Posted February 24, 2024

By GRANT BROMLEY

"Have you ever wondered what a woman who is escaping domestic violence dreams of?" Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, asked attendees of a home dedication on Thursday, Feb. 22. "She dreams of safety, security and a life free from fear."

Stacy Aldridge, joined by her children Calvin and Kaylee, now has a place which can provide that safety and security.

Having put in 300 hours of "sweat equity" and completed 18 courses offered by Habitat on home ownership and budgeting, Aldridge received the keys to her home in the presence of many who contributed to its construction and offered guidance to her along the way.

Among those in attendance was Eva VanHook, executive director of Family Promise of Bradley County, who spoke of how Aldridge first made an impression on her and her staff by completing an eight-week program in 23 days.

"She came in with her goals set high and the willingness to do the work," VanHook said.

Between the time she completed Family Promises' program and was connected with Habitat, Aldridge earned her GED, VanHook said.

Now, she's going from having been homeless at one time to homeownership, which VanHook said was "powerful" as she thanked the community for being a part of Aldridge's success.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Aldridge addressed those in attendance, saying, "To have this community come out and support us is unimaginable. It's very heartwarming, and it means the world to me."

Noting she and her children had lived in a hotel and in trailers before, Aldridge said, "After all we've been through and all this time, we wanted a home."

The home Aldridge is moving into has a 0% interest mortgage, which she will pay back to "help lift someone else up" in the Habitat for Humanity program, Johnson noted.

"Thank you to our anonymous partner, who allowed Habitat to acquire this home at no cost," Johnson said. "Through the dedication of Family Promise, our Habitat for Humanity team and many others, Stacy will be closing on her new home [Friday]."

She added, "Stacy's journey is not just about finding a home. It's about reclaiming her life, being an example to her kids and rewriting her story."

After cutting a ribbon and receiving the keys to her new home, Aldridge told the Cleveland Daily Banner, "I thank God for this journey. I'm very thankful and blessed."

Looking ahead, Aldridge said she is excited to have a flower garden, noting, "We've never been to do that."