Don Rollens and Chuck Haney Build a Legacy at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland

Habitat of Cleveland volunteers Don Rollens and Chuck Haney have worked on every Habitat house built in Bradley County since it began in 1990. They have hammered nails, installed windows and hung siding in the heat of summer and the frosty mornings of fall for 27 years while working alongside 131 families as they built a safe and affordable home for their children, their grandchildren and themselves.

When volunteers get involved with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, they help hardworking, low-income families build the strength, stability and independence they need to create a better life for themselves and their children. Affordable housing is out of reach for many of our community’s hardworking families and a full-time job is no guarantee that a family can afford a decent place to live.

To continue working toward a world where everyone has a safe place to live, a legacy fund has been created in honor of Rollens’ volunteerism. “Don has been a part of building every Habitat home in Cleveland. His health will not allow him to continue building, but the new fund  will allow his legacy to continue through sponsoring a portion of every future Habitat home built through our affiliate,” said Tyler Bramlett, Construction Director. “Giving of his time, talent and passion to help build over 130 homes is a legacy that will live on for years. His impact has changed lives and will continue to change lives for generations to come. We are blessed to know Don, and he will always be part of the Habitat family”.

The Don Rollens Legacy Fund kicked off in November with the Habitat volunteer construction crew making the first donations. “It is an honor to have a Habitat Legacy fund named for me. The 27 years that I have been associated with Habitat for Humanity as a volunteer have been very satisfying and rewarding. Just knowing that you are able to help someone else have a better life is what it is all about. Even though I will no longer be able to volunteer on the construction crew, I intend to continue to provide whatever support I can to Habitat,” said Rollens.

The fund is accepting donations now with no limit to the amount. “We don't want to limit what the community would like to do each year to support the Don Rollens Legacy Fund. No matter the gift, large or small, the funds will go toward building homes and helping hard-working families. Don will continue to touch each home through your generous gifts,” said Tammy Johnson, Executive Director. Donations to the fund can be made online at habitatofcleveland.org/donate or through the mail to PO Box 303 Cleveland, TN 37364.

Chuck Haney has also made an impact on over 130 families as a construction crew volunteer and Crew Leader. As a seasoned veteran, Haney often leads small groups at the job sites. His legacy will continue in the form of a workshop built in the ReStore. The workshop will be used as a place to prebuild home components, train future Crew Leaders and as an area for volunteer groups to do construction related projects.

“Chuck is one of the hardest workers I know.  He will do anything that’s asked of him without hesitation.  He will not stop until the mission is accomplished.  I’m a better person for knowing him.  We all are,” said Tyler Bramlett.

The Chuck Haney workshop will stand as a reminder to ReStore shoppers that their purchases help Habitat provide decent and affordable homes to families in Bradley County.

“Chuck has been with Habitat since its beginning days,” said Tammy Johnson. “He's committed, dedicated and a faithful worker. He shows up and continues to work hard on each home and this directly impacts every homeowner in the Habitat program. It's our privilege to honor Chuck by naming our new construction workshop after him”.

The workshop can be seen at the ReStore located on 300 Grove Ave SW Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00PM.  

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.

WACKER POLYSILICON PRESENTS CHECK TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CLEVELAND

WACKER POLYSILICON North America presented a check to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland in support of the completion of Ruby Vaughn’s home.

Vaughn is currently working two jobs to care for her son and four grandchildren. After a debilitating car accident, her son was disabled and unable to work. Vaughn began caring for him and his children. They currently live in an overcrowded apartment with her son sleeping in the living room.

“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 for my son to have a bedroom,” said Ruby. 

WACKER POLYSILICON North America is a global leader in the production of hyperpure polycrystalline silicon. Polysilicon is the key material in the solar and semiconductor industries. WACKER POLYSILICON North America also partnered with Habitat of Cleveland this  year to purchase a ReStore truck.

“Habitat for Humanity works in many ways to support families in this community who are in need of a place to call home,” said Mary Beth Hudson, vice president and site manager of WACKER POLYSILICON North America. “We are proud to support the great work they do in Bradley County, and look forward to future opportunities to grow our partnership.”

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.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Joins the Global #GivingTuesday Movement

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Occurring this year on November 28, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the US) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

This year, Habitat of Cleveland is raising funds to complete the Vaughn home. Ruby's home was dedicated in November, but the family is waiting to move in. By giving, you can help Build a Home for the Holidays for the Vaughn family. In partnership with #GivingTuesday, we hope to complete the home by the end of November. 

92Y − a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around its core values of community service and giving back − conceptualized #GivingTuesday as a new way of linking individuals and causes to strengthen communities and encourage giving. In 2016, the fifth year of #GivingTuesday, millions of people in 98 countries came together to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $177 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness.

“We have been incredibly inspired by the generosity in time, efforts and ideas that have brought our concept for a worldwide movement into reality,” said Henry Timms, founder of #GivingTuesday and executive director of 92Y. “As we embark on our sixth year of #GivingTuesday, we are encouraged by the early response from partner’s eager to continue making an impact in this global conversation.”

Those who are interested in joining Habitat of Cleveland’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit https://habitatofcleveland.org/donate/.

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.

TAMMY JOHNSON JOINS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CLEVELAND AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland announces that Tammy Johnson will join the organization as executive director.

Johnson is no stranger to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. She spent four years with Habitat of Cleveland as Resource Development Director before starting the Female Idea Tank in Cleveland. As Resource Development Director she was able to launch a development team that was responsible for six-figure fundraising at the affiliate. In addition to starting the Women Build annual signature event, she also successfully led the Volunteer Services, Marketing, Events, Grants and Community Development departments to advance Habitat’s mission in the community.

“Even after launching my business in 2014, I continued to stay involved with Habitat,” said Johnson, “I have always been passionate about doing what I can to help deserving families who are working hard to earn their new home. I know there is a team of amazing staff, board members, volunteers and donors, and I am excited about the next chapter we are stepping into together.”

Johnson has over 25 years of experience in business and non-profit settings. Her passion for the Cleveland community and Habitat for Humanity has inspired her to return to Habitat.

"Being hired as executive director at Habitat for Humanity is a homecoming for Tammy Johnson,” said Board President Keith Barrett.  “In her previous four-year employment with Habitat as resource development director, she saw many successes including a fundraising campaign that raised $600,000, coordination of more than 1,000 volunteers and implementation and development of half a dozen events. We anticipate that Johnson will bring that same energy and success to our affiliate as its executive director.”

Johnson graduated from Lee University with a Bachelor’s degree in business and an Associate of Science degree from Cleveland State Community College. She serves as Board President of One Heart Africa and is an accomplished business consultant and speaker. As the founder of Female Idea Tank, she has empowered business professionals to “achieve the success they crave” by creating “easy-to-follow strategies” that lead to success. Her skills and talents have given her experience working with local, regional, national and international clients.

Johnson is looking forward to leading and has a vision for growth, stability, integrity and fiscal responsibility. She is excited to work with the community and leaders once again.

“The board looks forward to working with her and her team to advance the goal of providing more affordable housing for more families in our community,” said Jeff Morelock, board member.

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. Habitat provides a long-term impact that changes the lives of families in Bradley County by partnering with them to build better lives and stronger communities. 

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.