By ALLEN MINCEY, Cleveland Daily Banner
Temperatures were hot, the ground dry and the air full of sound ⏤ applause, laughter and joy — as ground was broken Thursday for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s newest venture, Morelock Meadows.
Under sunny skies that caused many to seek shade wherever possible, dozens of people attended the groundbreaking at 133 Foster Lane SE, which will be Habitat’s first venture into building multi-unit townhomes. Sixteen families will be a part of Morelock Meadows when it's completed.
The subdivision, near Blythe-Bower Elementary School, is being named for Jeff Morelock, a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, and its president years ago. Morelock passed away in 2021, and Habitat wanted to dedicate this new development in his honor and memory.
“He was fully committed and believed in your mission to not only build homes and communities, but to build health as well,” said Ashlan Morelock, Jeff Morelock’s daughter-in-law. “I know that I'm not the only person in this town to say this, but I love Jeff. He taught me the importance of giving to our community by showing through his actions.”
Morelock’s family attended the ceremony, including his widow, Kathy, who said her husband would have been proud to see the newest development.
“Jeff never really wanted recognition. He was just one of those who enjoyed working in the background,” she said. “He loved Habitat, and he loved his community. He loved the relationship that was involved with Habitat because you get to know the families: They put in sweat equity, you have the volunteers — it’s just such an organization that really lifts people up and that’s what he wanted to do.”
One of those who has been lifted up through Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is Dale Ware, who was the 136th recipient of a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home in 2019. She became a recipient after being disabled in an auto accident.
“During this time, I lost my home and lived with my sister for several years, and heard one day that my neighbor got a Habitat home,” she told those in attendance at the groundbreaking. Her sister eventually passed away, she moved from place to place, and “I was lost … I didn’t know where I belonged.”
Then, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland came in and helped. “They were looking for me,” she said. “I went down and began the process. We are all in a process, just like the process that brought me into this spot. I am the proud homeowner of three years … and future homeowners, I have stood where you stand today, full of excitement and scared at the same time. It’s all worth it.”
Ware told those who will be moving into Morelock Meadows they have a great opportunity “just let the process work.”
“Habitat for Humanity was the hope for me, that desire … to give a hand up, not hand out,” she said. “They encouraged me to accomplish my dreams of homeownership ... let that encouragement move in you to help someone reach their goal today.”
Others spoke about how Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has changed lives, and why they are involved with the organization. Karen Colley, owner of Chick-fil-A, a major sponsor for Habitat for Humanity, told the group she was so pleased to see the community come together for such a worthy cause.
Charlotte Peak, representing the Ocoee Region Builders Association, added that ORBA has been involved in 17 home builds and that she was excited to see Morelock Meadows become a reality.
Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis and Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks also said how pleased they were to see the local Habitat aid the community.
Others in attendance represented Lewis Architects, which is designing the townhomes and other parts of the subdivision; Caldwell Paving, which has provided paving services at the subdivision; and several Habitat volunteers, including Habitat for Humanity President Patty Silverman and the Rev. Jennifer Newell, pastor at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where Morelock attended.
“May [Morelock Meadows] be a reminder for everyone who drives by of the good we can do when we open our eyes and our hearts and allow ourselves to love one another and to work together for the good of the community,” Newell said in closing the ceremony with prayer.
The first home to be built in Morelock Meadows will be the 149th built by Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.
