Vaughn Family Home Dedication

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will welcome the Vaughn family into their new home on Thursday, November 2 at 6:00 p.m. at Victory Cove Subdivision. Cleveland and Bradley County community members are invited to help celebrate with the family as they receive the keys to their new home.

Ruby Vaughn and her family will be honored with a celebration as they are welcomed into their new neighborhood with the help of the Cleveland community.

All families who are accepted into the Habitat Homeownership Program are required to complete 300 - 400 sweat equity hours completed by volunteering at the build site and at the Habitat ReStore. The families are also required to complete Habitat Homeowner education courses to help establish sustainable living habits. “I am so thankful for all of the Habitat volunteers that are working with me on our home,” said Vaughn. “I am so blessed to have this opportunity and the sweat equity gives us a chance to show our thankfulness.”

Vaughn’s home was built through Habitat’s Home Builders Blitz 2017 initiative. This initiative united professional builders and supplies from our community to build a home for Ruby, her four grandchildren and her son. These professionals worked side-by-side with the Vaughn family starting in July.

The Vaughn family currently lives in an overcrowded apartment in an unsafe neighborhood. The Vaughn’s are a family of six living in a two bedroom apartment forcing Ruby’s son, injured after a car accident, to sleep in the living room.  Ruby is working two jobs in order to support the family.  “I'm looking forward to a home large enough for our family that is affordable. I can't wait for my grandkids to have a yard to play in and to only have to work one job,” said Ruby.

The home dedication will include dinner by Zaxby’s, a short program and will conclude with a key passing and ribbon cutting ceremony for the family.

The construction of this home would not have been be made possible without generous donations from organizations including, Habitat Home Builder’s Blitz 2017, Whirlpool Corporation, Valspar, DOW, Pyramid Construction, Tindell’s Building Materials, Rick’s Plumbing Service, Cleveland Plywood, Hecker Electric, Swafford’s Nursery, Springdale Heating and Air, Kidd Insulation, Schneider Electric, Ply Gem, Herb’s Yard Barns, Yale, City of Cleveland Community Development Block Grant, the Community Builders Society and Broad Street United Methodist Church.

Dedication events will take place at Victory Cove Subdivision located at 1220 Victory Street, Cleveland, TN 37311 at 6:00 PM.

Habitat of Cleveland Will Offer Services to Veterans at Joint Operation Event

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will be present at the Joint Operation event on Wednesday, September 20th from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  at the Museum Center at 5ive Points.

“We are honored to be invited to participate in Joint Operation and we want to make sure that all veterans in need of affordable housing in Cleveland and Bradley County are able to access that information,” said Natalie McNair, Marketing and Special Events Coordinator for Habitat of Cleveland. “The Joint Operations event will give local veterans an opportunity to quickly and efficiently access the resources they need.”

Joint Operation is hosted by Senator Bob Corker, Mayor Gary Davis and Mayor Tom Rowland in an effort to provide a one-stop shop for resources and services available to local veterans.

Services include VA claim assistance, education, vocational, rehabilitation, employment, mental health housing, business loans and more. 

All local veterans are invited to attend Joint Operation. The Museum Center at 5ive Points is located at 200 Inman Street East in Cleveland, Tennessee.

For more information, contact Senator Corker’s office at 423-756-2757.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland seeks to put God’s love into action while bringing people together to build and repair homes, communities, and hope. 

Community Partner Wholesale Supply Group, Inc. Thanked for Partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland thanked Wholesale Supply Group, Inc. for 20 years of partnership and congratulated Wholesale Supply Group, Inc. on 75 years of business. Wholesale Supply has donated fixtures and funds to various Habitat homes in Bradley County and every area they operate a store near. As a company that works “every day to glorify God”, Wholesale Supply loves to partner with Habitat because of their mission to put God’s love into action.

Wholesale Supply Group, Inc.’s mission is “to provide quality products from the most reputable vendors while providing world-class customer service along with the highest level of field experience and product knowledge in Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC,” a mantra that drives their work in the community.

“Habitat for Humanity has had an incredible impact not only on Bradley County but across our nation,” Jeff Rogers, Executive Vice President, said. “It has been an organization that has restored dreams for individuals who thought home ownership was impossible. Not only does Habitat help the economy, but most importantly it’s a Christ-Centered organization that cares about all the needs of the families they serve.” Wholesale Supply has an employee that has purchased a home through the Habitat program and they have witnessed firsthand the change it brought to his family.

Wholesale Supply Group, Inc. is a family owned and operated business celebrating its 75th year! Since 1942, they have worked diligently to create a place builders and the community can come to find all of their plumbing, HVAC and electrical supplies needed in one location. “We would like to congratulate Wholesale Supply on their 75th year,” said Chip Willis, “and thank them for their partnership with Habitat for Humanity.”

Wholesale Supply Group is dedicated to serving their community and has enjoyed partnering with Habitat of Cleveland in order to give back.

Through the support of local businesses and community volunteers, Habitat for Humanity is helping pave the way to a better future for families of Bradley County. The Home Builders Blitz initiative furthers the efforts to unite Habitat for Humanity with local businesses to raise money and build a home for Ruby Vaughn, her son and four grandchildren. The Vaughn family will work alongside volunteers to build their own homes, while also completing classes about homeownership and finances to prepare them for the future. Habitat of Cleveland invites local builders to get involved by donating labor, materials or funds.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland seeks to put God’s love into action while bringing people together to build and repair homes, communities, and hope.

Habitat's Executive Director Announces Retirement

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Executive Director, Chip Willis, will move into retirement after two years with the organization in order to continue caring for Tricia, a stroke survivor.

“We appreciate Chip and what he has done for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland over the last two years,” said Keith Barrett, President of the Board of Directors. “We are sad to see Chip step down but we always have to put our family ahead of our work and we understand his need to step into retirement and to put his family’s needs at the forefront.”

Willis has been involved with Habitat for Humanity for two years. Willis previously held the position of Executive Director for Lighthouse of Manasota, a nonprofit agency serving blind and visually impaired people of all ages in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, DeSota and Highland counties. After years of working for many for-profit businesses, Willis decided to take his experience in strategic planning, budgeting and financial management to an organization that transforms people’s lives.

During his time with Habitat of Cleveland, Willis worked closely with Verrill Norwood, Jeff Morelock and other board members to continue Habitat’s connection with the Bradley County community. Willis also brought in grants from Wacker to purchase a new truck, Home Depot to repair a home for a local veteran and the Johnson Family Foundation for the completion of the Stafford family home. He also carried on the fundraising efforts of the Women Build and Hard Hats and Heels fundraising initiatives. Habitat of Cleveland also received a United Way grant for the financial literacy program, Be Smart about Money, which will begin a second set of classes in August. Through Willis’s hard work and the community’s involvement, seven new builds were completed and 12 homes were repaired during Willis’s tenure at Habitat.

“It is with mixed emotions that I am retiring from Habitat,” said Willis. “I have been honored to serve as executive director for the last two years and I am proud of the growth the affiliate has experienced over that time. Working with the staff, volunteers and the Bradley County community has been the highlight of my career. However, I am finding it increasingly difficult to properly care for Tricia and devote the time needed to continue growing Habitat of Cleveland. The affiliate has excellent momentum and the next Executive Director will have the opportunity to continue the good work being done in the community,” he said.

Willis will begin his retirement at the end of September. The Board of Directors is in the process of choosing a new executive director.

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. 

Staff Spotlight: Natalie McNair

In June, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland welcomed Natalie McNair to the role of Marketing and Special Events Coordinator. Natalie is a graduate of Lee University and participated in the AmeriCorps program with Habitat of Cleveland. “After beginning the AmeriCorps program with Habitat and learning more about the importance of affordable housing for families, I knew I wanted to work with Habitat indefinitely,” Natalie said. “I am honored to be able to bring awareness to Habitat’s mission in Cleveland and Bradley County.”

Natalie quickly fell in love with Habitat and their work within the community.

There are various aspects of Marketing and Special Events that Natalie enjoys, but working with the families and the community has been the most impactful. “I have been blown away by the families I have met in our program,” Natalie said. “Our families are hardworking and dedicated to accomplishing the goal of homeownership and they do everything with a thankful heart.”

Natalie plans to focus on engaging community partners and sharing Habitat of Cleveland’s mission to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter with everyone she meets.

“I am very excited to bring Natalie’s skills and proven ability to get results to our team,” said Chip Willis, Executive Director. “We look forward to her many future contributions.”

When she is not working with Habitat, Natalie enjoys spending time with her husband, Erik,  and traveling. Natalie is also an aunt to two girls and visits them in Ohio every chance she has.

Volunteers Win at State Impact Awards 2017

The 2017 State Impact Awards were held in Murfreesboro, TN on July 20th. Habitat of Cleveland had winners in two categories this year, including Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year and Outstanding ReStore Volunteer of the Year. Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year went to the construction team affectionately called the “Grumpy Old Men”. The group includes Don Rollens, Chuck Haney, Danny Britt, Dave Flower, Terry McCoy, Alan Goslen, Eddie Graves and Jerry Franitza.

“In my opinion, gentlemen like these are what make the world a better place,” said LaManda Bowers, Volunteer Coordinator. “Their compassion, hard work and genuine desire to make the dream of homeownership a reality is the ultimate way to pay it forward.”

Ed and Nancy McCartney were recognized as ReStore Volunteer of the year for initiating and organizing the silent auction at the ReStore. The McCartney's carefully select and display auction items and contact the winning bidders.

“The McCartney's have made a huge impact at the ReStore through the silent auction,” added LaManda. “In the past 5 years, the silent auction has contributed over $72,000.00 toward building homes in Bradley County, almost an entire home.”

The silent auction is in need of new managers as the McCartney's have decided to retire. They hope to pass this event onto new volunteers that will continue the legacy.

Sponsors Partner with Habitat of Cleveland in Home Builders Blitz 2017

As part of Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz 2017, professional homebuilders and suppliers will provide labor, funding and materials to help Ruby Vaughn and her family find stability through homeownership. “The Builders Blitz gives vendors and subcontractors the opportunity to give back to the affiliate and to Habitat families,” said Tyler Bramlett, Construction Director. “It’s a great opportunity to address the growing need for decent and affordable housing in Bradley County. There are still opportunities for builders to donate materials and labor for the home.”

Local sponsors include Tindell’s Building Materials, Cleveland Plywood Co., Whirlpool, DOW, Schneider Electric, Valspar, Pyramid Construction, Rick’s Plumbing, Hecker Electric, Kidd Insulation, Yale, Springdale Heating and Air, Herb’s Yard Barn and Swafford Nursery.

Through donations, sponsors are giving the Vaughn family a hand up for hope. Ruby Vaughn is the grandmother to four and mother to William. In addition to caring for her family by working two jobs, completing sweat equity hours and homeowner classes, Ruby also dreams of a home with enough room for her whole family.

All six family members currently live in an overcrowded apartment with William sleeping on the couch in the living room. “I am so thankful for this opportunity and for the hard work all of the volunteers have put in on our home,” said Ruby. “We cannot wait to have a yard and enough bedrooms for our family.”

If you are interested in donating to complete Ruby’s home in time for Christmas, call (423) 476-6947.

Local Builders partner with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland to build home as part of nationwide Home Builders Blitz.

As part of Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz 2017, professional homebuilders and suppliers will provide the labor, funding and materials to help more than 200 families across the U.S. build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. “Habitat for Humanity’s Home Builders Blitz is truly a testament to the willingness of local builders to invest in their communities,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Since 2002, professional builders have partnered with families to create positive ripple effects in neighborhoods and make everyday moments more meaningful. We are so grateful for their support.”

In Bradley County, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland and professional homebuilders will help the Vaughn family build a place they can call home. Construction on the home began in June and will be completed by the end of the year.

“The Builders Blitz gives vendors and subcontractors the opportunity to give back to the affiliate and to Habitat families,” said Tyler Bramlett, Construction Director. “It’s a great opportunity to address the growing need for decent and affordable housing in Bradley County, and to bring awareness to the community of the opportunities to volunteer with Habitat.  There are still opportunities for builders to donate materials and labor for the home.”

The event is supported nationwide by presenting sponsor Ply Gem, with additional support from Martin Marietta, The blue Book Building and Construction Network, Huber Engineered Woods, Masco Corp., Columbia Forest Products and Gildan. Local support is provided by Tindell’s Building Materials, Cleveland Plywood Co., Whirlpool, DOW, Schneider Electric, Valspar, Yale, Pyramid Construction, Rick’s Plumbing, Hecker Electric, Kidd Insulation, Springdale Heating and Air, Herb’s Yard Barns and Swafford Nursery.

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. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, visit habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat is combining ReStore locations

After an in depth analysis, the administrative team at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has determined that it will be more efficient to merge the two ReStore locations into the larger ReStore facility located at 300 Grove Avenue and to not renew the lease at the North Lee Highway location. With that decision made, Habitat of Cleveland has begun updating and renovating the South ReStore. Habitat is dedicated to the continued success of the ReStore and has received a donation of $10,000 from WACKER Polysilicon North America to purchase a new truck. The truck will allow increased opportunities to pick up donations throughout the community.

Because of the generosity of the Cleveland community, there are many treasures to be found at the ReStore. Originally designed to sell primarily building materials, the Restore has expanded its inventory with a wide variety of items including: clothes, housewares, antiques, holiday items, jewelry, sporting goods, exercise equipment, furniture, appliances, electronics, and building materials.

The ReStore had humble beginnings that started in a small building donated by Whirlpool Corporation on Euclid Avenue. What started out as a yearly auction to raise funds in the mid-90s, became a weekly “Warehouse Sale” every Thursday in 1998. Due to increased demand and great success, the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors made the decision to open the Habitat Home Store five days a week, leasing a building on Edwards Street in September of 2004. In the very first month, the store was operating with a profit. Donations and sales continued to increase and the need for paid staff and a larger facility quickly became a reality. In 2009, the old movie theater on Grove Avenue was remodeled to accommodate the new “South ReStore” and Affiliate administrative offices.

The Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland ReStore has contributed to the success and fulfillment of Habitat’s mission of building and repairing homes, communities, and hope in Bradley County.

The ReStore accepts donations in sellable condition such as furniture and clothing that are gently used. ReStore profits are used to purchase building materials for the construction of homes and are also used to cover operations and administrative costs for the organization.

Customers can find countless items at affordable prices, and the ReStore opens up endless possibilities to turn discarded items into treasures through Do-It-Yourself re-purposing and refurbishing. Additionally, the ReStores have kept over 4,000 tons of materials out of our local landfill through its recycling efforts, extending the life of the landfill and saving Bradley County tax payers money.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland seeks to put God’s love into action while bringing people together to build and repair homes, communities, and hope.

Tami Croft wins $2,500 for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland in AARP Dream Builders video contest

Tami Croft, a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland homeowner and volunteer, received $2,500.00 for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland from AARP through their Dream Builders contest. Croft entered a video into the Dream Builders contest hosted on the AARP website and described her dream volunteer project with Habitat for Humanity. The Dream Builders contest is described by AARP as a way to build “on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I have a dream’ message as well as AARP’s commitment to livable communities and service”. Contestants were encouraged to enter a one minute video detailing a project at their favorite non-profit.

Croft chose two Women Build homes being built by Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, community sponsors and volunteers as her Dream Builders project. “I can’t swing a hammer anymore so I am trying to raise funds to build these two homes” explained Croft in her submission video, “I know what a huge blessing these homes are to these families”.

Fifteen videos from organizations across the country were entered into the Dream Builders contest. Croft’s Habitat of Cleveland video was chosen as one of twelve finalists. After sharing her video on social media and rallying support around the Women Build cause, she was able to gain the most votes online, become the national winner and receive the grand prize of $2,500 for Habitat of Cleveland.

Founded in 1958, AARP seeks to change the way America defines aging by focusing on its founding principles of promoting independence, dignity and purpose for older persons, to enhance the quality of life for older persons and to encourage older people to serve and not be served.

Through the support of local businesses and community volunteers, Habitat for Humanity is helping pave the way to a better future for families of Bradley County. The Women Build initiative furthers the efforts to unite Habitat for Humanity with local women to raise money and build homes for two families: Sheila Bell and her granddaughters as well as Jose and Rhina Basora and their two sons. These two families will work alongside volunteers to build their own homes, while also completing classes about homeownership and finances to prepare them for the future.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland seeks to put God’s love into action while bringing people together to build and repair homes, communities and hope.

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