Habitat of Cleveland Visits 3 Plus You

Eyvonne Vance and Shiloh White joined Habitat staff and Julie Edwards on the set of 3 Plus You on February 12th. Vance and White are families partnered with Women Build 2018. 

Sign your team up for Women Build today. Businesses can sponsor a team by February 15th to have their logo placed on 400 shirts! 

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Habitat’s Women Build Initiative Empowers And Unites Women To Build Two Homes

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s fifth annual Women Build initiative brings 40 teams of women together to build two homes for Bradley County families. Women Build 2018 will have volunteer spots open beginning in March and going through June. This year, Women Build teams will build homes for two families: Eyvonne Vance and Marvin and Shiloh White.

Currently Eyvonne Vance, lives in an apartment where her rent continues to increase even though she has a fixed income. She wants a place to live that is safe for her family to visit and free from the influence of drugs. Vance babysits her grandchildren and hopes to have a safe space for them to play outside. She believes in hard work and believes the Habitat process is not hard because it is such a huge blessing to her.

“Take the hard out of it and just do it,” is her life’s motto. “This is an opportunity for a new home, peace of mind and a blessing that my heart has longed for. It is a blessing from God. I have never owned a home before and this means so much to me,” said Vance.  

Marvin and Shiloh White are originally from Kentucky, but they have made Cleveland their home. The White’s have one son, Kainaan, and hope to grow their family. Marvin works at Coca-Cola and Shiloh is a stay at home mom. They currently live in an overcrowded apartment with the three of them sharing one bedroom.

“Having our own home means to have stability for our family and a place for Kainaan and our future children to grow up,” said Shiloh. “Even though the sweat equity hours are the hardest part of the process, it is WORTH IT. Habitat for Humanity means everything to us.”

Women of all ages and experience levels are welcome to be a part of Women Build. In order to sign up your team, choose a team leader that recruits 5 - 10 women. Women Build is a “Pay-to-Play” volunteer experience in which each team member pays a $50 build fee. The $50 “Pay-to-Play” fee goes back into funding the construction of the Vance and White family homes. This unique volunteer experience empowers local women to work together to build two homes from start to finish through their donation of a 4-hour build shift and $50.

Businesses are encouraged to get involved as well. A Build Day Sponsorship can be made by giving the $500 Pay-to-Play fee and sponsoring a group of volunteers. Sign up by February 1st to have your business name on the t-shirt and all marketing materials. Businesses like Cleveland Eye Clinic Cortney Bramlett and McNair Media have already signed up to sponsor a team.

DAVE WILLIAMS JOINS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF CLEVELAND AS RESTORE MANAGER

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland announces that Dave Williams will join the organization as ReStore manager.

Williams is no stranger to Cleveland. Originally from Perterborough, Ontario, Williams came to Cleveland to pursue his Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministries at Lee University. He has been serving the community ever since.

“I am first and foremost a people person,” said Williams. “I am passionate about seeing individuals reach their full God given potential, and succeed in whatever area of life they are created for.  Habitat for Humanity is affecting families in our community, both, in the present, and future generations.  Having the opportunity to serve as the ReStore manager is an honor and privilege that allows me to be a part of the bigger mission.”

Williams has 17 years of general manager experience in the restaurant industry. He has also served in youth ministry for 15 years and as a Scout Leader in local Boy Scout “Troop 10”.

"Dave is a welcome addition to the Habitat family and comes to us with an outstanding background,” said Tammy Johnson, Executive Director. “He has strong skills in customer service, volunteer management and will work well with our donors and Habitat families to further our mission of building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. He's well respected in the community, and I know he'll do a great job as our new ReStore Manager. Over the next few months you'll see many positive changes at the ReStore, and I invite you to stop by and meet Dave soon!"

Williams is looking forward to leading and has a vision for growth. He is excited to work with the ReStore staff and the Cleveland community.

“The ReStore is a vital part of what makes Habitat work in our community.  It is my vision to continue, and build upon, the stores success, in order to support the Mission of Habitat for Humanity in Cleveland,” added Williams.

Habitat of Cleveland Receives State Grant from Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee is directing $15,500 in state grant funding to Habitat of Cleveland to build a new home in Bradley County.

The funding comes as part of a half-million dollar grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. Habitat of Cleveland and its sister organizations throughout the state will apply the grant toward the construction of 30 new homes for low-income families.

 "We are extremely grateful for THDA's partnership and consistent support,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, “This THDA grant provides us with a solid foundation to jump-start our larger fundraising efforts, which will reach $2.8 million from individuals, churches, foundations and businesses to complete these builds.”

Local Habitat chapters could apply for $15,500 per build in THDA funding from the grant. When construction is complete in June 2018, more than 100 adults and children will be living in the 30 high-quality, energy-efficient homes built in part from this funding.

 “We share Habitat’s mission and its passion for creating new homeownership opportunities to Tennessee families, so it’s a very natural partnership,” said THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey. “We’re always confident that Habitat is going to put our funding to good use, and I’m sure more than a few THDA staffers will be among the volunteers at build sites across the state.”

In addition to supporting Habitat for Humanity with grant funding, THDA also provides zero-interest home loans to qualified Habitat homeowners. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers, and pay an affordable mortgage that, in turn, helps fund future Habitat builds.

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in South Georgia. The Christian housing organization came to Tennessee in 1978 and has grown to being ranked the fourth-largest builder of Habitat for Humanity homes in the country.

Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. "Through shelter, we empower," the organization states. To learn more, visit HabitatTN.org.

 Funding for the $500,000 THDA grant came from the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund, which receives no state tax dollars but is instead funded by revenue from THDA’s mortgage loan program. Since 2006, THDA has provided more than $75 million in THTF grants. For more information, visit THDA.org.

 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.

A Look Back at Women Build 2017

Women Build 2017 brought together 40 teams of 10 women to build two homes in Bradley County. Here is a look back at the families empowered and the fun had in 2017. What will 2018 bring? Sign up for our newsletter to find out! 

Volunteer Spotlight: Deb Flower

After she retired from teaching, Deb Flower joined her husband Dave in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland in 2007.

Deb volunteers in many capacities with our affiliate. She paints on our build site, has helped lead Women Build Groups, spends countless hours volunteering at our ReStore, and constantly advocates our mission. 

Known to many as the Christmas lady, Deb Flower organizes all of the Restore's holiday donations. She then recruits a team of volunteers who come together and transform the ReStore into a Christmas wonderland for the Holidays. Deb's contribution to our organization is immeasurable. She is passionate, driven, and organized. Deb is proof that one person can make a difference.

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.