’t be needed.
“I’ll do what I have to do if needed, but I’ve got my fingers crossed I don’t have to go in,” he said.
Unfortunately for Rettich and the other guards, Shawn Blue, co-owner of Sweetwater Pool Maintenance, decided to challenge the lifeguards to make a jump. They did and he donated $100 for each to HFHWM and a bonus in their paychecks.
“It was kind of cold,” said lifeguard Chris Cretty, who moved to Tennessee from Long Island, N.Y. He had managed to escape the annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear jumps in New York, he said, “but this is for a good cause.”
A group of boys representing St. Matthew’s School made the jump.
“It stung a lot,” Clint Russell said.
“It was great but it was colder than I thought,” said Brient Mills. “It was worth it and a lot of fun.”
“It was too cold,” said Jack Mills.
After the jump and still in their wet bathing suits, the group of 8- to 10-year olds wandered over to DJ Louis Lee to dance … and warm up while parents went to food trucks outside the pool for hot chocolate and warm food.
The final jump of the day included the two dancing polar bears and another donation from Shawn Blue.
“Every dollar we raised at the event will go straight to the materials needed to build affordable homes for local, qualifying families,” Galland said. “Please visit www.hfhwm.org to learn how you can join as a volunteer, sponsor, future homeowner, or donor.”
2017 Women Build Kickoff Event
Each spring more than 10,000 women raised their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week. National Women Build challenges women to devote at least one day to help build affordable housing in their local communities.
We begin work on our eighth annual Women Build home on April 22, 2017 in Franklin, TN.
Habitat Williamson-Maury will be holding its 2017 Women Build kickoff event at The Drury Plaza Hotel on Saturday, March 4, 2017 and welcomes both men and women who might interested in learning more about volunteering on this build.
- Saturday, March 4
- The Drury Plaza Hotel -1874 West McEwen Drive Franklin, TN 37067
- 3:00pm to 5:00pm
- At 3:45, there will be a short presentation & tips on fundraising for the build.
- Veteran Women Build participants will be on hand to answer questions.
- Light appetizers will be served.
- Drinks, including wine & beer, can be purchased.
The sponsorship cost of the home is $70,000. Each volunteer who participates has a fundraising goal of $250 to go toward the cost of the house, and a volunteer goal of at least 1 day. To help participants raise money, a toolkit is provided with ideas and step-by-step instructions on how to raise the funds. In addition, Lowe’s and HFHWM will also offer optional, in-store workshops on Saturday mornings prior to the build to help participants learn skills for the build site. No experience in either fundraising or house-building is necessary.
The event is free, but please register so we can plan accordingly:
https://womenbuild2017.eventbrite.com
Want to know more about Women Build? Check out this video and the information below.
New Critical Repair Program
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson-Maury Expands Services to Help Homeowners in Need
New Critical Repair Program to help families maintain homes
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson-Maury (HFHWM), is now offering a Critical Home Repair Program for local homeowners, in addition to its homeownership program for families wanting to purchase a new home with an affordable mortgage.
Critical home repair means that the property must have at least one critical need. Examples include unsafe roof or floor, lack of heat, electrical and plumbing hazards, foundation issues, floor and wall replacement, ramps or accessibility needs, and/or interior/exterior work needed to maintain home.
Homeowners must reside in a single-family detached home and must have occupied the home for at least three years. This program is only for residents of Williamson or Maury Counties.
Applications are available on the HFHWM website www.hfhwm.org or at the HFHWM administration office at 511 West Meade Blvd. All applications and required documentation MUST be turned in via mail or in person to the HFHWM admin office by Friday, October 14, 2016.
“We receive phone calls daily from families in need of critical repair services,” explains HFHWM Director of Family Services Wayne Weaver. “I have witnessed many families that live without heat or air conditioning, with leaking roofs, or with the need for a wheelchair ramp. My hope is that community organizations will see and support the need by partnering with us from a financial and volunteer perspective.”
For additional information or to get involved as a sponsor or volunteer for the Critical Repair Program, please contact Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
Click on image below to download flyer.
Join Our Thursday Volunteer Build Group
Calling all handymen and women, wood workers and weekend warriors!
We are creating a new volunteer build group that will meet every Thursday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Volunteers can come every week or any week that works for them. No formal construction experience is needed and hands-on training is provided.
Interested on being on the email list for opportunities?
Email Volunteer Development Manager Rain Fisher or call her at 615-550-5619. You can also sign up at thursdaybuilds.eventbrite.com.
Help us win $7500 from DowCorps during the #WelcomeHome Photo Contest!
Vote for Habitat for Humanity!
The easiest vote you will make this election season
Vote here: http://bit.ly/29ZyqAD
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) is asking the community to vote on their photo to win $7500 from DowCorps during the #WelcomeHome photo contest, which runs from July 25 to 31.
The process is simple and easy. Supporters vote for HFHWM’s photo every 24 hours by visiting http://bit.ly/29ZyqAD or through HFHWM’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hfhwm.
The winning grant help fund HFHWM’s 2017 Habitat High Build, which engages hundreds of Williamson County High School students to fund and build a home from the ground up with a local family. After the five-week build, the family will purchase the home with an affordable zero-interest mortgage.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
Habitat Williamson-Maury Celebrates National Women Build Week
2015 Top 12 American Idol Finalist Sarina-Joi Crowe joined more than 50 Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury volunteers and Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers on Saturday, May 7, 2016 to help local families build or repair a decent and affordable place they can call home. Saturday’s project was part of Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week, which takes place April 30-May 8. The project also supports “Home for the Holidays,” a nationwide initiative launched by Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity to work alongside 1,000 families to help them build or repair their homes by December.
Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week is a weeklong event created by its Women Build program that invites women to devote at least one day to help families build strength, stability and independence through housing. The week is meant to spotlight the homeownership challenges faced by women. Lowe’s donated $2 million to Habitat’s 2016 National Women Build Week and will provide the support of Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers. The home improvement chain will also conduct how-to clinics at stores to teach volunteers construction skills.
This is Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury’s seventh annual Women Build home. Volunteers began constructing the home on April 2nd in Franklin, TN and have worked alongside future homeowner Anyiir Aguto each weekend. The home will be completed and dedicated to the Aguto family on June 2nd.
In 2001, Anyiir came to the United States from the Sudan as a refugee of war. She was one of an estimated 20,000 children who later became known as “The Lost Boys.” These children, most of whom were 4 to 12 years old, fled their villages and families, most walking for more than a thousand miles to escape death or induction into the northern army. Anyiir and her brother were able to walk to Kenya and three years later came to the United States when she was only 15. Anyiir is delighted to be able to buy an affordable home where she can raise her two beautiful daughters, Atong (12) and Ayen (11). Her energy-efficient, craftsman-style home will be sold to her at no profit and with a 0% interest mortgage.
“Educating my girls is the most important thing to me, and I am thankful they can attend school here in Franklin,” Anyiir explains. “I am so grateful to Lowe’s and to all the volunteers who are making my home a reality.”
Habitat Williamson-Maury Raises $27,000 at Hammers and High Heels
On April 22, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury held its sixth annual Hammers and High Heels Women Build fundraiser at the at The Factory, 230 Franklin Road, in Franklin, TN from 6:00 – 9:00 pm CDT. The event featured live music from 18-piece Clearview Jazz Orchestra, great food from several high-profile vendors, beverages, and a Silent Auction with over 100 items that includes guitars signed by Christian Artist Michael W. Smith and Country Superstar Brad Paisley.
Over $27,000 was raised from the fundraiser to go toward the purchase of building materials needed for organization’s seventh annual Women Build home. Single mother Anyiir Aguto and her family will help build the home and will purchase it with a zero-interest mortgage in June.
Anyiir came to the United States from the Sudan as a refugee of war. She is delighted to be able to buy a home where she can raise her two beautiful daughters, Atong (12) and Ayen (11). The actual building of the home will take place from April 2nd through June 4th, and most of the volunteers building the home will be women.
“We would like to thank all the sponsors, donors, and attendees that made this year’s event our most successful,” notes Habitat Williamson Director of Communications Jennee Galland. “We had amazing food from TomKats Catering, Sopapillas, Papa C Pies, Taziki Mediterranean Cafe, Music City Brisket, The Coffee House @ Second and Bridge, Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnuts, and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and great music from the Clearview Jazz Orchestra. Thanks to our sponsors Nissan, Avenue Bank, Kroger, Doster Construction, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Staffing Technologies, Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, Jim and Amy Keffer, and Chip Kerr, Realtor and our in-kind donors, Westside Wine and Spirits, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Cheryl’s Flowers & Gifts, H. Clark Distillery, ONEHope Wine, Perfect Party Pix, Pepsi Bottling Company, Sarah Bailey Photography and all the companies who gave generously to our silent auction, every dollar raised goes to straight to support our Women Build home.
Anyiir is counting down the days until she can move into her new affordable home. “I am so grateful for those that are sponsoring my home,” she remarks. “There have been so many people that have helped me and my family along the way, and I will never forget a single act of kindness towards me. This will change our lives forever.”
Polar Plunge and Winter Festival
Take the Polar Plunge for Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury!
On Saturday, February 20, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury will hold its first Polar Plunge & Winter Festival at the Westhaven Residents’ Club. This fun, family-friendly event will include children’s activities, a snow machine, community/vendor booths, and food trucks and will culminate with warm-hearted volunteers taking a frosty dip into Westhaven’s outdoor pool to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing mission.
Who can take the polar plunge?
All ages welcome! Anyone and everyone who wants to take the plunge is invited, as well as those wanting to cheer on the participants.
Where is the plunge?
Westhaven Residents’ Club – 401 Cheltenham Ave, Franklin, TN
When is the event?
Feb. 20, 2016 from 11am to 1pm
How much does it cost to plunge?
Registration is $10 per participant. In addition, we are asking each plunge participant to commit to raising at least $100 through donations from family, friends, and well-wishers. But feel free to set your own goal! That means with 150 participants we can reach our $15,000 goal.
How will I raise that $100?
After you have registered and set your goal, we’ll send you sample letters, emails, and tools that you use to engage your friends, family, and colleagues in your fundraising. Each participant can set up their own fundraising page through our Polar Plunge First Giving page: https://www.firstgiving.com/13234/polar-plunge-for-habitat
What do I wear?
Feel free to wear whatever you like! Costumes welcome as long as they do not leave debris in the pool.
With a minimum of $100 in donations, you will receive an inaugural Plunge t-shirt, treats and warm drinks, and much-deserved bragging rights!
Ready to plunge!
- First, register to plunge by clicking here.
- Download this handy tool kit for the event. It includes everything on what to wear to helpful fundraising tools.
- Set up a First Giving page and share your plunge with friends and family. Just click here to set up your page!
- Join us at the plunge on Feb. 20th!
Want to be a sponsor?
We are looking for community partners to help support this unique event. Sponsorship is a great way to showcase your brand while supporting Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury. Click here for the sponsorship packet. If you have any questions, please contact Jennee Galland at 615-550-5617.
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A big thank you to Westhaven for hosting this event! |
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Click on image above to download a flyer.
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2016 Hammers and High Heels
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Liberty Hall – Factory at Franklin The Factory at Franklin
Habitat for Humanity’s Women Builds empowers women to take the hammer and take the lead to help lower-income families in their own community build and purchase safe, affordable housing. Join us for our 6th Annual Hammers and High Heels event – a night of great music, food, and auction items! All funds raised from the night go directly to the bricks and sticks of our Women Build home. This year’s Women Build partner family is Anyiir Aguto. Anyiir came to the United States 15 years ago as a refugee from Sudan. She was a one of an estimated 20,000 children who later became known as “The Lost Boys.” Anyiir is delighted to be able to buy a home where she can raise her two beautiful daughters, Atong (12) and Ayen (11). Bring your friends and enjoy:
Event attire is dressy, spring casual, but feel free to wear your high heels or tool belt! Don’t forget your dancing shoes. Join our Facebook group to get up-to-date details on the event and silent auction items: Tickets on sale online until noon on April 22. After noon, tickets can be purchased at the door for $50 if still available. If you cannot attend, please pass your ticket on to a friend! No refunds will be issued. SPONSORSHIP |
