From STAFF REPORTS

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has received the 2021 Affiliate of the Year Award for the state of Tennessee.

The presentation came earlier this month during the state organization's annual conference in Murfreesboro.

The award was presented to Executive Director Tammy Johnson by Rutherford County Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell, along with Colleen Dudley, state executive director.

With the challenges of a pandemic and destructive tornadoes last year, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee saw many heroes around the state rising to the top, according to Johnson. She said there were a number of nominations for affiliates who were out front, serving their communities in difficult times, encouraging their staff, looking everywhere for funding to continue to provide housing so more people could be “Safe at Home," and not just during a pandemic.

"Habitat of Cleveland was selected for providing outstanding service to families and their community through extraordinarily trying times, and for exhibiting exemplary leadership," state Habitat presenters explained at the recent conference.

Johnson pointed out the Cleveland affiliate was among many looking for new ways and innovative outlets to help its community.

"In the shutdown during the spring of 2020, the entire staff of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland worked hard despite all the uncertainty — applying for grants and reaching out to check on volunteers, donors and foundations," Johnson explained. "Critically, the staff kept encouraging one another and the community via social media and other outlets."

She pointed out, "Construction was considered essential, so subcontractors kept working. Staff rotated in small groups to stock the ReStore and help to get building done. Through all of this, the board members always did whatever was needed to help complete goals."

After reopening, the local Habitat affiliate hosted Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee at a build. It was a high-profile event that raised awareness that Habitat was still going, Johnson said.

"The staff reached out and enlisted volunteers," she advised. "Through these efforts, we finished all five scheduled home builds in 2020, despite the challenges of contractor delays and rising materials costs."

Shortly after reopening, an anonymous donor gifted Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland with almost $400,000, which became the beginning of the Hope for Habitat Endowment Fund.

"This gift contributes to the costs of future building plans for families in Bradley County," Johnson noted. "In addition, the ReStore sales are up almost 20% over last year and currently operating at a 50% net profit."

After returning to Cleveland with the state award, Johnson addressed her hard-working staff.

"I’m incredibly proud of, and happy to be working alongside you," she stressed. "Each of you brings talents and gifts that make our team strong, and I’m truly grateful for each of your contributions.”

Many of the staff, board members and volunteers gathered Wednesday at one of the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland homes in the Victory Cove subdivision, and later were provided a special lunch courtesy of Scott McGowan and The Old Fort restaurant, celebrating the award.

"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," Johnson said.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland and the ReStore, visit www.HabitatofCleveland.org.