Posted Saturday, August 31, 2019 9:08 pm
By TIM SINIARD
Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland hosted a ceremony for its 138th home constructed in Bradley County recently.
The home, located on Southgate Drive, was presented to new homeowner, Victor Headrick. Headrick is the father of Victoria Ellison and Ethan Headrick.
According to Tammy Johnson, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, Headrick contributed 300 hours of sweat equity to help construct his home, along with working a full-time job.
In addition, Johnson told the Cleveland Daily Banner that applicants who are accepted into the program attend budgeting and good neighbor classes.
They are also responsible for making a downpayment on the home, as well as assume the mortgage.
"This is a hand-up, not a hand-down," Johnson stressed.
She also thanked those who helped make the new home possible.
“They stepped out of their offices, meetings and board rooms to literally put their leadership into action. They donated funding, worked in the heat and swung hammers next to one another. They lived the example of what a good leader embodies, and our hearts are filled with gratitude. Their thoughtfulness, and service, are gifts Victor will always treasure.”
For the last nine years, Johnson said Victor and Ethan have lived in a tiny 600-square foot, one-bedroom cramped apartment, where black mold is growing in their closets and on the windows.
In addition, the foundation of the apartment is in need of repair. As a result, windows and doors are hard to open and close. Living in an apartment in close proximity to their neighbors has also been challenging with the noise level and lack of privacy, Johnson said.
Headrick has spent a majority of his career working in the entertainment, music and arts and has worked on television show sets such as “Extreme Makeover.”
However, he put his career on hold to raise his son and worked at Amazon and, later, DHL.
“Victor applied for a Habitat home and is very grateful to be accepted into the program,” Johnson said. “He was born during the Carter Administration and heard all his life about the work of Habitat and how it provides families more stability.”
Headrick said he is very thankful for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.
"I think Habitat is an absolute miracle. I can’t believe I am a part of it,” Headrick said. “Having a solid foundation for my son and I means the world to me.”
He told the Banner the two-and-a-half-year process to obtain acceptance into the program, as well as help construct the home have been “overwhelming.”
“It has been a journey to get to this point,” Headrick said.
The home is expected to be completed by October.
The sponsors for the project include Cleveland Community Foundation, Dr. Walter and Barbara Peterson, Logan-Thompson, P.C., First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity International, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Athens Federal Credit Union, Chick-fil-A in Cleveland, Dynamic Group Management, First Tennessee Foundation, Lee University, Law Offices of Andrew B. Morgan, Life Care Centers of America, Mayor Gary Davis, Peak Performance, Pinnacle Financial Partners and Senator Mike Bell and more.
