Habitat for Humanity celebrates anniversary with banquet, special build

By ALLEN MINCEY

Oct 18, 2025

Another successful year for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland gave the group a chance to toot their horns Thursday night at a special banquet, but also to make plans for a special event coming up to celebrate the 35 years of assistance they have provided.

The second annual “Blueprints and Blue Jeans” banquet was held at The Vineyard at Howe Farms, where several hundred Habitat supporters not only had a special dinner and were thanked for their help to the organization, but also had a chance to make donations to Habitat through a silent auction and by making contributions at the event.

Highlights from the banquet were testimonials from two individuals who were recipients of Habitat homes, and one who will soon see her new home begin construction.

Ricky Hale, the son of Duel and Sue Hale and, with his twin brother Mickey, were one of the two initial families whose homes were built on Starlet Circle in 1990, spoke about how moving into the home changed his life.

“Being a part of the Habitat family has meant more than me than anything you can ever imagine. This has been a family to me for the past 35 years,” Hale said. “This is the best blessing that my family has ever had.”

Destiny Peace, another Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home recipient, was featured in a video that showed the history of her build.

She remembered right after moving into the new home from other places that were not very good, that “we got up the next morning and we could see the light through the windows. There was no nasty smell. There was was no messy smell, there was no sad feeling. It was just this amazing, this normal, this is our new life that we used to start this new chapter.”

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Executive Director David Gray presented some statistics for the audience to ponder:

• 173 families have gotten their own homes;

• Almost 300 lives were changed over 35 years; and

• 177 other families who have received home repairs on their homes since year 2000.

But he really wanted to focus on the people, not the numbers.

“When families come into our program … I know how their life is going to change as soon as they move from those bad conditions into a stable, secure, safe environment,” Gray said. “What I say all the time is, we're not just building homes, we're not just building neighborhoods, we are impacting generations.”

That new generation might be Orville Alley, who with his mom Brooke, will soon see their home being built. This home will be done in a very special way.

“We're doing a 35th anniversary build, and we're going to attempt to build a house in 35 days,” Gray said. "This home will be the new home of Brook and her son, and she told the audience Thursday that she can’t wait to get started."

Gray told her and the audience that just before the “Blueprints and Blue Jeans” event, Habitat was informed that they had received permission to begin clearing the lot for the new home.

Two of the Habitat homeowners were special winners at the banquet as they participated the Drive for Hope fundraiser, helping to raise money for Habitat with the homeowner raising the most receiving a free vehicle from Easy Auto.

Leticia Smith, who moved into her Habitat home in 2011, was the winner of the vehicle. Smith, a transplant recipient who regularly takes oral chemo and travels to Chattanooga and Nashville for appointments but does not have a vehicle, raised the most donations and now has the transportation she so desperately needed.

Sysha Blair, a more recent Habitat recipient, brought in the second highest amount of contributions, and was awarded gifts from Food City.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will have its next home dedication in November, as which time it will also start on the 35-day build. To keep up with Habitat events, or to learn more about the organization, visit www.habitatofcleveland.org.

Special items available at Habitat auction

By: STAFF REPORTS

October 9, 2025

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has unveiled a selection of exclusive, handcrafted auction items that will be featured during its annual Blueprints & Blue Jeans fundraising event set for Thursday, Oct. 16, at The Vineyard at Howe Farms.

The event begins with a cocktail hour from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by the program, which will take place from 6:30-8 p.m.

The Vineyard at Howe Farms is located at 7600 Runyan Road in Georgetown.

Government shutdown coincides with fastest debt surge in years - now at $38 trillion

This year’s collection includes custom outdoor living pieces designed and built by Brian Welch, Habitat’s construction director and owner of Woodnook Company.

The one-of-a-kind items range from elegant seating to distinctive backyard features, each crafted to enhance outdoor spaces with exceptional craftsmanship and style.

Delivery and setup are included for all winning bidders.

The pieces are currently on display at the Tractor Supply Co. parking lot in Cleveland, where community members can view them in person before placing their bids.

The auction is open to the public, and participants do not need to be present to bid or win.

Community members can view items and place bids online at www.habitatofcleveland.org.

“Blueprints & Blue Jeans is more than just a celebration — it’s a chance for our community to come together and create meaningful change,” said David Gray, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. “Having Brian, who leads our construction work every day, also contribute his talent through these handcrafted pieces makes this year’s event especially special.”

Proceeds from the Blueprints & Blue Jeans event support Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s ongoing mission to provide affordable housing opportunities and empower families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through homeownership.

For more information about the event, to place a bid, or to support Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, visit www.habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat to build home in 35 days for anniversary

Posted Sep 2, 2025

By ALLEN MINCEY

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland turns 35 years old this year, and to celebrate that accomplishment, the organization has two special events lined up for October.

On Oct. 20, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland plans to build a new home to celebrate its 35 years … in 35 days. The home will be located at 125 Carlos Way, which the organization says is “a fast-paced community effort celebrating 35 years of building homes, hope and opportunity in Cleveland.”

The new home “will benefit Brooke Alley and her son, Orville, and will be powered by an incredible coalition of local partners and suppliers donating materials and labor. It’s the story of a community rolling up its sleeves to accelerate homeownership for a hardworking local family.”

Brooke’s story is one that mirrors many who have received a new home through Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. She and her son are living in their mother’s basement now, and have moved from place to place but never had one that felt like home.

“More than anything, she wants Orville to have a place he knows he’ll always be safe — a place to call home,” the Habitat profile says of the new homeowner. “Every day, Brooke holds on to her dream and she can feel the excitement building. She’s not just waiting for a house; she’s waiting for a new beginning. A place where they can settle, create new memories and finally just be. It’s all love, hard work and anticipation as they count down the days to their fresh start.”

Just days before the 35-day build begins, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will host another special event — the 2025 Blueprints and Blue Jeans Beyond the Doorway dinner.

The event will highlight Habitat’s 35 years of service in Cleveland and Bradley County, as well as give donors a chance to help the organization continue its work in the community.

Blueprints and Blue Jeans will be held on Oct. 16 at The Vineyard at Howe Farms, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with cocktail hour. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

“Set at the beautiful Howe Farms, this relaxed, denim-friendly event features a delicious BBQ dinner, a cocktail hour and an inspiring program showcasing the transformational power of homeownership,” according to Habitat promotional material. “You’ll hear firsthand stories from families whose lives have been changed through Habitat’s work and have the opportunity to make a direct impact through our paddle raise.”

Registration for the event is available through the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland website at www.habitatofcleveland.org.

Gray named new CEO of Habitat for Humanity

Posted February 15, 2025

By CLEVELAND DAILY BANNER STAFF REPORTS

David Gray has been named Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland's new chief executive officer.

Having previously served as Habitat’s ReStore director, Gray will officially step into the role on March 17.

"With a deep passion for Habitat’s mission and a history of leadership in both nonprofit and retail operations, Gray brings a wealth of experience and a heart for service to this role," a press release stated. "His familiarity with the organization and the Cleveland community makes him uniquely positioned to lead Habitat forward, continuing its mission of building homes, communities and hope."

Gray succeeds Tammy Johnson, who has served as CEO with dedication and vision. Johnson will remain in an advisory role through the end of June to ensure a smooth transition.

"We are thrilled to welcome David back to the Habitat team," Karen Colley, board president of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, said. "His leadership, experience, and passion for affordable housing will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve families in need."

Expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity, Gray said, “I am honored to return to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland in this new capacity. This organization has always held a special place in my heart, and I look forward to working alongside our incredible staff, volunteers and supporters to further our impact in the community.”

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has been transforming lives through affordable housing for over 35 years, partnering with families to build strength, stability and self-reliance through homeownership.

For more information, visit habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat for Humanity honors future homeowners in heartfelt dedication ceremony

Posted January 28, 2025

By CLEVELAND DAILY BANNER STAFF REPORTS

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland recently gathered for two home dedication ceremonies.

On Jan. 23, Flor Figueroa and Brenda Ware were surrounded by family, friends and their church congregations at the site of their newly constructed precast homes.

"The event highlighted resilience, faith and the transformative power of community," a press release stated.

To get to this point, Figueroa and Ware had to complete Habitat’s homeownership program, including educational classes and hundreds of sweat equity hours, with the support of their Cleveland community.

The ceremony featured moments of prayer and blessings, as Habitat staff, church leaders and volunteers shared heartfelt messages for the families and their future homes.

Among the inspiring stories shared was Figueroa's remarkable journey of love and perseverance. In 1972, she and her late husband, Eliseo, began building a life together, raising three children and welcoming fourteen grandchildren. After Eliseo’s passing last year, Figueroa has continued to honor their shared dream of homeownership.

With Habitat’s support, that dream is now becoming a reality. Figueroa looks forward to hosting her church family and creating new memories with her loved ones in her new home.

Ware, a retired preschool teacher and devoted mother of four, has faced her share of challenges, but her faith and determination have always been consistent.

Through Habitat, she has found not only the promise of a safe and affordable home, but also a newfound friendship with Figueroa, who will soon live right across the street from her. Ware looks forward to building a future filled with cherished moments with her children and grandchildren.

The dedication ceremony closed with words of gratitude for the donors, volunteers and community partners who made these homes possible. Amid song and prayer, this dedication was not only a celebration of Figueroa and Ware's new beginnings, but also an acknowledgement of the collective work and faith that brought their journey of homeownership to fruition.

"Their stories are powerful reminders that a home is more than a building — it is the foundation for memories, a place of safety and a source of lasting joy," the press release stated. "Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland extends thanks to all who contributed to these homes. Whether a volunteer, donor, neighbor or family, the home would not have been possible without the work of many hands."

The press release concluded, saying, "Together, we continue to build homes, communities and hope, ensuring that families like Figueroa's and Ware's have the strength and stability that come from a home built by their community."

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, visit habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat CEO Johnson announces upcoming resignation

Posted November 14, 2024

By CLEVELAND DAILY BANNER STAFF REPORTS

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has announced the upcoming resignation of its CEO, Tammy Johnson, according to a press statement from the organization today, Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Johnson’s departure follows her husband’s acceptance of a new professional opportunity in Birmingham, Alabama, resulting in the family's plans to relocate to that city, Habitat said.

Habitat said Johnson "has been a driving force behind HFHOC's success and growth, leaving a lasting impact on the Cleveland/Bradley County community."

Beginning as the development director, Johnson progressed in leadership roles, "demonstrating great dedication and impactful contributions," leading to her appointment as CEO in October 2017.

During her seven-year tenure as CEO, Habitat said Johnson has been "pivotal in advancing HFHOC’s mission to foster relationships and connect neighbors to resources to support their path to stability."

Under her leadership, the organization said it has achieved significant milestones, including financial stability and growth.

During her tenure, Habitat said it has closed on more than 40 new homes, developed the new Morelock Meadows subdivision, and implemented the building of multi-unit and pre-cast homes.

The organization has retired nearly $500,000 in debt and established the Hope for Habitat Endowment in 2020, growing the endowment to more than $1.1 million.

"She led the team to secure the largest grant in HFHOC’s history at over $760,000, and the ReStore continues to excel with record-breaking sales," Habitat said.

Additionally, it has also won four consecutive Habitat of Tennessee State Impact Awards under Johnson’s leadership, including Affiliate, Leader, ReStore and Trailblazer of the Year.

Johnson said, "It's been a tremendous gift to work alongside such a talented team of staff, board members, volunteers, and community friends with a true commitment to serve and love our neighbors."

"I’m incredibly thankful God led me to [Habitat], and for the opportunity I’ve had to make meaningful relationships with our community and team," she said.

Karen Colley, Habitat's board president, said, “Tammy’s investment in this organization over the past seven years, her visionary, compassionate, and insightful servant leadership, has left a legacy that will continue to create opportunities to serve our neighbors in the immediate future and well beyond.”

Dr. Dewayne Thompson, the board's president-elect, said Johnson "has been an incredible leader for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, steering the organization with unwavering commitment and a deep passion for the community."

“Her impact on affordable housing in our area is profound, and her dedication to the families we serve will be felt for years to come," he said. "We are grateful for her service and wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

Habitat said it has appointed a dedicated search committee composed of the board president, president-elect, and additional current board members to oversee the process of finding and selecting the next CEO.

Johnson will remain on staff with the organization throughout the search process and for an additional period to facilitate the onboarding of her successor.

Habitat ReStore ready for Christmas

Posted September 28, 2024

By ALLEN MINCEY

The autumn leaves have started falling and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air, but that doesn’t mean the Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore isn’t looking ahead to hot chocolate, tinsel and Christmas.

Having just celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special sale, prize drawings and food trucks in the parking lot, one might think a break would be warranted. But, Deborah Flower, coordinator of the Christmas section of the ReStore, was actually preparing for the holiday as the celebration was happening.

That included a group of Lee University students who helped with Christmas tree assembly and decoration on Sept. 20. Jackson LeRoy and Noah Blue, both of Theta Delta Kappa, and Lauren Miller and Hannah Brooks, Omega Alpha Phi sisters, were the first of several volunteers who helped Flower.

Flower and her husband David are Habitat Heroes, and annually gather a group of volunteers to decorate Christmas trees and set up displays at “The Christmas Shoppe.” Flower, a retired kindergarten teacher, is a volunteer herself, and is not just a seasonal job fo her.

“I have done this since 2010 and I am known as ‘the Christmas Lady,’ though ‘Holiday Lady’ is probably more appropriate as I am in charge of every holiday that comes down the pike,” Flower told the Banner in a previous interview.

While the students helped with assembling trees last Friday, they will not be the only holiday items the Habitat ReStore will have available. There will also be Christmas wreaths, linens, clothes, knick-knacks, yard art, candles, china and glassware.

All of the items for sale have been donated to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland to help in raising funds for the organization’s home building projects, and each year, staff and customers, and volunteers, look forward to the holiday.

“Everyone has the opportunity to give a ‘hands up’ for hope in our community by using their skills through such volunteer efforts,” Flower said. “All proceeds are put toward a house for a deserving home owner.”

“Deb’s Christmas Shoppe,” Flower said, “brings in people who would not normally come to the ReStore, as they can find Christmas decorations cheaper here than in other stores.” It also give those shoppers an idea of the other bargains at the ReStore.

For more information about the Christmas items available, and about the ReStore, call 423-473-4610. To find out more about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, visit the website at www.habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland dubbed 'Trailblazer of the Year'

Posted on August 10, 2024

By CLEVELAND DAILY BANNER STAFF REPORTS

At the annual Habitat For Humanity of Tennessee Conference, held on July 22, the Trailblazer of the Year Award was bestowed upon Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland.

The Trailblazer Award is given to entities who "exemplify groundbreaking initiatives that redefine traditional approaches to homebuilding and community development."

Presented by Judge Barry Tidwell, circuit court judge of Murfreesboro, he said, "Over the past two years, [Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland has] expanded their building to include constructing multi-unit homes, addressing housing needs in innovative ways. They shared their expertise with other affiliates at last year’s Habitat Tennessee and also at the Habitat Ohio state conference."

Continuing, Tidwell stated, "Their recent venture into installing pre-cast concrete walls on two homes underscores their commitment to trailblazing practices. This forward-thinking approach not only showcases their creativity and innovation, but also demonstrates a willingness to challenge norms for the betterment of their community."

He added, "Through these efforts, they have delivered tangible results, significantly impacting the community and making a lasting difference."

Recently, Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland held a dedication for its 160th home.

Expressing how "thrilled and honored" she was to accept the Trailblazer Award, Tammy Johnson, CEO of the Cleveland affiliate, said in her acceptance speech, "This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible team, volunteers and community partners. Together, we've dared to innovate and create new opportunities for families needing safe, affordable housing."

Concluding her remarks, Johnson said, "Our passion for building stronger, more vibrant communities continues to grow … This award shows what amazing things we can achieve when we come together."

For more information about Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland, visit habitatofcleveland.org.

LP donates siding to largest Habitat home in Cleveland

Posted August 10, 2024

By GRANT BROMLEY

A family of 12, like the Roberts family, learns and grows together, weathering every storm that life presents through faith and love.

Still, they'll need a house with siding that can withstand all sorts of weather.

Thanks to a donation from LP Building Solutions, the Roberts' future home, which is being developed by Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland, will have siding, provided free of charge.

To demonstrate how to install its SmartSide siding, which is made from engineered wood, representatives of LP Building Solutions were on hand on Thursday, Aug. 8, with Habitat core volunteers and sub-contractors getting used to working with this material.

Taking a break in the shade from working on the siding installation, the Cleveland Daily Banner spoke with John Abell, territory sales manager with LP Building Solutions; Diego Garzon, technical sales representative with LP Building Solutions; and Jerry Chandler, outside sales with Tindell's Inc., about the donation to the Cleveland affiliate of Habitat.

Habitat's construction director, David Cowan, was also on hand.

"We wanted to do what's right, and that's one thing LP does is really reach out to the community," Abell said of the donated siding. "It's called 'Building a Better World,' and that's one of our mottos."

While this is the first time LP has worked with the Habitat affiliate in Cleveland, they have worked with Habitat in other communities and were glad to teach Cowan and the volunteers on the best practices for installing engineered wood siding.

Stating that LP only uses aspen wood for its siding, Abell said, "When we use that aspen, we use 99% of a log. We're very efficient at what we do, but we don't just take the log and cut it down and make siding — it goes through a treatment process called SmartGuard process where it's treated with … zinc borate, which inhibits the rot, moisture and fungal decay cycle. Then it's treated with MDI resins, and then it's treated with wax."

He added, "When we put that board together, it's impervious to the weather."

For Habitat, the donation of this siding is a significant gain for a house of this size, coming in at 1,865 square feet of livable space.

Chiming in, Cowan said, "Habitat's motto here is 'simple, decent, affordable,' which is not to be confused with 'cheap' … [The Roberts house] is the largest house our Habitat affiliate has ever built, and that put us way out of our wheelhouse, as far as cost is concerned."

Continuing, he said when he called LP about their need, they said they "were glad to help," with Cowan stating, "As a builder, I prefer a wood product over vinyl siding or plastic — it's so much cleaner and is a nicer product."

For Habitat, attempting to do this installation solely with volunteers will help to keep the cost down for the homeowners.

"We try to do most everything in-house with volunteers because that helps with the cost of construction," Cowan said. "Everything that we spend, that money has to transfer over to the mortgage and the homeowner. Obviously, they want to get in their house as fast as they can, but we have a duty to keep working and keep the cost low."

Thinking big picture, Cowan added, "I want to point out that there are a lot of people in this town and around that talk about affordable housing and building affordable housing … but there are very few of those people that actually do something about it — LP stepped up."

While they continue working on the house, the Roberts family is checking in frequently on the progress being made.

At the Women Build on May 3, very little of the home was up. During that build cycle, Brian told the Banner that's where he and his family got in a considerable amount of their required "sweat equity."

Now, the house is taking shape, and it even has a front door.

While a move-in date has not yet been set, Brian said, "The only day we're holding onto is Sept. 28, which is when we're supposed to have friends and family over to paint."

Concluding his remarks, he said, "We're super excited."

Habitat for Humanity Dedicates 160th Home

Posted Aug 1, 2024

By GRANT BROMLEY

The Siler family hasn't moved in yet, but they've already had company over.

In this case, company was a host of familiar faces from Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland, who helped bring about the family of five's Aug. 6 move-in day.

With rising temperatures and the chance for rain, everyone gathered in the living room of the Siler household for a home dedication — the "sweat equity" having already been chipped in.

Beaming, she added, "I painted this whole house."

Doranda's grandmother, who raised her, lived in a Habitat home herself, and she recalled, "We helped build that house, and that made me want a house like that for my family … I'm just so happy."

Now, full circle, she and her four children had an opportunity to fellowship with those who had joined them on their journey toward having a place of their own to call home.

Among them were Father Mike Nolan, a board member of Habitat; and Pastor Bob Zwarych, who customarily presents new Habitat homeowners with a Bible.

Also present was Pastor James Sears, of Mt. Olive Church of God, who offered some remarks at the home dedication.

"As I was driving over here, I was thinking about what it means to have a home and what it means to be a family," Sears said. "I was reminded of a passage of Scripture that God gave the children of Israel in the Old Testament as a path for how they were to live their life."

Prefacing that this passage he had in mind, from Deuteronomy 6:5-9, "speaks of the importance of not just family, but what it means to have a home," Sears began reading the verse which Jesus famously quoted in his ministry, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength."

Continuing, he read, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

Looking up from the Scripture, Sears told the Silers, "The house that you will be living in has not only been soaked in prayer for several months, but, inside, it has Scriptures and words of encouragement and life-giving words. This is more than a house. This is a home, and it's a home that God has helped provide."

He then led them in prayer, asking that the Lord keep His hand on the Siler home.

"May this be a constant reminder that you are with them every step of the way. That this is not the finish of a season, but, God, this is just the beginning."

This home is the 160th home built by Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland, and Alan Goslen, a core construction volunteer with Habitat, spoke on why he contributes his time and energy to such endeavors.

"We do it because of love of Christ," Goslen declared. "We do it because of what we see it does for families like the Silers."