Posted October 27, 2023 By ALLEN MINCEY

When a Habitat for Humanity home is dedicated, it is always a special occasion. When two are dedicated at the same time, it is twice as nice.

That occurred on Thursday, as Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland dedicated two homes in the Victory Cove subdivision. New homes for LaTrayier Williamson and her mother and son, and for Beverly Wade and her two great-grandchildren will soon be occupied by these thankful families.

Thursday’s dedication — which included a ribbon cutting and a key exchange — was staged at Williamson’s home, where both families cut the ribbon at once. Both hope to be in their new homes by Christmas, though an official “move-in” date has not been set.

The Williamson home was constructed by groups of ladies during the “Women Build,” while the Wade family’s home is a “Leaders Build” project.

“This home was built by almost all women, besides our core volunteers who performed some of the work that we could not do, and we had to contract out,” said Karen Colley of Chick-fil-A, a major supporter of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

Williamson and her mother, Bernita Williams, actually were among those women working on the home, as was Beverly Wade while her home was being constructed.

“This is a day in our home ownership journey that my family has remembered as we continue building, see the finish line, and are ready to embark on this new chapter,” said Williamson.”I believe I can speak for the Wade family as well when I say we are ready, we are showing our children and grandchildren that anything is possible through hard work and dedication.”

Wade, who did not speak at the ceremony, said afterward that she is also very happy to have a new home for herself and her great-grandchildren — Landon and Andi.

“This will be a great Christmas present for us,” she said. “I was living in a small, two-bedroom apartment and Aldi and I shared a room, with a very small kitchen. It was not very comfortable at all.

“This is an absolute blessing. We waited and worked a long time for this,” Wade added, saying she worked on both homes as part of her “sweat equity.” “I learned to use a saw, and someone would say, ‘I need a board cut at three-fourths, and I’d cut it.”

Several others spoke at the ceremony, including Kim Gunter of Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, who participated in the home building; Fran Henry, who spoke on the gifts many were donating to both families as they become new homeowners; Toni Miles, a board member at The Caring Place; and David Cowan, construction director.

“It’s my honor and pleasure to work with them on the job site,” Cowan said of the Women Build, and of other projects. “I always tell them my days with you are much better than office days. We have fun. It’s fellowship. It really just enriches your soul to serve.”

Tammy Johnson, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland executive director, said there are still a few things to finish before the families can move in. Both families said once they are in, theirs will be homes filled with love.

“It is a safe place that will be filled with joy and with laughter,” Williamson said.

The two homes bring the number of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland homes constructed in its 30-plus years of operation to 155.