HFHWM named Finalist in State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) has been selected as one of 200 finalists in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program and is seeking help from the community to win a $25,000 grant for its Critical Home Repair program. Anyone with a valid email address can logon at https://www.neighborhoodassist.com/entry/1997781 and vote for the cause up to 10 times a day from Aug. 16-Aug. 25, 2017. The 40 causes that receive the most votes will be announced on Sept. 28, and each winner will be awarded a $25,000 grant to the implement the solution.
“In the two counties that HFHWM serves, there are hundreds of families in desperate need of critical repairs,” explains HFHWM Director of Homeowner Services Wayne Weaver. “From leaking roofs to wheelchair ramps, Habitat has the knowledge, skills, and labor to help homeowners with repairs on a budget they can afford. The only missing ingredient is funding to help cover the costs of materials. This grant will help HFHWM to perform at least 10 more major repairs at discounted rates to keep homeowners safe and warm, and from being displaced from their homes. Please vote every day and help a family in need!”
State Farm Neighborhood Assist is a crowd-sourced philanthropic initiative that lets communities determine where grant funding is awarded. The initiative utilizes the State Farm Review Committee to vet submissions for causes and empowers the community to vote for the final 40 grant winners. The program has been inspired by the incredible number of neighborhoods that are coming together to solve a problem or improve their community.
2017 Hammers & High Heels raises $61,000 for Women Build home
On June 3, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury held its seventh annual Hammers & High Heels Women Build fundraiser at the at The Factory, 230 Franklin Road, in Franklin, TN from 6:30 – 11:00 pm.
Attendees were treated to Rubiks Groove’s 80’s & 90’s “Out of the Box Dance Party,” hand-crafted cocktails from Gray’s on Main and H Clark Distillery, wine and beer from Lipman Brothers, agourmet buffet from Catering by Suzette, delectable desserts from the Cheesecake Factory and Triple Crown Bakery, and huge silent auction with original artwork, specialty items from downtown Franklin, restaurant gift certificates, rounds of golf, a guitar signed by Country Superstar Brad Paisley, tickets to Disney World, an HP Elitebook, and a handmade table by the event’s emcees, Lex and Alana LaBlanc from HGTV’s “Listed Sisters.”
The event was a huge success, raising $61,000 to help fund the “bricks and sticks” of Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury’s eighth Women Build. Construction on the Women Build home began on April 22nd, and the home was dedicated on June 10th. Volunteers, most of which were women, partnered with single mother Stephanie Dixon to build a three-bedroom home in the Natchez neighborhood of Franklin, TN. Stephanie is a Franklin native who has been employed with APCOM, Inc. for the past 31 years. Ms. Dixon has an eleven-year-old daughter, Ronesha, who is very active at West Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church where she sings in the choir and dances with the praise team. Stephanie is delighted to be able to buy an affordable home where she can raise her beautiful daughter in a stable, safe environment.
HFHWM would like to thank our generous sponsors, Censis Technologies, Pinnacle Bank, Music City Masonry, Nissan, Diversicare, Cool Springs International, Cybera, Toyota of Cool Springs, Staffing Technologies, the Cummings family. We would also like to thank in-kind sponsors Perfect Party Pix; Image 360; Sarah Bailey Photography; SpringTree Media; Stoney River; Softspace; Journal Communications; Nashville Home, House, and Garden; the Williamson Herald; and all the local businesses who donated so generously to the silent auction.
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Listed Sisters Swing Hammers with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury
‘From the ground up,’ “Listed Sisters” help with local Habitat House
By Carole Robinson • Senior Staff Writer
Alana and Lex LeBlanc from HGTV’s program “Listed Sisters” showed up recently to help work on the Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Women’s Build on Natchez Street.
Both of the identical twins live in Williamson County – Lex in Brentwood and Alana in Franklin – and were compelled to give back to their community by supporting a project that empowers women and encourages them to “step out of their comfort zone.”
They worked along side new homeowner Stephanie Dixon, a single mom and her daughter Ronesha.
“We volunteered to be Habitat for Humanity Women Build ambassadors from the ground up,” Alana said.
This is Dixon’s first home and she is excited to be moving in.
“We are excited to be able to live in the county I was born and raised in,” She said. “Being able to own my own home and raise my daughter here is a blessing.”
Dixon has worked every weekend along with the more than 50 volunteers to build her home. She will receive the keys to her home along with the zero interest mortgage papers on Saturday, June 10.
Alana and Lex will be emcees and guests of honor at HFHWM’s annual Hammers & High Heels fundraiser on Saturday, June 3, at Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin. The sisters donated a coffee table they built to be auctioned at the event.
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Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Dedicates First Homes of the Year to Three Single Mothers
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury Dedicates First Homes of the Year to Three Single Mothers
On Thursday, April 27, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury dedicated three new affordable homes to local families in need. These are the first 3 homes of 10 that the Habitat affiliate will build or rehab this year by partnering with local churches, civic groups, businesses, and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency New Start Loan Program.
This spring marks the 17th year students from Williamson County high schools have banded together to fund and build a home with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury. More than 200 students from 7 high schools joined Habitat’s construction team, future homeowners, and community volunteers to help build a home for single mother Kayla White and her son, Javin (8).
Kayla works for the Drury Plaza Hotel in Franklin. She travels 60 miles a day to work and lives in area lives that she describes as “less than optimum” for her son’s upbringing. Ms. White experienced homelessness as a young girl, so having a stable home for Javin has great meaning to her. “My mother and I would have to wander all night, not knowing where we would lay our heads. Thanks to the goodness of a stranger, we got back on our feet. Someone gave us a hand up, much as Habitat is doing now. I am so grateful to my sponsors for believing in me. I want to give them a big hug, look them in the eyes, and say thank you.”
Kayla’s future neighbor Sharniece Rayford is also a single parent who joined the Habitat Homeownership program to obtain the strength, stability, and self-reliance that an affordable home provides. After attending Mt. Pleasant High School, Sharniece received her Certificate in Medical Assisting from Fortis Institute. Currently, she works as a certified medical assistant at Heritage Women’s Center in Franklin and is taking classes at Columbia State University to become a registered nurse.
The $70,000 sponsorship needed for the “bricks and sticks” of her home were jointly sponsored by Publix and Bridgestone. This is the second year Publix has sponsored a HFHWM home, but a first-time partnership for Bridgestone.
“Bridgestone is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury for such a worthwhile
endeavor,” notes Brian Cunningham, Vice President of Sales & Service for Bridgestone Americas. “Bridgestone’s teammates are committed to helping in our communities and assisting with this home build enabled us to do just that. It is one small way that Bridgestone can give back.”
Just down the street, Sedric McFall’s home was built by 29 local homebuilders and contractors during HFHWM’s 6th annual Home Builders Blitz. Habitat’s Builders Blitz is a partnership between Habitat affiliates and the building community to build and renovate homes across the United States, helping to fulfill Habitat’s vision of “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” This type of build began in 2006 and has resulted in more than 1,700 safe, affordable homes across the country. Builders and Habitat affiliates work closely to organize all aspects of building, including securing subcontractors and suppliers, fundraising, and seeking donations of materials.
Huskey Truss and Building Supply has partnered with Habitat Williamson-Maury for more than 10 years and has participated in the Home Builders Blitz since 2009. President Jim Huskey explains what keeps their commitment strong. “We know Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury does a great job by not only offering quality built homes, but homes that are in keeping with the aesthetics of the surrounding communities and trends in today’s new construction. We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity to help make homeownership possible for families who wouldn’t have that chance otherwise.”
Ms. McFall lives with her parents and three-year-old son, Nehemiah, in Columbia and has worked at APCOM in Franklin for the past three years. Although her parents own their home, it is much too small for a family of four and is in serious need of repairs. Sedric has always wanted a place of her own, but has been unable to find an apartment she could afford to rent. Studies show that rental costs, as well as mortgages, continue to climb rapidly in the Greater Nashville area. The average rent for an two-bedroom apartment in Williamson County was more than $1200 per month in 2016, making it increasingly difficult to for families to secure affordable housing.
“My parents taught me the value of homeownership and how to save my money,” McCall explains. “I most look forward to having our own space where we can celebrate special occasions with our loved ones. I cannot express how excited I am and how grateful I feel to those who are helping make this happen for me and my son.”
After the dedications, the houses were sold to these families with an affordable mortgage.
For additional information on our Homeownership Program or Critical Repair Program or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please contact Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury hosts second annual Hab-a-Splash! & Winter Festival
Dropping temps don’t ‘hamper the fun’ at Habitat’s Hab-a-Splash
By Carole Robinson • Senior Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 28, 2017-
All things considered, quite a few brave – or maybe crazy – people young and older turned out Saturday morning to make a splash at the second annual Hab-a-Splash benefiting Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury.
Just 24 hours earlier, temperatures were approaching 80 degrees but by jump time on Saturday the thermometer had dropped to about 45 degrees and winds between 11 and 21 mph at the Westhaven Resident’s Pool – but the sun was shining brightly.
In spite of the weather, there was a carnival-like atmosphere around the pool with music and games to occupy the whole family as participants and spectators awaited the first plunge.
“It was a brisk 45 degrees, but didn’t hamper the fun in any way,” said Jennee Galland, HFHWM director of communications. “We want to thank all our sponsors, attendees and those who raised funds to jump to support Habitat Williamson-Maury.”
Pool water was a warm 58 degrees, according to Traci Blue, co-owner of Sweetwater Pool Maintenance, the company that maintains the Westhaven pool year-round. It was higher than expected, but the brisk wind negated any warmth the bright sun might have provided.
Tristan Rettich, one of three lifeguards on duty, was ready to do his job if needed but hoped he wouldn’t be needed.
“I’ll do what I have to do if needed, but I’ve got my fingers crossed I don’t have to go in,” he said.
Unfortunately for Rettich and the other guards, Shawn Blue, co-owner of Sweetwater Pool Maintenance, decided to challenge the lifeguards to make a jump. They did and he donated $100 for each to HFHWM and a bonus in their paychecks.
“It was kind of cold,” said lifeguard Chris Cretty, who moved to Tennessee from Long Island, N.Y. He had managed to escape the annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear jumps in New York, he said, “but this is for a good cause.”
A group of boys representing St. Matthew’s School made the jump.
“It stung a lot,” Clint Russell said.
“It was great but it was colder than I thought,” said Brient Mills. “It was worth it and a lot of fun.”
“It was too cold,” said Jack Mills.
After the jump and still in their wet bathing suits, the group of 8- to 10-year olds wandered over to DJ Louis Lee to dance … and warm up while parents went to food trucks outside the pool for hot chocolate and warm food.
The final jump of the day included the two dancing polar bears and another donation from Shawn Blue.
“Every dollar we raised at the event will go straight to the materials needed to build affordable homes for local, qualifying families,” Galland said. “Please visit www.hfhwm.org to learn how you can join as a volunteer, sponsor, future homeowner, or donor.”
2017 Women Build Kickoff Event
Each spring more than 10,000 women raised their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week. National Women Build challenges women to devote at least one day to help build affordable housing in their local communities.
We begin work on our eighth annual Women Build home on April 22, 2017 in Franklin, TN.
Habitat Williamson-Maury will be holding its 2017 Women Build kickoff event at The Drury Plaza Hotel on Saturday, March 4, 2017 and welcomes both men and women who might interested in learning more about volunteering on this build.
- Saturday, March 4
- The Drury Plaza Hotel -1874 West McEwen Drive Franklin, TN 37067
- 3:00pm to 5:00pm
- At 3:45, there will be a short presentation & tips on fundraising for the build.
- Veteran Women Build participants will be on hand to answer questions.
- Light appetizers will be served.
- Drinks, including wine & beer, can be purchased.
The sponsorship cost of the home is $70,000. Each volunteer who participates has a fundraising goal of $250 to go toward the cost of the house, and a volunteer goal of at least 1 day. To help participants raise money, a toolkit is provided with ideas and step-by-step instructions on how to raise the funds. In addition, Lowe’s and HFHWM will also offer optional, in-store workshops on Saturday mornings prior to the build to help participants learn skills for the build site. No experience in either fundraising or house-building is necessary.
The event is free, but please register so we can plan accordingly:
https://womenbuild2017.eventbrite.com
Want to know more about Women Build? Check out this video and the information below.
New Critical Repair Program
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson-Maury Expands Services to Help Homeowners in Need
New Critical Repair Program to help families maintain homes
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson-Maury (HFHWM), is now offering a Critical Home Repair Program for local homeowners, in addition to its homeownership program for families wanting to purchase a new home with an affordable mortgage.
Critical home repair means that the property must have at least one critical need. Examples include unsafe roof or floor, lack of heat, electrical and plumbing hazards, foundation issues, floor and wall replacement, ramps or accessibility needs, and/or interior/exterior work needed to maintain home.
Homeowners must reside in a single-family detached home and must have occupied the home for at least three years. This program is only for residents of Williamson or Maury Counties.
Applications are available on the HFHWM website www.hfhwm.org or at the HFHWM administration office at 511 West Meade Blvd. All applications and required documentation MUST be turned in via mail or in person to the HFHWM admin office by Friday, October 14, 2016.
“We receive phone calls daily from families in need of critical repair services,” explains HFHWM Director of Family Services Wayne Weaver. “I have witnessed many families that live without heat or air conditioning, with leaking roofs, or with the need for a wheelchair ramp. My hope is that community organizations will see and support the need by partnering with us from a financial and volunteer perspective.”
For additional information or to get involved as a sponsor or volunteer for the Critical Repair Program, please contact Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
Click on image below to download flyer.
Join Our Thursday Volunteer Build Group
Calling all handymen and women, wood workers and weekend warriors!
We are creating a new volunteer build group that will meet every Thursday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Volunteers can come every week or any week that works for them. No formal construction experience is needed and hands-on training is provided.
Interested on being on the email list for opportunities?
Email Volunteer Development Manager Rain Fisher or call her at 615-550-5619. You can also sign up at thursdaybuilds.eventbrite.com.
Help us win $7500 from DowCorps during the #WelcomeHome Photo Contest!
Vote for Habitat for Humanity!
The easiest vote you will make this election season
Vote here: http://bit.ly/29ZyqAD
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) is asking the community to vote on their photo to win $7500 from DowCorps during the #WelcomeHome photo contest, which runs from July 25 to 31.
The process is simple and easy. Supporters vote for HFHWM’s photo every 24 hours by visiting http://bit.ly/29ZyqAD or through HFHWM’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hfhwm.
The winning grant help fund HFHWM’s 2017 Habitat High Build, which engages hundreds of Williamson County High School students to fund and build a home from the ground up with a local family. After the five-week build, the family will purchase the home with an affordable zero-interest mortgage.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
Habitat Williamson-Maury Celebrates National Women Build Week
2015 Top 12 American Idol Finalist Sarina-Joi Crowe joined more than 50 Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury volunteers and Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers on Saturday, May 7, 2016 to help local families build or repair a decent and affordable place they can call home. Saturday’s project was part of Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week, which takes place April 30-May 8. The project also supports “Home for the Holidays,” a nationwide initiative launched by Lowe’s and Habitat for Humanity to work alongside 1,000 families to help them build or repair their homes by December.
Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week is a weeklong event created by its Women Build program that invites women to devote at least one day to help families build strength, stability and independence through housing. The week is meant to spotlight the homeownership challenges faced by women. Lowe’s donated $2 million to Habitat’s 2016 National Women Build Week and will provide the support of Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers. The home improvement chain will also conduct how-to clinics at stores to teach volunteers construction skills.
This is Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury’s seventh annual Women Build home. Volunteers began constructing the home on April 2nd in Franklin, TN and have worked alongside future homeowner Anyiir Aguto each weekend. The home will be completed and dedicated to the Aguto family on June 2nd.
In 2001, Anyiir came to the United States from the Sudan as a refugee of war. She was one of an estimated 20,000 children who later became known as “The Lost Boys.” These children, most of whom were 4 to 12 years old, fled their villages and families, most walking for more than a thousand miles to escape death or induction into the northern army. Anyiir and her brother were able to walk to Kenya and three years later came to the United States when she was only 15. Anyiir is delighted to be able to buy an affordable home where she can raise her two beautiful daughters, Atong (12) and Ayen (11). Her energy-efficient, craftsman-style home will be sold to her at no profit and with a 0% interest mortgage.
“Educating my girls is the most important thing to me, and I am thankful they can attend school here in Franklin,” Anyiir explains. “I am so grateful to Lowe’s and to all the volunteers who are making my home a reality.”
