Habitat dedicates 176th home for 35th anniversary

By: ALLEN MINCEY

June 23, 2026

When a group of men got together back in the early 1990s and decided to join the Habitat for Humanity movement, one wonders if they expected it to lead to so many residences being built.

But with the dedication of the newest Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home Monday morning, while that number – 176 Habitat homes – is impressive, another even more so.

“To say 176 houses seems to somehow diminish the impact just a little, because it's 176 families that were touched,” said Habitat board chairman Dewayne Thompson. “And when you think about what Habitat has done, and some of our families are families of one, but we've also had families of 12, so we have a family of two this time … but probably we've touched the lives of about 700 people.

“Now that's 700 people with a safe place to live. That's no small impact, and no small accomplishment.”

The family of two are Brooke Alley and her son Orville, who were both present at the dedication.

“We began this journey almost three years ago this August,” said Brooke Alley. “The dream of home ownership and financial stability has been a goal of mine for some time. It seemed unattainable and somewhat hopeless until I unexpectedly stumbled upon the Habitat for Humanity program. On a whim, I applied. I figured it couldn't hurt. It hasn't.

“In a world where living paycheck to paycheck barely keeps your head above water,” she continued. “I thought that staying afloat is all is about all that I would ever be able to do, but with Habitat, the dream of not just treading water but actually swimming is very real today.”

Brooke and Orville currently live in her mom’s basement, and even though she often works 14-hour shifts to make ends meet, she spends as much time with her son as she can, Having a home to call their own is a dream come true for both.

 “I just want to say that this entire experience has been amazing, spectacular,” the youngster told those attending the dedication. “All the people and places that I've seen and been to have been ‘Top 10 Bucket List.’ Thank you all for your help and patience with us. Yeah, let's build a house.”

Helping in the home build is the Ocoee Regional Builders Association and Kace Construction. Three of the workers – two framers from CC Blankenship Incorporated and one from Kace – were in action while the dedication ceremony was taking place.

“I have personally been involved with Habitat since 2008, and have enjoyed every minute of it,” Peak said, adding that her company and ORBA have built 15 or more Habitat homes over the years.

Those homes might be very close to the Alley’s home, as the subdivision where their home is located – at Southgate Drive off South Lee Highway – is all Habitat homes.

“This will be this is one of seven full subdivisions or neighborhoods that we've built in this city in the last 35 years,” explained David Gray, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland CEO. Just a few weeks ago, a similar ceremony was held for a Habitat home just across the street from the Alleys.

“That was Home 175; we’ll see which one gets finished first,” he said. “Our plan is to build another house right next to house number 175. Two to three more houses in this center space, and then we have three more lots on the other side of this subdivision.”

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will have two more homes built this year, and then four more in 2027, all going up in the Southgate Hills subdivision.

Gray said homeowners have been selected for the next nine residences but Habitat will still be accepting registrations in October.

Several who attended the ceremony participated in holding up one of the sides of the building … a wall raising and ORBA presented a $10,000 check to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

Hazel Spain receives Habitat lifetime achievement award

By: ALLEN MINCEY

August 12, 2026

“When I think of Hazel, the word that comes to mind is pillar. She's a pillar of this organization, and a true testament to all of the little things that add up to make a huge impact.”

Those comments were from David Gray, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, and though they were meant to point out how special Hazel Spain is to the local organization, anyone who knows her couldn’t avoid thinking of her physical stature.

“When I was first met by this little, short, tiny Hazel with a fierce personality … fiery, like a little stick of dynamite,” remembered LaManda Bowers, director of the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland ReStore.

Spain admits that she is quite petite, but don’t let her size fool you – she works as hard as anyone that towers over her … or anyone who is younger than her too.

“I will be 96 in December … December 5th,” Spain proudly stated.

And while she has received accolades locally for the time she has put in at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, she now can say she had been recognized statewide, as Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee recently presented her with the Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee State Impact Award for Lifetime Achievement.

The award was presented at the state conference in Smyrna.

“It was a total surprise. Ginger [Shaffer] drove us over and didn’t say a word about it,” Spain smiled. Shaffer is a volunteer co-worker at the Habitat ReStore.

Gray said Spain was so humble in accepting the award.

“She made the greatest statement. She closed [her acceptance] by saying ‘so this is a room full of Habitat leaders from all across the state. I don’t really deserve this. You do. Everybody in this room does.”

Spain never has been one to seek the spotlight, and always points to others who volunteer their time to helping those in need. She also comes across as a mother figure to those men and women who work on the Habitat homes and within the ReStore.

How the Louisiana girl who grew up in “the little, bitty town of Blanchard” got to Cleveland and eventually connected with Habitat is quite the story.

“I guess you could say I took the long way around the world,” Spain said.

She and her husband lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, until his death, and then she lived with her daughter and her family, and moved with them when they got jobs in Hawaii.

“I’d say I had a wonderful vacation … a two-year vacation in Hawaii,” Spain joked.

Her daughter and son-in-law then found out there were teaching positions in Bangladesh “and they wanted me to go, and I had planned to go … but at the last minute, I thought to myself, I am about to be 70 years old and anything could happen, and I didn’t know I was going to live to be 95.”

So instead of Bangladesh, Spain opted for a much more peaceful area to move to – Cleveland, Tennessee, where her son and his two little boys and twin girls lived.

“It was wonderful. All I had to do was sit on the couch and watch TV and drive around. I didn’t know anybody to ask me out to lunch. I didn’t have to buy presents for weddings and babies and everything else. It was great … for about two weeks,” she said.

“I thought, this is not what God made for me.”

Thirty years working in a steel foundry didn’t give her many similar options in Bradley County, so she decided to volunteer somewhere, but the only place she knew about was Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland because she knew some from Broad Street United Methodist Church involved with that organization.

The rest, as they say, is history … but what a history.

Spain started with Habitat at its first location, prior to its move to the old Cinema I and II location. In the midst of her first working at Habitat, she decided to purchase a digital camera. Once again, a history marker.

“I went to the Habitat office and said ‘look at my camera, Look here. I am so proud of my new camera,’ and I was told ‘you think you could take some pictures of some houses Habitat’s building,” Spain remembered. Those first houses she photographed are now a part of Sain Village, named for Bob Sain, a longtime Habitat volunteer.

“I started with house No. 49 and house No. 50, which were big deals because they had solar panels,” she said. In perspective, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is now in the process of building houses No. 175 and No. 176 in the Southgate Subdivision.

She was also given a box of photographs from previous home builds, and she became not only the photographer – the builders gave her the nickname “paparazzi” – but also created scrapbooks of all the home builds.

Though she isn’t out taking photographs like she did, Spain is still active at the Habitat ReStore. Possibly even more active than she had ever been.

She had always been involved in sorting through the books that were donated to Habitat, and tried to place them where they would be seen by shoppers. In 2019, all her hard work with the books led to the creation of the Hazel Spain Book Nook at the ReStore.

“We have customers that come in just to see Hazel at the Book Nook, and she takes such pride in the books,” Gray said. “You know, she’s very particular. She has it set up just a certain way to where it’s so organized. When you come in, you can find exactly what you want and just the care she puts in. She spends hours going through these books and putting the best ones out.”

Just because she will be 96 later this year, Spain doesn’t plan on slowing down … not as long as there are books to go through and prepare for her Book Nook.

And, she said when she hits 100, they can have another celebration. Those that know her said they have a feeling they might have to pull her away from working on books even then to celebrate.

Habitat for Humanity Women Build begins

By: ALLEN MINCEY

For the next two months, teams of women will be working on two new homes as part of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Women Build 2026 at 1990 Blythe Ave., building a duplex for two new Habitat residents: the Stewart family and the Chaney family.

“Owning a home was like something far away, something meant for other people, but through the home ownership program of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, our dream is coming to reality,” said Angela Stewart. “This home is not just wood, nails and paint. This home is hope. This home is safety. This home is place where our children can grow and learn and feel proud. It is a place where we can sit at the dinner table, celebrate birthdays and make memories that will last forever.”

Stewart thanked everyone she could for helping her get into a home, and especially the women who will be building the residence.

“We are especially thankful for the women build Initiative,” she said. “Seeing the women from our community come together with strength, love and determination has inspired us more than words can say.”

Brittany Cannon, director at the PIE Innovation Center, was a guest speaker at the Women Build 2026 event. Being a successful woman herself, she praised those who would be utilizing skills they never knew they could master.

But, she said, all throughout history, “women have always been builders.”

“We build families, opportunities, relationships, and today you're actually building a home,” Cannon said. “Women Build is much more than construction. It's about giving women that come together for a shared purpose. It's about giving our time, talents and energy to create a safe, stable home for families in our community. When women come together, incredible things can happen.”

Jessica Arnold was one of the women from Easy Auto working one the first day of the Women Build. She presented a check for $25,000 to Habitat as the lead sponsor for the event.

“This was pretty exciting for me,” she said. “I got to hold a big check. I got to use power tools. This is a good day. We're so excited and proud to be part of Habitat for Humanity.”

Arnold noted that Habitat’s mission fits into Easy Auto’s mission — helping people.

“Our mission at Easy Auto is simple — helping people move forward, It creates stability in their lives,” she said. “Habitat shares the same mission, but from a different starting point. They help families build safe, affordable homes, which are truly the foundation for everything.”

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland CEO David Gray agreed.

“For me, this is where the magic happens,” he said. “What you ladies are doing today, this is magic, because there's something amazing and something profound and something special when people come together to pursue a common goal.”Easy Auto’s women’s team is one of 18 teams participating in the Women Build 2026. Several are return teams, having participated in previous builds. And some have very interesting names.

Teams participating this year include the following:

Bradley Sunrise Rotary Women

Chicks with Sticks

ConstructHERS

Easy Auto Women

Eaton CTN WAVE Team

Elite NAIL Team

Female Framers 1

Female Framers 2

Female Framers 3

Food City EMPOWER

Hammers & Heels 1

Hammers & Heels 2

Murmaids on Mission

Sawdust & Stilettos

She Got IT

Thrift Queens

TCFCU ConstructHERS

United Way Framing Futures

The Women Build 2026 for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will continue to May 2.

Nonprofit organization directors offer thanks

By: ALLEN MINCEY

November 28, 2025

The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to be thankful for many things, and when asked, most people will say they are thankful for their families.

Local nonprofit organization leaders say the same, but also are thankful they are in positions to help other families.

And even though Thanksgiving has passed for 2025, that doesn’t mean these leaders are any less thankful throughout the entire year, with many of them wanting to thank those who continue to help their organizations, and others, every day.

As a nonprofit director myself — at Keep Cleveland and Bradley County Beautiful — I am thankful for those who appreciate the beauty we have in our area and don’t want that damaged with garbage tossed along our roadways and waterways.

David Gray, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland

This Thanksgiving, my heart is especially full. I’m grateful for the privilege of serving a community that shows up for one another in meaningful, tangible ways.

In my new role at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, I see hope being built every day through the determination of our partner families, the steady commitment of our staff and volunteers, and the generosity of so many in our community who believe in brighter futures.

I’m also deeply thankful for beautiful wife, Kendra, our kids and their spouses, and my grandkids. My family is my number one priority. They keep me grounded, joyful, and reminded of what truly matters. Their support makes it possible for me to pour myself into this mission, and their love is one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Above all, I’m grateful for God’s steady light guiding our steps, whether we’re building homes, building community, or simply trying to be a source of hope in someone’s day. Thanksgiving is a chance to pause, look around, and recognize that we are surrounded by grace.

Two new Habitat for Humanity homes dedicated

By ALLEN MINCEY

Dec 8, 2025

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has built more than 170 homes in the local community, and several have been built by what one might say were not skilled in construction.

Two of those homes were dedicated on Friday, and their quality matches that of the homes that have been built in Habitat’s 35-year history.

This year’s Women’s Build and Leaders Build homes will now be the residences of the Goodine family and the Wells family, whose new homes will be on Blythe Avenue.

April Wells and her two boys — Chance and Chase — are now living with her parents, her sister and her niece, and having a homer her and her children is a dream come true. Tiaerra Goodine is raising three children — Kaiden, Raelynn and Khylil — and she is equally happy to be in a new home.

“Standing here today as neighbors and as family who have shared this journey, we are overwhelmed with appreciation,” Tiaerra said at the dedication. “Throughout this process, each of us have had moments of doubt. We've questioned whether we were truly deserving of something so life changing.

“But every single time those doubts surfaced, God showed us that we were deserving,” she added.

Dewayne Thompson, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland board chair, noted that these two homes were the 171st and 172nd to be built by the organization, which would mean that up to 600 individuals have been affected through the program.

He said he knows that these two families will be enhanced by being new homeowners.

“[Tierra] says home has always meant something more than just walls and a roof. It’s where love grows, laughter echoes and memories are made,” Thompson said, “and through her words and example, wants to teach her children that anything is possible.”

As for April Wells, Thompson noted that while she is raising her two sons, she is also attending Cleveland State Community College.

“She's about to graduate from Cleveland State with a degree in criminal justice, and she wants to make her home a space where her family can thrive,” he said, “and one of her comments was, I want a place where all three of us can work on our homework together.”

Habitat CEO David Gray said each day when a home is dedicated is a special day, and one that not only the new homeowners can be proud to be a part of, but the entire community can share in that feeling.
“There's something amazing about Cleveland, and this is what it looks like when a community comes together to give folks a hand up, to come alongside deserving families, families that have worked hard to achieve these milestones,” he said.

“This is what habitat is all about. We seek to put God's love into action by bringing people, businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches and government entities together to build homes, communities and hope,” Gray continued.

The Goodine and Wells families will be moving into their new homes soon.

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.