Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee is directing $15,500 in state grant funding to Habitat of Cleveland to build a new home in Bradley County.

The funding comes as part of a half-million dollar grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. Habitat of Cleveland and its sister organizations throughout the state will apply the grant toward the construction of 30 new homes for low-income families.

 "We are extremely grateful for THDA's partnership and consistent support,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, “This THDA grant provides us with a solid foundation to jump-start our larger fundraising efforts, which will reach $2.8 million from individuals, churches, foundations and businesses to complete these builds.”

Local Habitat chapters could apply for $15,500 per build in THDA funding from the grant. When construction is complete in June 2018, more than 100 adults and children will be living in the 30 high-quality, energy-efficient homes built in part from this funding.

 “We share Habitat’s mission and its passion for creating new homeownership opportunities to Tennessee families, so it’s a very natural partnership,” said THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey. “We’re always confident that Habitat is going to put our funding to good use, and I’m sure more than a few THDA staffers will be among the volunteers at build sites across the state.”

In addition to supporting Habitat for Humanity with grant funding, THDA also provides zero-interest home loans to qualified Habitat homeowners. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers, and pay an affordable mortgage that, in turn, helps fund future Habitat builds.

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in South Georgia. The Christian housing organization came to Tennessee in 1978 and has grown to being ranked the fourth-largest builder of Habitat for Humanity homes in the country.

Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. "Through shelter, we empower," the organization states. To learn more, visit HabitatTN.org.

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

 Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland seeks to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build and repair homes, communities and hope. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, visit habitatofcleveland.org.