Habitat Williamson to Dedicate Last Homes of the Season to Three Single Mothers

On Saturday, June 7, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County will make the American dream a reality for three hard-working single mothers. With the help of friends, family members, and well-wishers, the nonprofit will celebrate the new homes, located in the Overlook Subdivision in Columbia behind Spring Hill High School. On June 27, the houses will be sold at cost and with zero-interest mortgages to the heads of households Misty Hall, Nikki Jones, and Adreinne Witherspoon.

“All the hard work of our spring build season has culminated in today’s celebration,” explains Director of Construction Billy Whipple. “Over the last three months, 474 volunteers gave 3,318 hours to help build these homes. From the various congregations of our Faith Build 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 monthly average Habitat mortgage payment of $525. 

“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 has risen 26 percent from $324,000 in January 2013 to $409,000 in January 2014. 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, Misty Hall. Misty is a single mother of a child with autism and works as a special education teacher’s assistant with Williamson County Schools. Misty has worked alongside volunteers each weekend this spring and has chronicled the progression of her home with videos and hundreds of photos. For her son’s 10th birthday, the two celebrated with a pizza in their “new kitchen,” which at the time was just framed walls and a plywood floor. 

“Since March it seems my world just seems to revolve around Habitat. Whenever I am not working on my home I find that my thoughts are not far away from it. I just don’t want to forget any part of it! I am often overwhelmed with emotion. To say I feel blessed in an understatement. I am so grateful to Brentwood United Methodist and everyone who has had a part in the process. We love each and every one of you and are so honored to be given this opportunity to own a home. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

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 local churches Brentwood Baptist, Christ United Methodist Church, Fourth Ave Church of Christ, and Saint Andrew Lutheran Church. The second home was sponsored completely by Brentwood United Methodist Church. The last residence, the fifth annual Women Build home, was funded through a generous gift from Emily Magid, proceeds from the Hammers and High Heels fundraiser, and individual Women Build volunteers. Two of the homes also received financing and/or funding from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.

The dedication for all three homes will begin at 4pm in the Overlook Subdivision. Members of the participating organizations, board, staff, homeowners, and volunteers will be in attendance. All supporters are welcome! Please contact Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County at 615-690-8090 if you need directions to the event. 

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 hfhwm.org

Directions: 1800 Daniel Court. Mapping services have yet to pick up Daniel Ct. From the intersection of Saturn Parkway & US Hwy 31, go south on US Hwy 31 approximately 2 miles, turn right onto Carters Creek Station Rd 350 ft, turn left onto Old Hwy 31 200 ft, turn right onto Carters Creek Station Rd 0.4 mi, turn right onto Richmond Rd 0.7 mi, Richmond Rd turns into Freehand Ln continue 0.2 mi, turn left onto Daniel Ct. You can also input 1865 Wendy Blvd, Columbia, TN into your GPS and get within 1 block of Daniel Ct.

Ft. Campbell soldiers to help complete three Habitat Williamson homes in Spring Hill

Spring Hill, TN – On Friday, May 16, 70 soldiers from Ft. Campbell’s Delta Company 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry will trade their combat boots for work boots to help complete three Habitat homes underway in Spring Hill. 

The partnership is in thanks to the Americans Supporting Americans (ASA) Adopt-A-Unit Program, which facilitates “adoptions” between towns, cities, or counties and individual military units throughout the country. The City of Franklin adopted the Delta Company several years back, and this partnership has resulted in a strong, supportive connection between the Company’s soldiers and the hosting civilian community.

“The City of Franklin sends care packages when we are deployed and have done numerous events for our Delta Company and our Battalion,” explains Company Commander John Yanikov. “We are always looking for tangible ways to give back to our ASA sponsor. I have done Habitat for Humanity builds in the past with previous units, and it always awesome to watch the house come together.  I am definitely looking forward to it, and my soldiers are as well.”

For four hours, soldiers will be painting and completing the installation of doors, trim, shelving, and baseboards. “We are humbled and honored that the Delta Company has chosen to give back to its ASA community through Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County,” explains Community Engagement Manager Billy Whipple. “These brave men and women give so much to our Country; we are just excited to work alongside them for a day.”

Since April 12, hundreds of volunteers from all over the County have come together to fund and build these three houses for local, hard-working families. Before the homes are finished, each partner family will complete 280 hours of “sweat equity” by participating in a homebuyer’s education program and working on the build site. The homes will be dedicated on June 7, and Habitat Williamson will then sell each home at cost and with a zero-interest mortgage.

Habitat Williamson is still looking for volunteers who would like to work on the build site, as well as donations to cover costs. Seventeen thousand dollars are still needed to fund one of the homes, and anyone wanting to help can donate online quickly and securely at hfhwm.org.  Those wanting to volunteer can contact Community Engagement Manager Billy Whipple at 615-550-5614.

Habitat Williamson Raises $21,000 at Hammers and High Heels

Franklin, TN – On Thursday, May 1 more than 200 Habitat supporters filled the Factory’s Building 8 to enjoy fantastic food, wine, and the award-winning songwriters of Nashville Unplugged. While enjoying great entertainment and pleasing their palettes, guests placed bids on 100 different specialty items online, and from the comfort of their own seats, using MobileSmartBid. In just three fun-filled hours, supporters raised $21,200 for the “bricks and sticks” of Habitat’s 2014 Women Build home.

Throughout the night, guests helped themselves to culinary treats donated by Chef’s Market, The Southern Steak and Oyster, Finezza Italian Bistro, Papa C Pies, Sopapilla’s, Gigi’s Cupcakes, TGIFridays, Gary’s Place of Fairview, Overton’s Fresh Point Produce, Boresha Coffee, and Brownland Farms and enjoyed wines from Harvest Beverage Company and high-gravity IPA courtesy of Westside Wine and Spirits. 

An enthusiastic crowd sang along as Deana Carter, Danny Myrick, Earl Bud Lee, Brian McComas, and Aaron Benward played hit after hit for two over hours. “We can’t thank these songwriters enough for coming out and supporting Habitat,” noted Habitat Women Build Volunteer Candi Dove. “When I asked my son (Aaron Benward) if he would help put together the songwriter’s night, he didn’t hesitate for a second. All the artists were excited to serve the Habitat ministry with their talents. I have now helped with both planning Hammers and High Heels, as well as working on the build site, and have fallen in love with the people and this amazing organization. I believe in what Williamson Habitat for Humanity is doing for the single parents, families, and the children in our community.”

 “It was really exciting to meet our $20,000 goal this year, and we wouldn’t have been able to do so without the talents and donations of so many generous companies and our hard-working volunteers,” explains Habitat’s Director of Development Kim Randell.  “More than 25 volunteers came together to put up decorations, man the check-in and auction, and help keep things moving smoothly. A special thanks to our two emcees for the night, Todd Nussey and GiGi Butler. The sponsorship support of Avenue Bank; Nashville House, Home, & Garden Magazine; Inspired Spaces; MobileSmartBid; Merridian Home Furnishings; and Toyota of Cool Springs and the generous in-kind donations of our food and beverage sponsors, our silent auction donors, Always in Bloom, Classic Party Rentals, and the Williamson Source ensured that every dollar would go straight to building a home for Nikki Jones and her three children, Ayana (11), James (8), and Nicolas (5).”

Habitat’s Women Build program educates and inspires women all over the country to build and advocate for affordable housing in their communities. Volunteers, alongside partner family Nikki Jones, began constructing the Habitat Williamson fifth annual Women Build home on April 12. Nikki’s home in Columbia will be completed and dedicated on June 7. Before her home is finished, Nikki and her family will complete 280 hours of “sweat equity” by participating in a homebuyer’s education program and working on the build site. Habitat Williamson will then sell the home to her at cost and with no interest on the mortgage for the life of her loan.

Habitat Williamson is still looking for volunteers who would like to work on the build site, as well as donations to cover costs. Twenty-three thousand dollars are still needed to fund the home, and anyone wanting to help can donate online at hfhwm.org.  Those wanting to volunteer can contact Community Engagement Manager Billy Whipple at 615-550-5614.

Hammers and High Heels to Host Nashville Unplugged

Buy your tickets now!

Every year, on 200 build sites across the United States, women take the hammer and take the lead, helping families in their own community realize the American dream. Join us for a night of food and fun as we help raise funds toward our goal of $70,000!  All funds from the night go directly to building a home for a hard-working family in our community. This year’s partner family is Nicole Jones and her three children Ayana (11), James (8), and Nicolas (5).

Bring your friends and enjoy:

• Nashville Unplugged – a live, all acoustic show featuring award-winning songwriters. In addition to performing the hits they’ve written, the artists share the stories behind each song’s creation. The show comes from the Red Rock Resort in Vegas, where it is a permanent fixture. Nashville Unplugged will host songwriters Deana Carter, Danny Myrick, Earl Bud Lee, Brian McComas, and Aaron Benward.
• Culinary treats from Chef’s Market, TomKats Catering, Finezza Italian Bistro, Papa C Pies, Sopapilla’s, Gigi’s Cupcakes, TGIFriday’s, and other local restaurants
• A variety of wine offerings from Harvest Beverage Company
• High gravity beers from Westside Wine and Spirits
• Great silent auction items – including private wine-tastings, original artwork, specialty items from downtown Franklin, signed memorabilia, restaurant gift certificates, and much more

The event is business casual, but feel free to wear your high heels or tool belt! 

Join our Facebook group to get up-to-date details on the event:
https://www.facebook.com/HabitatWilliamson

Habitat Williamson is also seeking sponsors for the event. Click here to download information on this exciting opportunity to support Habitat while sharing your own brand.

Habitat Williamson named as a benefiting charity for the 2nd Annual Delek Charity Golf Invitational

Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is please to announce that it has been chosen as a benefiting charity for the 2nd Annual Delek Charity Invitational, which is a part of The Delek Tournament for Hope. Delek will cover all logistical costs for the event; 100% of the funds we raise from participation in the tournament will come back to Habitat Williamson to serve hard-working families in our community.

The charity invitational will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at Gaylord Springs Golf Links. Registration and lunch for the day begins at 11:30 a.m.; shotgun start is at 1:00 p.m. Dinner will be served after the tournament, and a silent and live auction of fabulous items will follow.

There are several ways to participate!

• Sponsor a four-person team for $3,000
• Participate as an individual for $1,000
• Sponsor a hole for $500
• Donate a silent auction item.

The Delek Tournament of Hope is a unique golf tournament with more than 400 golfers participating in different tournaments over a three-day period that has become the primary fundraiser for the Delek Fund for Hope, a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Since the fund was established in 2008, more than 300 grants totaling $3 million have been made to nonprofit organizations. For more information about the tournament and events that day, visit the website at www.delekhope.com.

To sign up, please complete this form and return it to Kim Randell at krandell@habitatwilliamson.org.

Please contact Kim with questions at 615-550-5616.

Habitat Williamson Night at the Predators

Habitat for Humanity of Williamson Country is honored to be one of the Nashville Predators Foundation’s four featured charities for 2013-2014.

On March 30, the Predators will be holding a tool and donation drive to benefit Habitat Williamson at their home game vs. the Washington Capitals. Please come out, enjoy the game, and help us raise funds to build an extra home in honor of our 20th Anniversary.

Can’t make the game, but want to help?  Just text “habitat” to 85944 and confirm with a “yes.” A $10 donation will be placed on your next cell phone bill.

2014 Women Build Kickoff

We will be raising the walls on our fifth annual Women Build home on April 12 in Columbia, TN!

Come learn more about how you can be a part of building this special home for single mother Nicole Jones and her three children.  

 Join us:

• Tuesday, March 11 
• Cozymel’s in Cool Springs
• 6:00pm to 8:00pm
• We will have appetizers, beverages (non-alcoholic – wine and beer can be purchased), and great conversation.

At 6:45, we will have a short presentation about the Women Build and tips on fundraising for the event. We will also have veteran Women Build participants there to answer any questions you may have.

The event is free, but please make sure to RSVP on our eventbrite page. Don’t forget to bring your friends! Please have each attendee sign up separately, so we can plan food accordingly. 

Want to join the build, but can’t make the kickoff event? Please email Jennee Galland, and we will make sure to get the volunteer form to you as soon as it is available. We will be sending out a link to sign up to volunteer as we get closer to the build.   

Join our Facebook group to get up-to-date details on the Women Build and Hammers and High Heels fundraising event, which will be happening May 1 at Building 8 at the Franklin Factory.

Williamson County Students Complete 14th Habitat High House

On Sunday, March 9, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County (HFHWC) will dedicate its 141st home to Marc and Lauren Pelfrey and their 18-month-old son Maddux. Built and sponsored by local high schools through the Habitat High program, this new, energy-efficient residence is located in the Brandenburg subdivision in Fairview, TN. 

Over the last five weekends, Lauren and Marc have worked alongside over 650 students from Brentwood, Centennial, Currey Ingram Academy, Fairview, Franklin, Independence, Ravenwood, and Summit High Schools.  

This is the 14th Habitat High home for Habitat Williamson, and 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., the Nashville Predators Charitable Foundation, the Dobberpuhl Foundation, Touchstone Energy®, Middle Tennessee EMC , Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association, and Tennessee Housing Development Agency. After the dedication, the home will be sold by Habitat Williamson to the Pelfreys with a zero-interest mortgage.

Despite very cold and wet weather, the Pelfreys’ home remained ahead of schedule thanks to the hard-working students. “We couldn’t have asked for better volunteers,” noted Habitat Volunteer Manager Billy Whipple. “Everyone jumped in and brought great energy to the build each day.” He continued, “This is one of the only Habitat builds of its kind in the country and couldn’t happen without the immense commitment of these schools.” 

Rachel West, a senior and co-president of the Brentwood High School chapter, has been involved in Habitat High since she was a freshman.  She explained what connects her to the Habitat mission. “The beauty of Habitat High is that even as high school students, we are able to band together with other Williamson County Schools to raise money to sponsor a house build. Habitat for Humanity helps others in ways they cannot help themselves. It provides a hand up for families with a dream of raising children in a safe home with a stable environment. Every day, I’m increasingly filled with gratitude for the privilege to be involved in such an amazing charity. One person cannot build a house, but a community of people can build a home.”

Lauren and Marc cannot wait to move in, and when asked what this process has meant to her, Lauren beams, “I have caught myself numerous times stepping back and taking it all in. Watching these students and volunteers working on our house and doing it with such a loving and happy heart is one of the most humbling feelings and experiences. We couldn’t do it without everyone who has been involved and we are very thankful.” 

The dedication for the Pelfreys’ home will begin at 2pm in Brandenburg Cove in Fairview. Members of the participating organizations, board, staff, homeowners, and volunteers will be in attendance. All supporters are welcome! Please contact Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County at 615-690-8090 if you need directions to the event. 

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 hfhwm.org.

Habitat Williamson and Tuckers House Team Up to Serve Children with Disabilities

This Saturday two local nonprofits will combine their talents to make life easier for one Spring Hill family and their child with disabilities. 

Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County and Tucker’s House are teaming up to create a new bathroom space for 14-year old Ariel Fuentes who has Cerebral Palsy and developmental delays. Despite his physical challenges, Ariel is a happy, energetic boy who navigates his home by gliding on his knees. He enjoys playing with his younger brothers Emmanuel (11) and Alejandro (7) and regularly participating in the therapeutic riding program at Saddle Up! 

While Ariel has little problem getting around, the family’s current bathroom creates great safety challenges. Ariel’s parents Maria and Jose must maneuver a small, cramped space and repeatedly lift their teenage son over the high lip of the bathtub. After the bath, they must then carry him to another room to dry and dress him due to limited space. Potential for falls and injuries are ever-present. 

In order to make this essential ritual safer and easier on Ariel’s parents, Habitat volunteers will enlarge the square footage of the bathroom, mount a more stable toilet, and install a roll-under sink. In addition, they will remove the hard-to-navigate step-over tub and install a zero-entry shower unit. This new addition will make it much easier for Ariel to access the tub and use his new shower chair. The project will take approximately two days and will be completed by six Habitat volunteers. Hiller Plumbing and Bin There, Dump That are graciously donating their supplies and disposal services for this project. 

Ariel’s new bathroom is a testament to the power of partnership. Sunny Rosanbalm, the President and founder of Tucker’s House (as well as the grandmother of Tucker Rosanbalm, the namesake of the organization), explains her organization’s success working with like-minded organizations. “We are thrilled to be partnering this year with Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County. The missions of both organizations complement one another beautifully. With the desire to further good stewardship of our resources, we are linking arms to aid our community. Together we serve by making homes a functional place of refuge for so many precious children with disabilities and their wonderful families. We look forward to partnering on many more projects with Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County as we serve this inexhaustible need.”

Long-time Habitat volunteer Carol McDaniel can’t wait to start work on this project, which resonates personally with her. “My late husband was a paraplegic for 41 years due to a construction injury at age 19, so I am acutely aware of the problems of architectural barriers,” she explains.  “And I know how much better the daily activities of the person with disabilities, as well as the family, can be in an accessible home. I am so happy to be able to donate my time, skills, and money to the Tucker House accessibility projects in memory of Steve — I know he would approve.”

For more information on applying for services from Tucker’s House, please visit www.tuckershouse.org. To sign up to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County, please visit hfhwm.org/volunteer/. 

Click here to see photos from Ariel’s bathroom renovation.