Posted December 23, 2023
By ALLEN MINCEY
Tammy Johnson has served as director at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland for more than six years, and before that had served as resource development director for four, so she has seen many families receive their first home, and the joy it has brought them.
She said one of the best times is seeing these homeowners celebrate Christmas in their new home for the very first time. One in particular — Dale Ware — is a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland recipient who Johnson said is an example of what Christmas is all about — not the receiving, but the giving back.
“In the bustling heart of our office, a radiant presence named Ms. Dale graces us with her unwavering dedication each week," Johnson said. "As a proud Habitat homeowner, she not only secured a place to call her own but found a profound sense of community that compelled her to give back. Despite navigating life on a fixed income, Ms. Dale's commitment to volunteerism shines as a beacon of selflessness.”
She took the keys to her new home in June 2019. Some who receive the homes are unable to work on new homes like they did when they provided their “sweat equity” as their home was built. Not Ms. Dale.
“Every week, she steps through our doors with a heart full of love and a spirit of generosity that transcends financial constraints," Johnson said. "Ms. Dale, with her gentle smile and warm presence, effortlessly becomes the thread that weaves our team together. Her act of volunteering, born from gratitude and a desire to contribute, speaks volumes about the transformative power of Habitat's mission.”
Though Ms. Dale might bring a special gift to someone at Habitat anytime of the year, Christmas is an especially good time for giving.
“What makes Ms. Dale's story truly remarkable is not just her time but the thoughtful Christmas gifts she brings, tokens of appreciation that reflect the abundance of her caring spirit,” Johnson said. “In the face of financial limitations, she teaches us that the most meaningful contributions come from the heart. Her actions remind us that generosity knows no bounds, and love is a currency that enriches both the giver and the receiver.”
The Habitat executive director said Ms. Dale's loving sacrifice is more than a weekly routine. “it's a profound lesson in compassion, resilience, and the beauty of human connection. In a world often driven by material gain, her example stands as a testament to the enduring power of simple acts of kindness.
“She embodies the essence of Habitat for Humanity — not just building homes but nurturing a community where every heart, regardless of its economic status, has a place to give and receive,” Johnson said.
In 2022, when Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland was about to break ground at the new Morelock Meadows on Foster Lane, near Blythe-Bower Elementary School, the organization looked for a compelling spokesperson to talk about the organization. They found the perfect person in Ms. Dale.
She spoke from the heart, and told those in attendance at the groundbreaking how Habitat for Humanity changed her life.
“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 ceremony. 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 that 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 told the audience at the ceremony. “They encouraged me to accomplish my dreams of homeownership. Let that encouragement move in you to help someone reach their goal today.”
Once again, Ms. Dale was telling people to give to others, even if it is an encouraging word, a shoulder to cry on, or a kind word at the right time.
“In Ms. Dale, we find a living testament to the belief that the true measure of wealth lies in the richness of one's heart and the impact of one's actions,” Johnson said. “She is not just a volunteer; she is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that, indeed, love and generosity are resources that never run dry.”
Especially at Christmas, and even in the excitement, and concern, of a new year ahead.
Johnson said she hoped Ms. Dale’s story, “her beautiful legacy of giving,” will continue to inspire others “to embrace the true spirit of the season.”
“In the warmth of her selfless contributions, may our community find renewed strength, connection and joy,” Johnson said. “Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with the same love the Ms. Dale so generously shares.”
