Nissan Donates Truck to Support Local Construction Efforts  

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is excited to announce it received a black Nissan Frontier truck as part of Nissan’s $800K national partnership renewal with Habitat for Humanity to support local Habitat affiliates across the U.S.  

Nissan is donating five vehicles to local Habitat affiliates this year to use for their construction efforts. Additionally, Nissan employees will volunteer in 12 communities near Nissan’s manufacturing and operational locations. 

“Nissan is deeply committed to the areas where our customers, employees, and dealers live and work, and our partnership with Habitat for Humanity is one way that we invest in these communities,” said Travis Parman, vice president, Corporate Communications, Nissan North America, Inc. “Our employees, working alongside our partners at Habitat and the future homeowners, are able to directly improve their local communities and help families build a safe and decent place to call home.” 

Nissan has contributed more than $20 million to Habitat nationally since the partnership began in 2005 when Nissan donated 50 trucks and mobilized employees to assist in the home building following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region. Nissan has continued its support through the years by donating an additional 160 vehicles to support construction activities and disaster recovery efforts. Furthermore, Nissan’s employees have contributed more than 112,400 volunteer hours working alongside future homeowners in communities across the U.S. 

“Since 2006, Nissan has supported our Habitat affiliate through board membership, volunteer build days, vehicle donations, and 13 home sponsorships,” explains HFHWM President and COO Jennee Galland. “The company and its employees are true partners in Habitat’s mission to provide safe and affordable housing for families in need, and we are grateful for their ongoing generosity and dedication.” 

Vote HFHWM for the 2023 Sizzle Awards

Our annual fundraising event, Hammers & High Heels, has been nominated for “Best Fundraising Event” through FranklinIs’ Sizzle Awards!

The polls are open to vote for the “Best of the Best” in Williamson County—please show your support and vote for HFHWM and all your local favorites!

VOTE NOW

About Hammers & High Heels

Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program empowers women to take the hammer and take the lead to help a local family in need build and purchase a safe, affordable home.

Hammers & High Heels is HFHWM’s largest fundraiser, bringing 400 people together to raise the $70,000 needed for the “bricks and sticks” of this home. Event attendees enjoy live music, a fabulous plated dinner, a silent auction, a wine pull, and much more!

How to Vote in the Poll:  

• To vote you will need to sign up here and then you will be directed to the Sizzle Poll.
• Once you are at the Poll voting page, please CLICK into each section and select your vote for each category or select “no preference”.
• All sections require a vote option in order to submit your votes.
• Sharing is caring! Please encourage your friends and family to vote as well by sharing on social media!

Welcome Home to the Lemus & Reyes Families!

After more than 280 hours of sweat equity, homebuyer education, and one-on-one budget coaching, two local women purchased homes through Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) with an affordable mortgage. 

There was not a dry eye in the house as friends, family, and the community gathered in Columbia, TN to celebrate this milestone accomplishment for homebuyers, Nina Reyes and Linda Lemus.  

Both women were presented with their mortgage certificates, keys to their homes, and gifts from staff, sponsors, and volunteers who have supported them along their journey.  

The road to dedication day was certainly not easy for these two ladies. After years of relocating due to rental increases and a discouraging housing market, Nina is relieved at the stability homeownership will provide for her family. “I won’t have to bounce around from place to place anymore,” she explains.

As a single, working parent of two young children, Linda Lemus was struggling to find local housing options within her means. The HFHWM homeownership program was an opportunity to create a better path for herself and her children, Isaiah and Mya. Both children shed tears of joy seeing their own bedrooms for the very first time and look forward to celebrating the holidays together in their new home.

Linda is not the first member of the Lemus family to complete the Habitat program. Ten years ago, Linda’s brother, Frank, purchased a home for his family through HFHWM. During Linda’s ceremony, Frank took a moment to share how impactful homeownership has been, leading to better career opportunities, personal growth, and overall stability.  

Joined by two generations of program participants, this dedication ceremony was a full-circle moment for the Lemus family and HFHWM, who is entering their thirtieth year of service this month.  

“I joined the affiliate 10 years ago, and one of my first builds was Frank Lemus’,” notes HFHWM President & COO, Jennee Galland.

“Linda’s dedication was a really emotional one. Standing there with Frank, who is doing so well and crediting his home for his family’s stability, and Linda, who is on the cusp of reaping the many benefits of her new home, it was hard not to be moved. I found it a testament to the life-changing power of the Habitat for Humanity program and a perfect example of God’s love in action.” 

The affiliate prides itself on building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Over the course of 30 years, the nonprofit has helped 300 families achieve safe, affordable housing through their homeownership and Critical Repair Programs. 

“We are incredibly proud of the lasting impact of our programs, but there’s still plenty of work to be done. Many of our teachers, first responders, and valued essential workers are being priced out of the housing market and struggling to remain in the communities in which they were born and raised,” explains HFHWM CEO Kim Randell.  

As housing prices continue to climb in Middle TN, the nonprofit is moving full steam ahead to meet the surging need for affordable housing. In 2023, HFHWM will break ground on a 27-home neighborhood in Columbia, TN to be built over the next three years.   

During this season of giving, HFHWM asks that you consider giving the gift of a home by making a donation towards affordable housing.

Every dollar of your donation goes directly towards purchasing building materials for families like Nina and Linda.  

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