Monday, February 15, 2021

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland announced Monday it will receive $15,500 granted by Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency to build one new home in Bradley County.

Funds come as part of a $500,000 grant from THDA to Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee financed through the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund. Local Habitat chapters can apply for $15,500 per home build.

THTF does not receive state tax dollars. Instead, it is funded by revenue from THDA’s mortgage loan program.

Since 2006, THDA has provided more than $75 million through THTF grants.

“We share Habitat’s mission and its passion for creating new homeownership opportunities for 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.”

When construction is complete in June 2021, more than 100 children and adults across the state will be living in affordable, energy-efficient homes built in part from THDA funding.

"It takes time, talent and funding to build a home," said Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. "Some provide time, some talent and others donate funds to help build. THDA has provided support by helping fund a Habitat home, which improves our great community. Our gratitude runs deep, but it doesn't compare to the lasting change it will bring to a family in Bradley County.”

“THDA is a strong, statewide partner helping us make homeownership a reality for more Tennesseans,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee. “This grant provides us with a solid foundation to spur our larger fundraising efforts, which will reach over $4 million from individuals, churches, foundations and businesses to complete these builds.”

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.