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

Habitat High Campus Chapters Receive State Farm Grants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury

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

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

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

About State Farm®

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

Habitat dedicates first post-COVID Columbia home

By Jay Powell of the Columbia Daily Herald

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Habitat Williamson-Maury Adds New Home Loan Options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Dedicates Last Home of 2018

Columbia woman has a new home thanks to local supporters

By MIKE CHRISTEN mchristen@c-dh.net

A Columbia woman has a new roof over her family’s head thanks to Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury and a group of local sponsors.

Maria Ayala Munoz, who is purchasing the home through the nonprofit’s affordable-mortgage program, grew up in LaPiedad Michoacan, Mexico, and came to the United States with her parents and brother in 1995.

“I am so grateful to live in this beautiful place,” Munoz said. “We worked very hard to build a good life here, and I raised my children to work and study hard.”

The project was made possible by a group of local community partners, who have contributed $70,000 toward the home. They are Columbia Power and Water Systems, CESO, Milliken, Rotary Clubs of Williamson County and Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).

“Working with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury has been a wonderful and rewarding experience for the CPWS team,” CPWS Executive Director Scott Dahlstrom said. “We are proud to be an integral part of this community, and thrilled to have played a role in helping Maria and her family.”

This year marks the first time Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury partnered with Columbia Power and Water Systems.

“We are incredibly thankful for their partnership,” HFHWM Director of Development Kim Randell told The Daily Herald. “Thanks to CPWS and all of our generous sponsors, Maria and her family now have a safe, stable place to call home.”

Funding for the $500,000 state wide THDA grant came from the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund (THTF), which receives no state tax dollars but is instead funded by revenue from THDA’s mortgage loan program.

Since 2006, THDA has provided more than $75 million in THTF grants.

Munoz, who has worked as a cook at the Cheesecake Factory in Cool Springs for the past three years, says she is proud of her six children and considers raising hardworking, kind children her “greatest achievement.”

Munoz’s son, Jesus, who serves in the U.S. Army Reserves, says his mother instilled in him the desire to work hard and do well.

“She showed me that no matter how bad things get, to never give up, and to never lose hope,” he said. “Habitat for Humanity has given us a renewed hope, and we are so thankful. Our family is an example of hard work leading to a better life. We want to thank the sponsors of our home and let them know that their love and faith are going to help our family do great things in the future.”

Maria’s two older daughters, Ashley and Mariella are grown, but she still has four children at home: 19-year-old Jesus, 10-year-old Anthony, 30 year-old Johnathan and 2-month-old Giselle.

“I’ve been in the United States for 22 years,” Munoz said. “Raising my children in this community has been both wonderful and tough. My children do not understand not having enough food to eat when they see so much abundance around them. I have worked hard and also prayed that my children would have a better life.”

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries.

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury was fully incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International on Dec. 5, 1992.

The organization has built 236 homes in Williamson and Maury Counties, and continues to build 10-12 new homes per year.

Home construction, critical repair and neighborhood development services are funded through tax-deductible financial contributions and from local businesses, churches, civic organizations and individuals along with profits generated from their affiliate, ReStore.

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

Completed homes are sold with an affordable mortgage to the families, helping build the strength, stability and independence to build a better life.

Last month, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury celebrated a new home for Columbia resident Debbie Fleming.

The home was made available to Fleming through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury and Nissan North America. Each year for the last 12 years, Nissan has sponsored and volunteer-built a home for someone in southern Middle Tennessee.

Link to story.

Nissan Builds 12th Home with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury

Columbia women has a new home thanks to Nissan and Habitat for Humanity

By The Daily Herald

As part of a long-standing partnership with Nissan North America, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury has received a $70,000 grant this month as part of a $1 million donation to support local Habitats across the United States.

Each year, for the last 12 years, Nissan has sponsored and volunteer-built a home for the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. This year’s build began on Oct. 4 on 915 E. End St. in Columbia for future homeowner Debbie Fleming.

In December, the home will be sold to Fleming with an affordable mortgage, just in time for her to move in for Christmas.

“Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is honored to have Nissan as one of our most generous and loyal partners,” said Becket Moore, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury executive director.

“Nissan embraces community, and we at Habitat are both honored and grateful to be associated with such a socially-conscious organization,” Moore continued. “Thank you, Nissan, for your contribution to our affiliate and for your commitment to Habitat for Humanity.”

“There is a growing need for affordable housing across the U.S.,” said Andrew Tavi, Nissan division vice president, Corporate & External Affairs. “Nissan values its partnership with Habitat for Humanity because it helps build sustainable communities where our employees live and work. We look forward to working alongside future homeowners, and their experiences affirm our corporate vision to enrich people’s lives.”

In the last six years, an estimated 300 volunteers from Nissan’s corporate office in Franklin donated their time to build homes.

Nissan has contributed more than $15.5 million to Habitat nationally since the partnership began in 2005, when Nissan donated 50 trucks and mobilized employees to assist in home building following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region.

In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.

Nissan has continued its support through the years by donating an additional 96 vehicles and building 86 homes across the U.S. Nissan’s employees have logged more than 100,000 volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity.

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries.

Habitat for Humanity of Williamson and Maury counties was fully incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International on Dec. 5, 1992. The organization has built 235 homes in Williamson and Maury Counties and continue to build 10-12 new homes per year. Home construction, critical repair and neighborhood development services are funded through tax-deductible financial contributions and from local businesses, churches, civic organizations and individuals along with profits generated from their affiliate, ReStore.

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

Completed homes are sold with an affordable mortgage to the families, helping build the strength, stability and independence to build a better life.

Link to story.

Pre-school teacher buys the home she helped to build through Habitat’s Homeownership Program

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) held two home dedications on Saturday, October 13, 2018 in Columbia, TN. Sponsors, family, friends, and volunteers were on hand to celebrate the hard work of Kennita Black and Kathlene Jones, two Columbia natives who have worked alongside volunteers to build their homes over the ten weeks.

Kathlene Jones was born and raised in Columbia, TN and graduated from Central High. After high school, she completed an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Columbia State Community College and later completed a B.S. of Psychology degree at Martin Methodist College.

Kathlene currently works for the South Central Human Resource Agency as a pre‐school teacher. For 24 years, Ms. Jones lived in a mobile home that, over time, began to literally fall apart.

“The heat and air had both stopped working, and many nights I worked on lesson plans in the cold or the suffocating heat,” she recalls. “At one point, the water heater fell through the floorboards due to rotting. Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury could not have approved my application at a better time. I did not know what I was going to do and I am beyond grateful.”

Kennita Black works as a caregiver at Poplar Estates Senior Living Community in Columbia and spends her time off focused on her daughters: 10-year-old Ja’Kireya, 9-year-old Ramiya, and 4-year-old A’Keliona. She feels at home in her hometown of Columbia and wants to build on that for her daughters.

“I want people to know that I am a hard worker and I do the very best that I can for my family. My mother raised my four sisters and me by herself and struggled to provide for us. I want my girls to have more than I had growing up. I want them to feel safe, secure, and to know that there is a good future ahead for them. Thank you to my sponsors for making my dreams come true.”

The $70,000 needed to fund the “bricks and sticks” of each home was funded by 12 community partners: Community Health Services, Fifth Third Bank, First Farmers & Merchants Bank, Fourth Ave. Church of Christ, Franklin Christian Church,  Harpeth Presbyterian Church, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, St. Catherine Catholic Church, St. Peters’s Episcopal Church, St. Philip Catholic Church, St. Philip Knights of Columbus, and Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA).

Funding for the $500,000 state-wide THDA grant came from the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund (THTF), which receives no state tax dollars but is instead funded by revenue from THDA’s mortgage loan program. Since 2006, THDA has provided more than $75 million in THTF grants.

In November, HFHWM will close on and sell the homes with affordable mortgages to Black and Jones.

For additional information on our Homeownership 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.

Nissan Builds 11th Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Home

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury will receive a grant of $70,000 as part of a $1 million donation from Nissan North America to support local Habitats across the U.S.

For the last 11 years, Nissan has sponsored and volunteer-built a whole home each year for the HFHWM affiliate. This year’s HFHWM Nissan Build began on October 5th on Chester Road in Fairview, TN. Over the last six weeks, 300 volunteers from Nissan’s corporate office in Franklin donated their time to build a home with the Williams family. In December, the home will be sold to the family with an affordable, no interest mortgage, just in time for Christmas.

“Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is honored to have Nissan as one of our most generous and loyal partners,” explains HFHWM Executive Director Becket Moore. “Nissan embraces community, and we at Habitat are both honored and grateful to be associated with such a socially-conscious organization. Thank you Nissan for your contribution to our affiliate and for your commitment to Habitat for Humanity.”

Nissan employees will volunteer with Habitat in 13 communities working alongside families on home construction and revitalization projects. Nissan is also providing five Habitat organizations with Nissan TITAN trucks to be used to transport construction tools and materials.
“Nissan’s mission is to enrich people’s lives, so we value our partnership with Habitat for Humanity because it helps to build sustainable communities in the areas where our employees live and work,” said Rebecca Vest, Nissan vice president, Corporate Development and Social Responsibility. “Our employees look forward to working alongside future homeowners as they buildtheir homes. The work is enriching for those families and for our employees as they make memories that will last a lifetime.”

Nissan has contributed more than $15 million to Habitat nationally since the partnership began in 2005 when Nissan donated 50 trucks and mobilized employees to assist in home building following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region. Nissan has continued its support through the years by donating an additional 93 trucks and helping to build 85 homes across the U.S. Furthermore, Nissan’s employees have logged more than 97,000 volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity.

About Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury
For 25 years, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) has partnered with local churches, businesses, foundations, and the public sector to provide 217 Williamson and Maury County families with the opportunity to purchase their own homes. Home construction and neighborhood development is funded through tax-deductible financial contributions and in-kind donations from local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and individuals, as well as through profits generated from the affiliate’s ReStore. These contributions, along with the labor of sponsor employees, church members, high school students, and other volunteers, enable HFHWM to build and sell homes to families who qualify.

After a thorough qualification process, applicants are selected based on three criteria: the need for affordable housing, the ability to pay the mortgage, and the willingness to partner. HFHWM partner families must complete a homebuyer’s education program and earn at least 200 hours of “sweat equity” by working on their home and the homes of others. HFHWM sells the homes with an affordable mortgage to the families. For more information about our homeownership program, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.hfhwm.org.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2016, the company sold 5.63 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.72 trillion yen. Nissan engineers, manufactures and markets the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has a global workforce of 247,500 and has been partnered with French manufacturer Renault under the Renault-Nissan Alliance since 1999. In 2016, Nissan acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors, which became the third member of the Alliance – a grouping with combined annual sales of almost 10 million units a year.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Dedicates Homes to Two Single Mothers

On October 20, 2017, HFHWM dedicated two homes in the Overlook Subdivision behind Spring Hill High School. Sponsors, family, friends, and volunteers were on hand to celebrate the hard work of Chloe Jenkins and Angel Turrentine, two single mothers who have worked alongside volunteers to build their homes over the last ten weeks.

“I can’t tell you how hard Chloe and Angel have worked these past few months, ” explains HFHWM Volunteer Coordinator Rain Fisher. “They are always the first on the build site and the last to leave. They want to talk to every volunteer and thank them personally for making their dream of homeownership come true.”

Both future homeowners are employed in the healthcare field. Chloe Jenkins works at the Wang Vision Institute in Nashville and has two boys, Jacob (6) and Mason (4). Before qualifying for the Habitat Homeownership program, she kept most of her belongings packed in boxes, just in case her rent went up again and she had to move.

“My ever-increasing rent means I end up working lots of extra hours to keep our heads above water,’ she explains. ““I am so grateful for my home sponsors, not only for volunteering to help fund and build my home, but also for providing me the opportunity to improve my boys’ quality of life.”

Angel Turrentine attended Kaplan Career Center in Nashville to obtain her Medical Assistant Certification and works with patients at Heritage Medical Center in Franklin. After completing the homeownership program and getting settled in her new home, Angel plans to continue her education and become a radiologic technologist.

Turrentine shares that she is no stranger to challenges, “I come from a single parent home. My mother worked in a factory and raised my two older brothers and me on her own after my parents divorced. We lived in public housing until I was in middle school. We struggled, but we always pulled through and moved forward.”

In addition to challenging circumstances in her youth, Angel had to battle cancer as an adult. “It was definitely the most difficult life experience I have ever faced, but the hardship opened my eyes to Christ. Through Him, I believe all things are possible.” As a single parent, the possibility of a better life for her son, Latavieous Lee (10), is her primary focus.

“I want to thank my sponsors for helping me with the opportunity to become a homeowner. I will have a shorter commute to work; Latavieous will be in a better school district; and we will live in a much safer neighborhood. Thank you for giving me hope for a brighter future and a place to always call home.”

The $70,000 needed to fund the “bricks and sticks” of each home was funded by nine community partners: CapWealth Advisors, CMG Financial, Community Health Systems, First Farmers Bank, General Motors – Spring Hill Plant, Harpeth Presbyterian Church, St. Peters’s Episcopal Church, TransCanada, and Wells Fargo.

In November 2017, HFHWM will close and sell the homes with affordable, zero-interest mortgages to Turrentine and Jenkins.

Save

Save

Save