Habitat Williamson-Maury Dedicates Two New Homes in Fairview
- Tiffiney Taylor accepts the keys to her new home, which will be purchased at cost and with a zero-interest mortgage.
On Sunday, October 5, more than 50 friends, family members, and well-wishers were on hand to bless and celebrate two new Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury homes in the Brandenburg Subdivision of Fairview, TN. On October 24, the houses will be sold at cost and with zero-interest mortgages to Marian Glenn and Tiffiney Taylor.
Future homeowner Tiffiney Taylor worked every weekend for eight weeks alongside volunteers from her sponsoring organizations VGT, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and the Rotary Clubs of Williamson County. Her home also received financing funding from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. She is ecstatic and can’t wait to close on her home. “I’m overly excited and blessed,” she says with a giant grin. “My life is about to change, and I can’t wait!”
Her new neighbor to-be, Marian Glenn, has never owned a home, but had parents who were homeowners. “They were always making improvements to their residence,” she says. “I want to embrace the values and pride that I saw my parents take in their home and execute them.”
The $70,000 needed to fund Marian’s home, as well as the volunteer manpower, was provided by a collaboration of churches, which included Franklin Christian Church, Harpeth Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, First Baptist Church of Fairview, and St. Matthew Catholic Church.
Pastor Rick Morrison of First Baptist Church of Fairview enjoyed how the project engaged both new and old members of his church family. “A lot of new members came out to be part of this project, and we were able to get to know each other by while working toward the same goal,” he explained. “This was a great way to minister in the community, and I want to thank everyone from Fairview First Baptist and all the other church groups that helped. We were blessed to be able to serve this great family and look forward to building with Habitat again.”
Glenn, a recent cancer survivor, and her children, Megan (26), Jennifer (24), Shannon (22), and Brad (19), have been struggling with the loss of both husband and father in recent months. The sudden passing of her husband in December of 2013 left the family struggling to make ends meet on Ms. Glenn’s limited income. She works two jobs in Cool Springs – one at TJ Maxx and the other at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Brad and Jennifer are both college students, and Shannon, who has Down Syndrome, is very active with Special Olympics and Best Buddies of Tennessee.
“If you had told me two years ago that in 2014 I would be a widow working two jobs, a breast cancer survivor, and a prospective owner of a Habitat for Humanity home, I would have said you have the wrong lady. My life has taken many dramatic turns and the opportunity to own a home through this program is a blessing! I thank my sponsors on behalf of my family for the hand up, not a hand out.”
Habitat for Humanity Affiliates Hit 4,000 House Milestone
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On September 26, Habitat for Humanity celebrated the beginning of its 4000th house built in the State of Tennessee with a wall raising ceremony. Over 50 supporters came from all over the State to mark this important milestone, including Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, and members of several Tennessee Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
The home is being built by host affiliate Habitat for Humanity of Williamson and Maury Counties for Harold Allen, a local Vietnam Veteran.
Tennessee consists of 50 Habitat affiliates that serve 62 counties. Each Habitat affiliate is a grassroots organization; locally operated by a board of directors from their community; every affiliate is financially self-sustaining and all affiliates function under the umbrella of Habitat for Humanity International.
Habitat Williamson-Maury is also proudly celebrating their 20 year anniversary. The Franklin-based affiliate has built 147 homes serving over 550 children and adults in an area of the State where affordable housing is harder and harder to find. “Habitat can only build homes through the generosity of sponsorship support and the volunteer participation of individuals, churches, businesses, companies, and civic groups. Each partnership creates a powerful ripple effect”, explained Becket Moore, executive director of Habitat Williamson-Maury, “We are honored to host this landmark build, which is made all the more special by serving Vietnam Veteran Harold Allen.”
Harold Allen, a native of Franklin, graduated with the last segregated senior class from Natchez High School, which is now Franklin High. Allen was raised by his grandmother along with his three sisters and one brother. Neither his parents, nor his grandparents, were homeowners. However, Allen has always held onto the American Dream of homeownership.
Life after active duty has been difficult for Allen. He has two artificial hips, has endured three strokes, and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Nonetheless, he focuses on his blessings and never lets his challenges affect his efforts to give back. Allen enjoys helping local charities and is also active at Limestone Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin.
“Celebrating this milestone with Vietnam Veteran Harold Allen is truly an honor,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, “Mr. Allen will soon have his first mortgage loan to repay, which I know will make him very proud as it does all who will witness this rewarding accomplishment in his life.”
Habitat sells homes to the partner family at cost and provides them with a 0% mortgage while ensuring their housing costs do not exceed 30% of their income. Habitat families are partners; they invest “sweat equity” hours by helping with construction and attend mandatory homeowner counseling classes to prepare them for homeownership. Families are selected based on their level of need, willingness to partner in the Habitat program, and their ability to pay a mortgage. Homeowner mortgage payments are recycled through a “Fund for Humanity,” which is used to build even more homes.
Sponsors of the 4000th house build are Capella Healthcare, Eco-Energy, The National Funeral Directors Association, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Puckett’s Restaurants, Sony Music, UL, and Tennessee Housing Development Agency.
Franklin-based Eco-Energy has graciously sponsored two-thirds of the build. “At Eco-Energy, we believe in empowering our people to make a difference not just in business, but in the environment and in our communities,” explains the company’s President and CEO Chad Martin. “We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity and we are honored to work with Mr. Allen on his new home in Franklin. We appreciate the sacrifice made by Mr. Allen and all United States Military Veterans that fight for the great freedoms we get to enjoy in Williamson County.”
“The FHLBank is proud of its longstanding partnership with Tennessee Habitat for Humanity and its affiliates,” said Damon Allen, Senior Vice President & Community Investment Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. “Since the inception of the Affordable Housing Program in 1990, the FHLBank and its member financial institutions have provided almost $17 million in subsidy towards the construction of over 1,500 of the 4,000 Habitat homes built in Tennessee. We look forward to continuing this partnership well into the future.”
“THDA is proud to support the work of Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Tennessee and proud to have contributed to this milestone accomplishment of 4000 houses built, 4000 families assisted,” said Ralph M. Perrey, THDA executive director. “THDA provides grant support through its Housing Trust Fund to help affiliates lower construction costs, and many Habitat families use THDA New Start loans to make their home even more affordable.”
Harold Allen can’t wait to get to get to work on the build site and has big plans for his new home. He envisions planting flowers and vegetables in his future garden and spending time with his adult children. He wants it to be a haven of peace and a place where friends and family can share in his joy.
Harold’s gratitude is boundless. “Thank you for fulfilling my dream of owning a home. I thank God for sending an angel. You have really touched my heart – not only for sponsoring my home, but for all of the other families that are blessed with the homes that you build.”
The home’s dedication will be will be on Veterans Day, November 11th at 1:00 p.m. For more photos, click here.
Habitat Williamson Merges with Maury County Affiliate
About a year ago, I received a call from our neighboring affiliate, the Maury County Habitat for Humanity, asking if we would like to consider a new partnership. Under a previous arrangement, Habitat Williamson was already helping to serve the area, building four homes per year in the northern part of Maury County just behind Spring Hill High School. The Maury County affiliate was building more south, completing one to two homes per year in Columbia and Mount Pleasant. After many individual and collective board discussions between the two affiliates, we finalized a merger to form Habitat for Humanity of Williamson-Maury in July 2014.
I am both proud and honored to be involved in the exciting future of this affiliate. In essence, the partnership between the Williamson and Maury Habitat affiliates enhances the capacity to serve more hard-working families in need from both counties. Our goal in 2015-16 is to build 2 homes in Franklin, 4 in Spring Hill, 4 in Fairview, and 4 in Columbia for a total of 14 families served.
God, family, and community are the heart of Habitat. The “theology of the hammer” is a term that Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity, used for many years to emphasize the organization’s mission of putting God’s love into action. Most literally, the term refers to building houses, nail by nail, until a qualifying family moves into their new home. This theology is also about bringing a wide variety of people, churches, businesses, and groups together to build houses and establish viable communities.
Mr. Fuller’s words and work are still the foundation of Habitat, as we would not be able to fulfill our mission without the support of our community sponsors and volunteers. We are sincerely grateful for their support in both counties and excited about the great possibilities that lie ahead. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
In Partnership,
Becket Moore
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury
Local Builders Construct Habitat Home in Twelve Days During Home Builders Blitz
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On Friday, July 18, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County will dedicate its 147th home to Tony McLemore, Latrese Thompson, and their two children. This is the 6th of 12 houses that Habitat Williamson will complete this year by partnering with local churches, civic groups, businesses, and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency to provide hard-working, low-income Williamson and Maury County families with the opportunity to purchase their own homes with zero-interest mortgages.
The house will be completed in just 12 days by local homebuilders and contractors during the third annual Home Builders Blitz build. Habitat’s Home 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 2002 in Wake Forest, NC and since then has resulted in more than 1,000 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.
Our thanks to the following companies who came together to partner on this home:
Alley-Cassetty Companies, American Heating and Cooling, Apcom, Bowers Masonry, Brannan Backhoe and Concrete, Cree Products, Dow, Ferguson Enterprises, Flow Construction, GAF, Hunter Douglas, Huskey Lumber, Integrity Roofing TN, John Maher Builders, The Jones Company, Kenny Pipe and Supply, Lee Company, Metro Carpets, Mike Ford Custom Builders, Real Green Solutions, Rogers Group, 31-W Insulation,Valley Interior Products, Valspar, The Whirlpool Corporation, Wilsonart and Yale Locks and Hardware.
John Maher Builders has partnered with Habitat Williamson for more than 10 years and has participated in the Home Builders Blitz since 2011. President John Maher explains what keeps their commitment strong. “At John Maher Builders, we work hard to stay in tune with what homeowners are looking for. Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County certainly does a great job of that as well, 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.”
The Home Builders Blitz’s future homeowners Tony McLemore and Latrese Thompson both work at the Target in Cool Springs. They have one son, Da’shon (5), and one daughter, Mariah (8), and look forward to stabilizing their family life with a permanent residence. They are counting down the days until they close on their new home. “Owning my own home will change everything because it will make me more responsible,” explains Tony. “I will become a better role model for my kids. It is a blessing from God, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
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 to Dedicate Last Homes of the Season to Three Single Mothers
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Habitat Williamson named as a benefiting charity for the 2nd Annual Delek Charity Golf Invitational
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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
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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.
