Habitat Williamson-Maury Raises over $21,000 at Hammers and High Heels
On Thursday, June 25, 220 supporters came out to support Habitat for Humanity’s 5th Annual Hammers & High Heels event, which was held at the beautiful new event barn at Homestead Manor. Attendees enjoyed fantastic food from the Puckett’s family of restaurants, amazing music from local band Redhead Express, and an online silent auction of 100 different specialty items. In just three fun-filled hours, guests raised $21,745 for the “bricks and sticks” of Habitat’s 2015 Women Build home, surpassing the event’s goal of $20,000.
“It was really exciting to meet our $20,000 goal, and we wouldn’t have been able to do so without the talents and donations of many generous companies and our hardworking volunteers,” explains Habitat’s Director of Development Kim Randell. “More than 20 volunteers came together to put up decorations, man the check-in and auction, and help keep things moving smoothly. A special thank you to our emcee, Mrs. Tennessee Cheryl Brehm who has been a devoted member of this year’s Women Build team. She has done everything to help from wielding a nail gun to collecting silent auction items. In addition, we couldn’t have done it without the tremendous support of Puckett’s and Homestead Manor. We were honored to be the first event in their new venue.”
The night also included the unveiling of Habitat wrapped High-roof Nissan NV Cargo Van from Nissan North America. This work van has 320 cubic feet of cargo space and 261 horsepower and will be indispensable to the Habitat team on the build site. Habitat Williamson-Maury Board Member and Director of Corporate Services at Nissan North America Brian Delauter championed the donation and was on hand to pass over the keys at Hammers and High Heels. “This vehicle will be a great addition to the Williamson-Maury Habitat team, including upcoming Women Builds,” he noted.
The night’s entertainment, Redhead Express, stole the show. “We were blown away by the Redhead Express,” notes Habitat’s Director of Communications Jennee Galland. “The whole family was there to support the cause. From helping with AV needs to giving an amazing performance, they went above and beyond. We are so blessed that they choose to support our Habitat ministry with their talents.”
Thanks to the sponsorship support of Nissan, GM, Jim and Amy Keffer, Avenue Bank, Chip Kerr with Crye-Leike Realtors, Mobile Smartbid, and Walmart and the generous in-kind donations of Best Brands, Inc., Cheryl’s Flowers and Gifts, H. Clark Distillery, Muletown Roasted Coffee, Triple Crown Bakery, Perfect Party Pix, Papa C Pies, Puckett’s Boathouse, Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, Wild Hare Beer Company, and the many silent auction donors, every dollar raised went straight to the home build for the Aric family.
Jennifer Aric is a single mother who has nine children – seven which still live at home, including a son and daughter who each have a disability. Julia has epilepsy, and Isaiah has been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (“brittle bone” disease). Isaiah uses a wheelchair, and his new home includes ADA modifications that will make everyday tasks easier and safer for him and his family.
Habitat’s Women Build program educates and inspires women all over the country to build and advocate for affordable housing in their communities.Hundreds of local volunteers, alongside partner family Jennifer Aric, began constructing and fundraising for the affiliate’s sixth annual Women Build home in April.
Sponsorship cost for the home is $70,000, and $15,000 is still needed to fund the home. Anyone wanting to help can donate online at www.hfhwm.org. Those wanting to volunteer on future builds (including one that starts in July) can contact Volunteer Coordinator Emma Couch at 615-550-5619.
Click here for more photos from the event.
Click here to learn more about the Women Build.
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Dedicates Last Homes of Brandenburg
On Saturday, June 20, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson and Maury Counties (HFHWM) made the American dream a reality for three hard-working single mothers. With the help of friends, family members, and well-wishers, the nonprofit dedicated the last three homes in their Brandenburg Subdivision in Fairview. On June 26, the houses were sold at cost and with zero-interest mortgages to the heads of households Jennifer Aric, LaRhonda Lee, and Tory Ferguson.
“Our spring build season has come to a close, and it has been amazing to see the dedication from our volunteers,” explains HFHWM Volunteer Coordinator Emma Couch. “Over the last three months, 839 volunteers gave 5873 hours to help build these homes. From the various congregations of our Faith Build and Brentwood United Methodist Church to the individual Women Build volunteers, these builds have brought together so many to help these families achieve homeownership.”
All three families were living in unsafe and/or overcrowded conditions with rents hundreds of dollars above the typical Habitat mortgage payment of $595.
“The need for affordable housing in Williamson County couldn’t be greater,” explains Habitat Williamson Director of Family Services Wayne Weaver. “In the last year, Williamson County’s median home price rose from 2.5% percent from $399,950 in January 2014 to $409,000 in January 2015. For many working individuals in our community like teachers, healthcare workers, city/county employees, and those in the service-sector, homeownership is not possible without Habitat.”
Such is the case for one of the build’s future homeowners, Jennifer Aric. Jennifer is a single mother with nine children. Seven of Jennifer’s children still live at home, including a son and daughter who each have a disability. Julia has epilepsy, and Isaiah has been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (“brittle bone” disease). Isaiah uses a wheelchair, and his new home includes ADA modifications that will make everyday tasks easier and safer for him and his family. Jennifer has worked alongside hundreds of local women volunteers over the last nine weeks.
“Since the beginning of my journey with Habitat, I have learned so much,” Aric notes. “April came, and the dream I had envisioned for my family became a reality. Here we are at the end phase and it is so surreal. I couldn’t have completed my journey without the help of all the amazing volunteers! Thank you for all your hard work and time! The Women Build has been a life changing experience.”
The $70,000 needed to complete each home was funded through a diverse group of community partners. The Spring Faith Build brought together the efforts of Christ United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Fourth Ave Church of Christ, Lowes Home Improvement, Middle Tennessee Electric Customer Cares, and Saint Andrew Lutheran Church. The second home was sponsored and built completely by Brentwood United Methodist Church. The last residence, the fifth annual Women Build home, was volunteer-built and sponsored by individual Women Build volunteers from all over the County. Two of the homes also received financing and/or funding from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.
For additional information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please contact Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
Click here for more dedication photos.
Click here for photos from the Brentwood United Methodist Church Build.
Click here for photos from the Women Build.
Click here for photos from the Spring Faith Build.
Habitat Williamson-Maury Dedicates Home Built by Columbia Businesses and Churches
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.
Fast Stop Gas Stations to Sell Hammers for Habitat
This April and May, the Highland Corporation Charitable Foundation will join forces with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) to help local families achieve the American Dream of homeownership through the Hammers for Habitat promotion. Instead of wielding a real hammer on the build site, community members can support affordable housing by purchasing a paper hammer to hang at their local Columbia, Fairview, or Spring Hill Fast Stop Gas Station.
Habitat for Humanity Williamson County merged last summer with neighboring Maury County Habitat, forming Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury. In January, the nonprofit held a community meeting at the Puckett’s Restaurant in Columbia for community partners interested in furthering affordable housing in the County.
“The community’s response has been positively overwhelming,” says HFHWM Director of Development Kim Randell. “Within days of asking for support, we had enough pledges from Columbia area churches and businesses to fully fund this build in downtown Columbia. The Highland Corporation has donated $10,000 and plans to raise funds and awareness through a Hammers for Habitat sales promotion at their Fast Stop and Marathon Markets. Thanks to the generosity of the Foundation, local churches, and First Farmers Bank, we began construction on Carrika Tellington’s on March 21.”
“We are excited about partnering with Habitat for Humanity to give a great family in our community the opportunity to own a home,” explains Seth Blanks, Vice President of Sale and Marketing at Highland Corporation. “Investing in the communities where we work and live is an important part of what we do as a company.”
Hammers will be sold at:
Fast Stop Markets |
Columbia Fast Fuel |
Marathon Market |
Fast Stop Markets |
Fast Stop Markets #11 |
Downtown Marathon |
Fast Stop Markets |
Daisy Mart |
Kiki’s Fast Fuel |
Since 1988, HFHWM has built 192 homes for families in the two counties. After completion, homes are sold to partner families at cost and with a zero-interest mortgage. In addition to a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, and mandatory homebuyer education classes, partner families invest hundreds of hours of their own labor—sweat equity—into building their Habitat home and the homes of others. Families are selected based on need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay a mortgage. Learn more about volunteering, homeownership, and sponsorship at www.hfhwm.org.
(Pictured in Photo: Highland Corporation VP of Sale and Marketing Seth Blanks, HFHWM Future Homeowner Carrika Tellington, Fast Stop Manager Laura Turner, and HFHWM Director of Family Services Wayne Weaver)
Habitat Williamson-Maury Dedicates 15th Annual Habitat High Home
On Sunday, March 8, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) dedicated its 15th Habitat High home to Dede Murray and her toddler son, Angel. Built and sponsored by local high schools through the Habitat High program, this new, energy-efficient residence is located on Beechcroft Road in Spring Hill.
Over the five cold weekends, Dede has worked alongside over 600 students from Brentwood, Centennial, Currey Ingram Academy, Fairview, Franklin, Independence, Ravenwood, and Summit High Schools.
The $70,000 needed for the build was funded through several projects undertaken by the Habitat High clubs at each school and through the generous donations of community sponsors Lasko Products, Inc., Peace Lutheran Church, and Grace Episcopal Church. The home also received financing and/or funding from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. After the dedication, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury sold the home to Murray at cost and with a zero-interest mortgage.
Despite the extreme weather over the month, the Murray’s home remained on schedule thanks to the hard-working students. “I can’t describe properly the energy the students have given to Dede’s home,” explains HFHWM Volunteer Coordinator Katie Gilliam. “They bring open eagerness to a project that has them waking up at early hours, working through freezing cold conditions, and trying new and difficult skills – all to help a local family. The students’ positivity and passion are an example to the entire community. It is truly remarkable to watch and help facilitate and has been a highlight of my experience as the volunteer coordinator to see them shine as they serve.”
Alex Ryan, a senior at Independence High School, has been involved in Habitat High since she was a freshman. “I started participating in Habitat because I really wanted a way to volunteer and know I was making a difference,” she notes. “I have learned so much. On each of the builds, it may have seemed
like every job I was doing was small, but each task was essential to the house being completed. I think that was actually a great metaphor for what happens in life: when accomplishing the smaller jobs, it helps us view the bigger picture.”
Dede is a child-care provider for a local daycare and spent the last several years working with Williamson County Schools as a teacher’s assistant. When she is not working or taking care of her toddler (Angel Josiah Murray-Santana), she enjoys attending church at Strong Tower Bible Church in Nashville. She is also a past Habitat High volunteer and helped build several homes on Helping Hands Drive in Franklin. Little did she know a decade ago that the tables would someday be turned. “It is amazing how things come full circle. I can’t believe such kindness has been returned to me. The high school students have been amazing, and Habitat has completely been a blessing.”
Williamson Herald Article
Columbia Herald Article
Fox News Story
Buy A Hammer. Build a Community.
This March, Great Clips salons in Williamson and Maury Counties will join forces with Habitat for Humanity to help hard-working, local families achieve the American Dream of homeownership through the Hammers for Habitat promotion. Instead of wielding a real hammer on the build site, community members can show their Habitat support by purchasing and autographing a paper hammer to hang on their local salon window.
Twelve Great Clips salons are partnering with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) on the Hammers for Habitat promotion, which is now in its second year. The promotion allows customers to make a donation of two dollars or more and in return, receive a three dollar discount on a future haircut at Great Clips.
Debra Imes, Great Clips general manager, says her stylist teams are excited to roll out the promotion to the salon’s patrons. “This is a great way to get our customers involved with the community,” she notes. “Not only do they get to participate, they benefit too!”
HFHWM Development Director Kim Randell echoes Imes. “It takes a community to build a Habitat home, and this Hammers for Habitat promotion is an easy, affordable way for everyone to lend a hand.” She continues, “We want to thank Great Clips management, and the individual stylists for their support of this program. Together, we can meet the goal of 10,000 Hammers, which will amount to $20,000 for materials to help pay for our 2015 homes.”
Habitat for Humanity Williamson County merged last summer with neighboring Maury County Habitat, forming Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury. Since 1988, the two affiliates have built 192 homes for families in the two counties. After completion, homes are sold to partner families at cost and with a zero-interest mortgage. In addition to a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, and mandatory homebuyer education classes, partner families invest hundreds of hours of their own labor—sweat equity—into building their Habitat home and the homes of others. Families are selected based on need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay a mortgage.
Columbia Merger Information Breakfast
For the last 25 years, Maury County Habitat has worked with community partners to help hardworking, low-income families with a hand up, not a handout, through its zero-interest mortgage and homeownership program. In July 2014, the affiliate 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 nonprofit’s capacity to serve more families in need from both counties.
Over 60 community members attended an informational breakfast meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant in Columbia to discuss the merger and future of Habitat in Maury County. The meeting was hosted by the Highland Corporation, Maury Hills Church, Morgan Stanley, and Puckett’s. The Morgan Stanley Columbia office generously covered the cost of the breakfast for the meeting.
Habitat partner families were in attendance to share their personal stories and how Habitat’s mission has affected their lives. In addition, Habitat staff presented opportunities for local churches, businesses, and civic groups interested in sponsoring and volunteering on home builds. Members from the new joint board were also on hand to discuss building in both counties and gather input.
Maury Hills Church has participated in two builds with Habitat and will begin a third in coming months. The Church’s Senior Minister Russ Adcox describes Habitat for Humanity’s impact as “profound” on his congregation. “Habitat is a simple, yet powerful, way to serve the community and put our faith in action,” he notes. “I’m really excited about the opportunities this merger brings for Maury County. The new process makes it easier for more churches, civic groups, and businesses to get involved regardless of size or resources. I hope anyone interested will come out to Puckett’s Wednesday and learn about the exciting opportunities coming our way.”
Read more from James Bennett at the Columbia Herald:
http://columbiadailyherald.com/news/local-news/habitat-wants-build-more-homes
Habitat Williamson-Maury Dedicates Two New Homes in Fairview
- Tiffiney Taylor accepts the keys to her new home, which will be purchased at cost and with a zero-interest mortgage.
On Sunday, October 5, more than 50 friends, family members, and well-wishers were on hand to bless and celebrate two new Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury homes in the Brandenburg Subdivision of Fairview, TN. On October 24, the houses will be sold at cost and with zero-interest mortgages to Marian Glenn and Tiffiney Taylor.
Future homeowner Tiffiney Taylor worked every weekend for eight weeks alongside volunteers from her sponsoring organizations VGT, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and the Rotary Clubs of Williamson County. Her home also received financing funding from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. She is ecstatic and can’t wait to close on her home. “I’m overly excited and blessed,” she says with a giant grin. “My life is about to change, and I can’t wait!”
Her new neighbor to-be, Marian Glenn, has never owned a home, but had parents who were homeowners. “They were always making improvements to their residence,” she says. “I want to embrace the values and pride that I saw my parents take in their home and execute them.”
The $70,000 needed to fund Marian’s home, as well as the volunteer manpower, was provided by a collaboration of churches, which included Franklin Christian Church, Harpeth Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, First Baptist Church of Fairview, and St. Matthew Catholic Church.
Pastor Rick Morrison of First Baptist Church of Fairview enjoyed how the project engaged both new and old members of his church family. “A lot of new members came out to be part of this project, and we were able to get to know each other by while working toward the same goal,” he explained. “This was a great way to minister in the community, and I want to thank everyone from Fairview First Baptist and all the other church groups that helped. We were blessed to be able to serve this great family and look forward to building with Habitat again.”
![Marian Glenn and her children prepare to cut the ribbon on their new home](http://www.hfhwm.org/upload/marian_family_door.jpg)
Glenn, a recent cancer survivor, and her children, Megan (26), Jennifer (24), Shannon (22), and Brad (19), have been struggling with the loss of both husband and father in recent months. The sudden passing of her husband in December of 2013 left the family struggling to make ends meet on Ms. Glenn’s limited income. She works two jobs in Cool Springs – one at TJ Maxx and the other at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Brad and Jennifer are both college students, and Shannon, who has Down Syndrome, is very active with Special Olympics and Best Buddies of Tennessee.
“If you had told me two years ago that in 2014 I would be a widow working two jobs, a breast cancer survivor, and a prospective owner of a Habitat for Humanity home, I would have said you have the wrong lady. My life has taken many dramatic turns and the opportunity to own a home through this program is a blessing! I thank my sponsors on behalf of my family for the hand up, not a hand out.”
Habitat for Humanity Affiliates Hit 4,000 House Milestone
Date Start Date End |
![harold_window](http://www.hfhwm.org/upload/harold_window.jpg)
On September 26, Habitat for Humanity celebrated the beginning of its 4000th house built in the State of Tennessee with a wall raising ceremony. Over 50 supporters came from all over the State to mark this important milestone, including Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, and members of several Tennessee Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
The home is being built by host affiliate Habitat for Humanity of Williamson and Maury Counties for Harold Allen, a local Vietnam Veteran.
Tennessee consists of 50 Habitat affiliates that serve 62 counties. Each Habitat affiliate is a grassroots organization; locally operated by a board of directors from their community; every affiliate is financially self-sustaining and all affiliates function under the umbrella of Habitat for Humanity International.
Habitat Williamson-Maury is also proudly celebrating their 20 year anniversary. The Franklin-based affiliate has built 147 homes serving over 550 children and adults in an area of the State where affordable housing is harder and harder to find. “Habitat can only build homes through the generosity of sponsorship support and the volunteer participation of individuals, churches, businesses, companies, and civic groups. Each partnership creates a powerful ripple effect”, explained Becket Moore, executive director of Habitat Williamson-Maury, “We are honored to host this landmark build, which is made all the more special by serving Vietnam Veteran Harold Allen.”
Harold Allen, a native of Franklin, graduated with the last segregated senior class from Natchez High School, which is now Franklin High. Allen was raised by his grandmother along with his three sisters and one brother. Neither his parents, nor his grandparents, were homeowners. However, Allen has always held onto the American Dream of homeownership.
![American Legion 215](http://www.hfhwm.org/upload/Becket_AL.jpg)
Life after active duty has been difficult for Allen. He has two artificial hips, has endured three strokes, and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Nonetheless, he focuses on his blessings and never lets his challenges affect his efforts to give back. Allen enjoys helping local charities and is also active at Limestone Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin.
“Celebrating this milestone with Vietnam Veteran Harold Allen is truly an honor,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, “Mr. Allen will soon have his first mortgage loan to repay, which I know will make him very proud as it does all who will witness this rewarding accomplishment in his life.”
Habitat sells homes to the partner family at cost and provides them with a 0% mortgage while ensuring their housing costs do not exceed 30% of their income. Habitat families are partners; they invest “sweat equity” hours by helping with construction and attend mandatory homeowner counseling classes to prepare them for homeownership. Families are selected based on their level of need, willingness to partner in the Habitat program, and their ability to pay a mortgage. Homeowner mortgage payments are recycled through a “Fund for Humanity,” which is used to build even more homes.
Sponsors of the 4000th house build are Capella Healthcare, Eco-Energy, The National Funeral Directors Association, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Puckett’s Restaurants, Sony Music, UL, and Tennessee Housing Development Agency.
![Thank you to our many sponsors!](http://www.hfhwm.org/upload/sign.jpg)
Franklin-based Eco-Energy has graciously sponsored two-thirds of the build. “At Eco-Energy, we believe in empowering our people to make a difference not just in business, but in the environment and in our communities,” explains the company’s President and CEO Chad Martin. “We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity and we are honored to work with Mr. Allen on his new home in Franklin. We appreciate the sacrifice made by Mr. Allen and all United States Military Veterans that fight for the great freedoms we get to enjoy in Williamson County.”
“The FHLBank is proud of its longstanding partnership with Tennessee Habitat for Humanity and its affiliates,” said Damon Allen, Senior Vice President & Community Investment Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. “Since the inception of the Affordable Housing Program in 1990, the FHLBank and its member financial institutions have provided almost $17 million in subsidy towards the construction of over 1,500 of the 4,000 Habitat homes built in Tennessee. We look forward to continuing this partnership well into the future.”
“THDA is proud to support the work of Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Tennessee and proud to have contributed to this milestone accomplishment of 4000 houses built, 4000 families assisted,” said Ralph M. Perrey, THDA executive director. “THDA provides grant support through its Housing Trust Fund to help affiliates lower construction costs, and many Habitat families use THDA New Start loans to make their home even more affordable.”
Harold Allen can’t wait to get to get to work on the build site and has big plans for his new home. He envisions planting flowers and vegetables in his future garden and spending time with his adult children. He wants it to be a haven of peace and a place where friends and family can share in his joy.
Harold’s gratitude is boundless. “Thank you for fulfilling my dream of owning a home. I thank God for sending an angel. You have really touched my heart – not only for sponsoring my home, but for all of the other families that are blessed with the homes that you build.”
The home’s dedication will be will be on Veterans Day, November 11th at 1:00 p.m. For more photos, click here.
Habitat Williamson Merges with Maury County Affiliate
About a year ago, I received a call from our neighboring affiliate, the Maury County Habitat for Humanity, asking if we would like to consider a new partnership. Under a previous arrangement, Habitat Williamson was already helping to serve the area, building four homes per year in the northern part of Maury County just behind Spring Hill High School. The Maury County affiliate was building more south, completing one to two homes per year in Columbia and Mount Pleasant. After many individual and collective board discussions between the two affiliates, we finalized a merger to form Habitat for Humanity of Williamson-Maury in July 2014.
I am both proud and honored to be involved in the exciting future of this affiliate. In essence, the partnership between the Williamson and Maury Habitat affiliates enhances the capacity to serve more hard-working families in need from both counties. Our goal in 2015-16 is to build 2 homes in Franklin, 4 in Spring Hill, 4 in Fairview, and 4 in Columbia for a total of 14 families served.
God, family, and community are the heart of Habitat. The “theology of the hammer” is a term that Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity, used for many years to emphasize the organization’s mission of putting God’s love into action. Most literally, the term refers to building houses, nail by nail, until a qualifying family moves into their new home. This theology is also about bringing a wide variety of people, churches, businesses, and groups together to build houses and establish viable communities.
Mr. Fuller’s words and work are still the foundation of Habitat, as we would not be able to fulfill our mission without the support of our community sponsors and volunteers. We are sincerely grateful for their support in both counties and excited about the great possibilities that lie ahead. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
In Partnership,
Becket Moore
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury