Youth leaders for Habitat for Humanity have fundraising success

Posted Wednesday, October 10, 2018 10:55 am

Think you’re too young to make a difference in our community? 

The 2018-19 Youth Leadership class of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, successfully raised $1,408.63 in funding support, to help build Habitat homes in Bradley County, as part of their annual service project. 

“Our Youth Leaders made my day. Their energy, excitement and gift to Habitat blew me away,” said Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Executive Director Tammy Johnson, “We are also looking forward to having this year’s class out on our build site.” 

The 23 juniors and seniors from Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley high schools and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School will also volunteer “sweat equity” later this school year by painting and landscaping at Habitat homes.  “No idea is too small, and every gift of time, talent or treasure helps,” Johnson said. 

At the summer Youth Leadership retreat, organizers challenged the youth leaders to brainstorm creative ideas to raise funds for Habitat and raise a minimum of $400 at their respective schools. 
Shared Sherry Crye, coordinator of the Youth Leadership program: “We are pleased with this year’s efforts as they learn the importance of giving back to their community.” 

Youth Leadership is a workforce development program of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce designed to prepare young people for leadership in the community.  For information about the program, contact Sherry Crye with the CBCC at 423-472-6587 or visit www.clevelandchamber.com.

The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce is a quality organization dedicated to the business development of our members, the economic growth of our region and the highest quality of life for our community, the Ocoee Region of Tennessee. To learn more visit www.clevelandchamber.com.

Verizon Executives Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland

Posted Saturday, August 18, 2018 9:54 pm

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland was host to numerous Verizon Wireless volunteers from around the country on Tuesday, thanks to an impromptu meeting between the two organizations.

It started several months ago, when Habitat construction director Tyler Bramlett needed a new phone from his local Russell Cellular Verizon store. Upon discovering his affiliation to Habitat, the Verizon workers began asking how they could get more involved with the organization.

“The guy said they’ve been looking for ways to get more involved in the community,” Bramlett said. “I passed on his info to my director, Tammy Johnson, and she ran with it.”

Upon receiving the Verizon contact information, Johnson  visited and spoke with the phone store’s managers, who were all excited to get involved with Habitat. The store was interested in sponsoring a build, which involves workers helping on job sites. The manager also added a donation option at the five local Russell Cellular Verizon stores in the area throughout the month of June, with the option being $10. Overall, the stores raised more than $1,200 through this drive alone.

Johnson said despite people often doubting their abilities to make an impact, this proves  a small group of people can make a massive difference.

“Look at what everyone collectively did, from donating their time to raising funds,” Johnson said. “The fact these executives took the time to drive and fly in says a lot about the company.”

Verizon is a new partner for Habitat, and as a result, Verizon district manager Jason Foster  invited not only fellow managers, but also top executives at the company, to come out and volunteer. Many agreed.

During the Tuesday volunteer event, top Verizon executives flew in from Missouri and also drove up from Atlanta and Alabama to help work on the future home of  Felecia Kelley for Habitat. Kelley’s home is Habitat’s Blitz Build home. For those unaware, a Blitz Build involves getting as many materials as possible and building the home within one to two weeks.

Verizon provides an international discount to Habitat employees, which Johnson said is an established partnership which has ultimately led to this larger collaboration and may lead to potential future ones, as Russell Cellular Verizon has more than 400 stores around the country.

“This isn’t something the Verizon executives do all the time, so this is really an honor,” said volunteer services manager LaManda Bowers said. “We were ecstatic. Every time we get a new partner, there are growth opportunities, including more hands on deck to help in the community. We’re grateful and very humbled  these executives would do a community-wide service event through their customers’ organization.”

Tasks for the executives on the job site included caulking, installing interior shelves and painting.

Bowers added seeing Verizon do something like volunteer shows it’s much more than a phone company.  It cares about the community.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is located at 300 Grove Ave., and can be reached at 423-473-4610.

Habitat ReStore Gets Facelift

Posted Saturday, August 18, 2018 9:47 pm

By COLBY DENTON, Cleveland Daily Banner

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland hosted a ribbon cutting on Friday to commemorate the rejuvenation of its  ReStore location beside its office on Grove Avenue.

ReStore manager Dave Williams stated when the northside store closed, residents believed the ReStore was closing all locations. He  stressed that is not the case.

“We’re trying to get the great community of Cleveland to realize the Habitat for Humanity ReStore is open, alive and well,” Williams said. “We’ve got sales going on. We’ve had quite the facelift.”

Williams encouraged everyone in the community to shop around, get some good deals and know the money you spend is going to help build homes in the surrounding community. While a common misconception of the ReStore is  it’s only for contractors, it is indeed open to the public.

“This is a cycle of blessing, where people bring us lightly-used items, which we then put a reasonable price on, sell and then use that money to build homes,” Williams added. “It’s a win, win, win. We also don’t just have used items, we also have brand new furniture and appliances. I tell everyone to check out the ReStore first, and then go to the big box stores.”

The ReStore has been  painted the new, light blue colors of the Habitat logo. The inside has also been revamped and the parking lot  improved.

Habitat of Cleveland executive director Tammy Johnson stated they did this to encourage the people of Cleveland to come check them out and see what they have to offer.

Habitat is allowed to carry up to 15 percent of purchased product, which includes new laminate hardwood floors, new paint supplies, new and used furniture, books, clothing, housewares and a variety of other hidden treasures.

“Habitat has such a good, two-fold system,” stated Habitat volunteer services manager LaManda Bowers. “We are keeping literally tons of trash out of landfillss. We offer volunteer opportunities for those who need service hours in our community.”

Johnson stressed how money raised by Habitat remains in Cleveland, contrary to some nonprofits, which don’t recycle their earnings back into their community.

“You can always know  Habitat is putting the money it makes back into Cleveland,” Johnson said.

A large ribbon was cut by Johnson while surrounded by Habitat partners, Chamber of Commerce representatives, Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis and various other community leaders. 

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore can be contacted at 423-473-4610 and is located at 300 Grove Avenue. 

Home Depot is Partnering with Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Cleveland to Provide Free Kids Workshop

Home Depot is partnering with Habitat for Humanity  of Cleveland to provide a free building workshop for kids ages 4-10 on July 14th from 8:00am to 9:00 am in the Grove Ave. ReStore. 

Home Depot’s Kids Workshop program encourages kids to build and grow with age appropriate projects and allows the children to use tools to build their own masterpieces in a safe and fun environment. This is a great opportunity to spend time as a family.

Home Depot provides everything your children will need to complete the project, including one project kit per child, goggles, aprons, kid-sized tools and other supplies needed to complete the project. Children also get to keep their completed projects.

“Home Depot has a great history of incorporating kids workshops into their daily business.  Habitat for Humanity ReStore is excited to partner with them for the very first time this July 14th!” said Dave Williams, ReStore manager at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. “This is open to the first 10 kids, ages 4-10, that sign up with a parent/guardian. Come be a part of great community event, as Habitat extends its mission of being an extension of God’s hands in our community”

Pyramid Construction Partners with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland to Kick Off 2018 Faith Blitz Build

Frank Thaggard, of Pyramid Construction, along with many other local churches and businesses are donating labor and supplies to help build the Kelley family home for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s 2018 Faith Blitz Build initiative.

Habitat for Humanity’s Faith Blitz Build involves churches and businesses in the community coming together to build a Habitat for Humanity home. Together they raise the funds to build a Habitat home—$75,000 and provide the labor and prayer support to build a home in partnership with a local family.

“It's a beautiful thing to see Pyramid Construction along with local churches from our community come together with Habitat to physically put God's love in to action by building a home in our community,” said LaManda Bowers, Volunteer Manager at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. “There's no greater feeling than to be a part of something that changes a family's future for generations to come.”

Faith Blitz 2018 is solely dedicated to helping the Kelley Family build their home. Felecia Kelley is a single mother who lives in Cleveland with her two sons. Felicia and her kids have been living with her grandmother, Mary, for several years now in a very overcrowded home.  She first heard about Habitat for Humanity in 2009 when she helped her cousin complete sweat equity hours to build her home. She looks forward to having her own home, and believes that the homeownership program is not a hand out but is something you have to work for. “This home will be a stable place for my boys to grow up in and call home,” said Kelley.

“Any church or business can get involved in this incredible home building initiative. There are different ways to partner with Faith Blitz. There are sponsorship opportunities, you can volunteer your time, lead a team of up to 10 people to come and build on-site, or provide a meal for volunteers,” said Bowers. “We all have the power to give a hand up for hope in our own unique way.”

 Habitat and Pyramid Construction encourage all groups to volunteer— no experience is necessary to volunteer, and all faith groups are welcome. You will be taught everything you need to know on the build site, and there are a variety of tasks both indoors and outdoors that require all levels of skill and ability.

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.

First Student Graduates from Be Smart About Money Program

Since early 2017, the United Way of the Ocoee Region has partnered with Habit for Humanity of Cleveland to offer a 10-session personal financial management curriculum that will teach families how to decrease debt, improve their credit scores, build up their savings and manage their money.

“I am thankful to The United Way of the Ocoee Region for partnering with Habitat of Cleveland through the Be Smart About Money Program,” said NaCole Massengill, Family Services Manager of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to continue to support the families in Cleveland/Bradley County with sound financial foundations, reducing financial stress and preparing them for financial freedom.”

Maureen Miller is the first student to complete the Be Smart About Money Program. She completed the financial course in March, and also completed her degree in Health Science in May. Through the Be Smart About Money program, she received financial education that is now helping her pay off student debt, invest, and save money for the future.

“I learned a lot from the program about how to save and manage my money. I was able to ask questions regarding these things. It was educational, informative, and very helpful,” said Miller. “I really appreciate this program, and I would encourage this class 100%. One thing you don’t hear much about is your finances and you never really get lessons on how to manage your money or how to save. There’s always better ways to save and invest, and this course was really beneficial to me. I have kids, and I want to be able to teach them the same things too. I want to teach them how to have financial stability in their lives as well.”

The United Way of the Ocoee Region is a community-based organization that leads efforts in identifying community needs, facilitating collaboration, and maximizing resources to positively impact the community and surrounding areas. In 2016, they provided a grant that allows the Be Smart About Money course to operate.

“Our mission at United Way is to identify and meet needs within the community,” said Jaynese Waddell, Director of Community Impact of United Way of the Ocoee Region. “This program allows us to partner with Habitat for Humanity to meet a need around financial literacy and increase individual understanding of financial issues such as debt and budgeting the way few other programs do. This program is a really effective way to grow peoples understanding of financial literacy within our community.”                  

In order to qualify for the program, residents of Bradley County must fall into the 60% area median income or below, pay a $25 participant fee, and open a savings account with a partner bank. When students successfully complete the course they are able to earn matching funds up to $1,000 to pay off debt.

“To see one of our first participants enter the class in 2017 not knowing where the money for savings was going to come from or even how she would be able to save over $1,000 in a year from part time employment and being a full time student amazes me,” said NaCole Massengill.  “It is exciting to see someone achieve their goal and realize that it was in them all the time, they just needed some guidance, resources and to make the decision to change their financial path.  I couldn’t be happier for Maureen knowing that she has been able to pay down on her student debt and has a savings account that she will continue to grow for a bright financial future.”

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 Partners with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland to Build a Home

WACKER POLYSILICON North America presented a check to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland in support of the completion of a Women Build home. The home is being built in partnership with the White family.

Marvin and Shiloh White, and their three-year-old son, currently live with family and share one bedroom. They are hardworking and want to be able to provide a safe home for their family and future children.

Marvin and Shiloh White hammer into the framing of their future home.

“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. Having a home means everything to us.”

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 in 2017 to purchase a ReStore truck.

Tammy K. Johnson and Natalie McNair, Habitat for Humanity, accepted a check from Lisa Mantooth (Center), WACKER representative.

“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.”

Partnering with Habitat of Cleveland is easy. There are many different opportunities including volunteering, becoming a monthly donor or joining a committee. There is room for everyone. 

"It takes time, talent and funding to build a home," said Tammy Johnson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. "Some provide time, some talent and others donate funds to help build. Our local Wacker Polysilicon plant has provided support by helping fund a Habitat home which improves our great community. Their generous gift is going to directly help Marvin and Shiloh White finish building their home. Our gratitude runs deep, but it doesn't compare to the lasting change it will bring to the White family."

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, click the button below. 

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland and Lowe’s call on women to get involved in their community

For the 11th year, Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are engaging women nationwide to work together to build Habitat homes during this year’s National Women Build Week from May 5-13. In preparation for the build week, Habitat of Cleveland and Lowe’s are asking women to get involved by signing up to volunteer and build.

 “We’re excited to partner with Lowe’s to educate, inspire and empower women to advocate and help Habitat homeowners love where they live through building or improving an affordable place they can call home,” said Natalie McNair, Donor Engagement Manager of Habitat of Cleveland. “We want to engage women of all skill levels to join their friends, families and neighbors to build up their communities and volunteer where women will gain invaluable skills to bring back and use in their everyday life.”

“Lowe’s is in the business of helping people improve and maintain their homes,” said James Frison, Lowe’s Director of Community Relations. “Lowe’s Heroes have helped build hundreds of Habitat homes across the country and National Women Build Week is another chance for Lowe’s to reinforce our long-standing commitment to Habitat, Women Build and communities where our employees and customers live and work.”

On May 5th, local volunteers will install vinyl siding on the White and Vance family homes. Each family will join volunteers and work toward completing their sweat equity hours.

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

National Women Build Week, a nationwide initiative created by Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s in 2008, has brought together more than 117,000 all-women construction volunteers to build or repair homes with nearly 5,000 families over the past 10 years. This year, Lowe’s donated nearly $2 million to Habitat for Humanity to support the 2018 National Women Build Week, which is set to take place in 300 communities nationwide.

Habitat and Lowe’s encourage all women to volunteer—no construction skills or experience in Habitat builds necessary. To learn more about National Women Build Week, visit Habitat.org/wb.

Since Lowe’s national partnership with Habitat for Humanity began in 2003, the home improvement company has committed more than $63 million to Habitat and helped nearly 6,500 families improve their living conditions.

An Update From Our Executive Director

Dear Friends,

"For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people's love and concern for each other." Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat for Humanity. I'm often reminded that it takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home. Our future homeowners are our miracle, and our hearts are joined for one purpose -- to be part of their miracle.

A miracle is defined by dictionary.com as, “such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.” We help because we love. We support our homeowners because we are genuinely concerned. It’s no coincidence that our future homeowners connect with Habitat -- we know it's a miracle. It’s exciting to watch them help break ground, volunteer their time and build their own home -- it's their miracle. You, our sponsors and volunteers join together to demonstrate love and concern for a family you may have otherwise never met -- it's our community's miracle. 

We come together as a community to roll up our sleeves, dig in, break ground and get to work. For Habitat, building a home goes far beyond a typical builder's role. We not only build, we nurture, support and encourage our families along the way. Their struggle is our struggle. Their success is our success. Their miracle is our miracle. Together we are creating a community that is whole and healthy. 

In March, April and May, we will experience the miracle of homeownership unfolding in small and large ways and on June 14, we will celebrate the dedication of three families’ homes. Don’t miss out.  Join us this build season as we watch miracles unfold and families' lives changed for generations to come. We have room for you to volunteer, give or mentor.  I hope to see you on the build site or at the ReStore soon.

Blessings,

Tammy K. Johnson
Executive Director

Sponsor Spotlight: Whirlpool Corporation

Over the past 18 years, Whirlpool has partnered with Habitat for Humanity, committing more than $101 million to programs in over 45 different countries. In the United States and Canada, Whirlpool has donated more than 184,000 ranges and refrigerators to new Habitat homes, serving more than 100,000 families, according to the Whirlpool Corporation website.

Through this partnership, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland recently received a $90,000 grant from Whirlpool to sponsor the building of a new home. This generous donation will help propel the mission of Habitat for Humanity by providing another family with a home and hope for the future.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Family Services Manager, NaCole Harris-Massengill, believes Whirlpool has set an invaluable example of being a community-minded corporation. “When you talk about a great partnership and continuing to help families leave a legacy and become stable, independent and sustainable themselves, Whirlpool is at the top of doing that,” Harris-Massengill said. “This grant for a full home sponsorship will only help to strengthen their ties in the community, helping another family along their way of achieving the American dream of being a homeowner.”

The Whirlpool funded home is in partnership with the Chairez family. Mary Jo and her daughter hope to move into their home in mid-June.

“Owning my own home means stability and not having to move from place to place,” said Mary Jo “Habitat for Humanity is an example of a positive and happy future for my daughter and me.”