Legacy Builders

Posted Wednesday, May 22, 2019 10:15 am

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has a large, diverse mixture of volunteers who come year after year to help provide affordable housing. However, none of these people are as long-serving as the members of its Legacy Build crew.

The crew which is comprised of some volunteers who have served since the organization was formed 33 years ago.

Habitat executive director Tammy Johnson described the Legacy Build as being made up of “core volunteers.”

“This is the first build of 2019. We’ve got a second, third and fourth home going up this year as well,” Johnson said.

On a typical build for a Habitat home, Mondays and Wednesdays are the days for subcontractors to come work on the site. Tuesdays and Thursdays are when core volunteers come out and Fridays and Saturdays are when sponsor groups come out to work.

Depending on what the sponsor groups complete, their skill level and whether they are impeded by weather or not, the core volunteers will speed up or slow down the process to ensure the work is completed  on time. The building process takes right at 12 weeks.

Johnson said the Habitat ReStore volunteers help with each build through their work in the ReStore as well. They do this by sorting and pricing items every week, which in turn promotes profitability for the ReStore, which helps build more homes.

Using volunteer work helps keep the construction costs low for Habitat, thus allowing them to continue building more affordable houses.

Chuck Haney and Ed McCartney are two Habitat Legacy volunteers who are happy to return because of the good they’ve seen their work do.

Haney has worked with Habitat for 26 years. McCartney has worked with it for 20 years. While Haney is more involved with the construction aspect of Habitat, McCartney works in the ReStore predominantly.

McCartney is credited with starting Habitat of Cleveland’s silent auction, which has raised over $140,000 in its seven years of operation. The silent auction selects 24 items out of pieces donated to Habitat, and after research is conducted on them, the items are added to the auction for two weeks. The items can be viewed at the ReStore or on Habitat of Cleveland’s Facebook page.

“We’ve gotten to where people will ask that their donated items go into the silent auction because they don’t wanna see one of their favorite antiques sell for less than it’s worth,” McCartney said. “It not only raises money, but also generates traffic into the store to see what’s there.”

Both men said keeping busy and active is an integral reason they return every year, but the more important factor is seeing the good results generated through Habitat.

Haney encourages people who wonder what kind of impact they’ll have by supporting Habitat to take a drive through a Habitat community and see the beautiful difference made in these families’ lives.

Don Rollins was another Legacy builder whose large impact can still be felt today. After Rollins had to hang up his tool belt due to health reasons, Habitat of Cleveland established the Don Rollins Legacy Fund in his honor, which collects donations  distributed among each home  built that year. That way, Rollins is continuing to “build” on the homes.

Other organizations also support Habitat. One  is the George R. Johnson Foundation, whose funding alone helps build half a home.

Johnson made it a point to also praise the fervent and continued support of Broad Street United Methodist Church, which is where Habitat of Cleveland first originated. Having supported Habitat’s mission from the first house’s inception, Broad Street continues to support the organization as it builds its 136th home.

“Broad Street puts Christian love into action, which is what we need for the strength and stability of our organization,” Johnson said.

This year, the four future Habitat homeowners are all first-time homeowners. Contrary to popular belief, however, first-time homeowners can come in a variety of forms, ranging from young couples to seniors who’ve never bought a home to people who are on fixed incomes. The Legacy build's future owner is   Dale Ware.

“These are good, hardworking people, they just can’t afford a typical mortgage,” Johnson added.

“The thing you’ll always remember about a home dedication is how a little kid will be so excited about his new room, something he’s never had before, and that shows you why it’s all worth it,” McCartney said.

For more information on the variety of builds taking place this year and for years to come, check out Habitat of Cleveland’s website at https://habitatofcleveland.org/ or go to its Facebook page.

Habitat of Cleveland is located at 300 Grove Avenue and can be reached at 423-473-4610. 

Tammy Johnson: 'When you hear the 'C-word' it is hard to process'

Posted Thursday, May 9, 2019 5:00 pm

By GWEN SWIGER

“I was married in September 2008 to Michael Johnson,” Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, noted.

“The next April, I went for my yearly checkup. I had my first ever negative results. I got a call from my doctor. She said to come in, we have a problem,” Johnson said.

Johnson went in for more evasive procedures. When the results came in, the doctor again contacted her.

“So, I took my husband with me. It can’t be good or they would not be calling me back again,” she said.

The doctor explained there was an abnormal result. She wanted to do a biopsy.

“Within the next couple of weeks, I had a biopsy on my cervix. I found out I had something called adenocarcinoma, which is a very aggressive form of cancer that hides in the intestines and spreads,” she said.

When she went back to the doctor’s office, she was asked “how do you feel about having children?”
Johnson told the doctor, “the fact you are asking me that question makes me think it is not good.”

The doctor said it was not. The doctor had gotten a second and third opinion from doctor colleagues, who told her the growth needed to come out immediately.

“When you hear the ‘C’ word, it is hard to process,” Johnson said.  However, she had a decision to make.

“I had a friend who was a chemo nurse in Knoxville. I called her and asked her to look at the results,” Johnson said. “She had two doctors she worked with look at them.”

They concurred with Johnson’s doctor and friends — it needed to come out immediately.

"I had gone from a biopsy to having to have a hysterectomy within six weeks. We had been married less than a year. We are faced with having cancer and we won’t be able to have children. It was not until a year later, that I learned how dangerous it (the cancer) was,” Johnson said.

Fortunately, the cervical cancer was found early and removed. Johnson has not had to have chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

“For me, I feel like I was blessed. I could have been pregnant with cancer. I could have had a baby and died with cancer and left my husband with a new baby.

“Cancer is one of the worst diagnosis you can get. It is hard and you immediately think you are going to die from it, but I found out I had cancer and could not have children,” Johnson said.

“Thankfully we caught it (the cancer) early. The interesting part of my stories is when I was born, I was a breach baby. My hips were dislocated,” she said.

It was her mother who realized something was wrong with her hips. She was put into traction, but it did not work.

“I ended up having eight different body casts. I had to wear braces. Nothing made my hips heal.

"At about a year and half, my parent took me to an old-fashioned tent revival and I was healed,” she said.

Even though her hips are fine now, Johnson had wondered if she would be able to deliver a baby. As labor progressives, the hips realign to let the baby emerge.

“God really knows what is best for us,” she said. “We look for blessings in the middle of sorrow.

“There are so many blessings.   We look around to see who we can help. We love on our nieces and nephews. We have time and money we can focus on others.

“I am being healthy. I am able to do this work for Habitat. We give love and are super passionate about the people around us,” Johnson said.

Habitat overcomes donation obstacles

Posted Saturday, May 4, 2019 9:30 pm

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, in its mission to bring affordable housing to our community, was recently gifted a large amount of items, which it is now able to sell through its ReStore.

The donated item was a massive quantity of backer board and tiles given by the disaster relief organization Operation Compassion.

Contractors use backer board as a foundation for ceramic tile. Unlike wood-based materials like plywood or products that contain wood, backer board lacks the organic matter that will promote rot, mold, shrink  or decomposition. Since backer board is porous, grout, mortar and thinset adhere well to it.

With all these construction benefits, the ReStore being able to sell the backer board would offer a cheaper alternative for local contractors. The issue, however, was the sheer number of pallets of the product, which each weigh a significant amount, and their necessary storage.

There were 170 pallets of backer board and 150 pallets of tile.

“Obviously, since we’re a donation-driven organization, we’re happy to take all donations,” stated Dave Williams, ReStore manager. “The issue with this is  we just don’t have room for all these pallets at our ReStore.”

While it may not have the space, Habitat certainly has connections through its staff and board of directors, and shortly after hearing of the issue, Habitat financial director Rick Smith reached out to  Lynn Jones, who owns several warehouses in the area. Despite the growing economy and resulting lack of warehouse space due to increased usage, Jones was kind enough to donate 5,000-6,000 square feet for Habitat to use to store the backer board and tiles.

After nailing down a storage location, Williams said they breathed a sigh of relief, until  they realized the next challenge would be figuring out how to move hundreds of heavy pallets.

Seeking someone with a tractor trailer they could borrow, Habitat also reached out to Bailey Co. Inc, which supplies forklifts, to load the pallets onto the still-needed truck. The company generously gave Habitat half off its normal rate, and even delivered the forklift for free.

Habitat receiving manager Tommy Stovall was tasked to move the pallets on Wednesday and Thursday, so getting a truck was the store’s top priority.

Meta McGuire, Habitat donor engagement manager, knew a former coworker named A.J., who used to be a truck driver and knew of a trucking company called Direct Transportation that might be able to help them.

Sure enough, Paul Bowen with Direct Transportation contacted her and said he could spare a truck on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

A Direct Transportation trucker named Trapper and his wife showed up Wednesday morning and transported three full loads of pallets to the warehouse for Habitat. He stated he was happy to help and called it his “tithe.”

Following three hours of work on Trapper’s part, Williams received a call from Randall Bailey with Operation Compassion. Bailey told him he had several volunteers ready to load up a tractor trailer they’d acquired to transport even more of the pallets for Habitat.

“So because of this, we had three full tractor trailers going back to back to back all day on Wednesday,” Williams happily stated.

He added how this occasion goes to show how much can be done when a small team — like at Habitat — puts their heads together.

“It’s amazing the amount of generosity we’ve seen during this time,” Williams added. “Lynn Jones is sacrificing income to give us a space to store this. Operation Compassion donated it all in the first place, and Trapper and his wife donated their time to come help us move it all along with Operation Compassion.”

The backer board and tiles will be highly useful for contractors. At $5 per sheet, it’s also being sold much cheaper than standard pricing around $10-12 per sheet. The ReStore has quarter-inch and half-inch sheets, and has already attracted the attention of the Ocoee Region Builders Association.

ORBA member Dennis Epperson posted photos of himself purchasing the backer board on Facebook, thus spreading awareness further.

Williams said the backer board is going to be a significantly helpful resource for ORBA especially.

If all pallets sell, Habitat stands to make approximately $75,000. The pallets are one of various construction-related items the ReStore sells, others being flooring, cabinets, furniture and now even paint. Of these items, most are donated, so supplies are limited; however, Habitat has the budget to purchase three items, including laminate flooring, paint and paint supplies.

Due to the growing size of the ReStore, Williams and the Habitat team are in need of more volunteers. Everyone is encouraged to come out, introduce yourself and volunteer your time to help make Cleveland even greater.

For more information, go to www.habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat is located at 300 Grove Avenue and may be reached at 423-473-4610. 

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Chamber Graduates 17th Youth Leadership Class

Youth Leadership Class of 2018-19 graduates

Twenty-three "promising future leaders" representing Bradley Central, Cleveland and Walker Valley high schools and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School graduated from the 17th Youth Leadership class of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.

During ceremonies held at Peerless Road Church, members of the Youth Leadership Class of 2018-19 recounted their nine-month program. Morgan Warner (BCHS), Jack Duncan (CHS), Hannah Hawkins (WVHS) and Mason Taylor (TCPS) talked about the year’s emphasis on city, county and state government, community services, infrastructure, healthcare and manufacturing, along with reflections about the value of relationship, team-building opportunities and how the program impacted them. 

Also part of the graduation ceremonies was an inspirational challenge by David Hicks, partner with Hudson Cook LLP.  Mr. Hicks encouraged the young leaders to ponder and reflect on “What Breaks Your Heart?” 

During the nine-month program, the students were also involved in service projects, raising more than $1,400 for the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland construction fund and investing “sweat equity” by installing vinyl siding for a Habitat home and working in the ReStore. The students also donated nonperishable food items to the Caring Place. 

Sherry Crye, director of workforce development for the Chamber, coordinates the Youth Leadership program. Ms. Crye describes the class of 2018-19 as “an outstanding group of young men and women that I am confident will be successful in the future and are the promising future leaders of our community, our state and our country.” Ms. Crye also added, “You aren’t born a leader, you must become one.”

Members of the 2018-19 Youth Leadership class from Bradley Central High School are Gabrielle Bennett, Brynna Frakes, Hannah Lombard, Courtney Roberts, Shelby Satterfield, Kierstyn Viola, Anna Walker,  Jackson Walker and Morgan Warner.

Representing Cleveland High School in the 2018-19 class are Kathleen Alcock, Noah Allen-Darden, Jaelyn Blackwell, Asa Blake, Emma Brannen, Jimmy Collins, T. J. DeLuca and Jack Duncan. 

Walker Valley High School students graduating from the 2018-19 Youth Leadership class are Mikayla Beasley, Hannah Hawkins, John Klepzig, Karmen Sanders and Lucy Trew.

Tennessee Christian Preparatory School 2018-19 Youth Leadership graduate is Mason Taylor.

Cleveland/Bradley Youth Leadership is a workforce development initiative of the Chamber of Commerce.

Walker Valley forms Habitat for Humanity student chapter

Posted Saturday, April 13, 2019 9:36 pm

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland makes a significant impact on "The City with Spirit," but what many don’t realize is that there is also a younger segment of Habitat workers at Walker Valley High School just waiting to get started on the job site.

Overseen by Walker Valley social studies teacher Josh Justice, the organization was formed in 2017 in an effort to bring students into the fold of community service.

“I wanted to give the students at Walker Valley the opportunity to serve our community and see the need for affordable housing,” Justice said. “There is a housing need in our community, and I wanted to provide students with an evenue to get engaged in a service that seeks to assist those who are in need. This club also allows students to see and meet those wonderful families who will receive a Habitat home.”

Students work at the Habitat ReStore on the second Saturday of each month, and not only work in the retail portion, but perform whatever work is needed that day. Approximately five work these days, but more have volunteered for large projects such as home dedications, where they help serve food.

“These kids do a lot of advocating around the community,” stated Habitat volunteer services manager LaManda Bowers. “They’ll also set up booths at Walker Valley to tell other students about what they do.”

The female students and teachers are going to be helping with Habitat’s Women’s Build project this year after securing a sponsorship of $500.

Bowers describes the teamwork these youth are displaying as amazing, and says they’re actually setting a standard for volunteering for even adults to live up to.

She explained how a campus chapter is a group of students who are passionate about helping people build better lives for themselves, and are ready to take the next step to lad the charge at their school to help fulfill Habitat’s mission.

A Habitat campus chapter is student-led and student initiated, and strives to fulfill four functions including: direct service, fundraising, advocating and educating.

“These kids are coming out and saying, ‘Hey, we want to make a difference. We want to help with affordable housing,’ and it’s very inspiring to see,” Bowers said.

Justice agreed, and said, “The students have blown me away with their enthusiasm, hard work and dedication to Habitat. Each one who has volunteered has done so with the big picture of helping others and being an advocate for affordable housing. They are selflessly donating their time and effort to assist those in need.”

Since starting in 2017, the students have served at various events and job sites, and Bowers attributes the Walker Valley group’s success to their faculty advisor, Josh Justice.

“Josh had a passion for affordable housing, and he came to us and told us how he’d heard about the campus chapter with Habitat International, and told us he wanted to offer his students the same opportunities,” Bowers added.

The youngest age that can volunteer at the ReStore is 14, so members of a campus chapter must be at least that old to serve.

Bowers, who oversees the volunteer department of Habitat, helps student chapters find volunteer opportunities and serves as a point of contact for the chapters.

She added how she feels the Walker Valley chapter has “set the bar” for volunteer organizations and clubs around Cleveland. She would like for other schools to step out and follow Walker Valley’s lead, as there are many ways to make a difference.

The Walker Valley Habitat campus chapter meets once per month. If interested in joining the organization or starting your own, contact Justice at Walker Valley. You will fill out an application for membership through Habitat International. For more information, contact Bowers at lbowers@habitatofcleveland.org. 

Habitat of Cleveland to share in THDA grant

Posted Saturday, April 6, 2019, 9:52 pm

Special to the Banner

Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee is directing $15,500 in grant funding to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, to build one new home in the Cleveland and Bradley County community.

The funding comes as part of a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. Habitat for Humanity 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 support,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee. “This THDA grant provides us with a solid foundation to spur our larger fundraising efforts, which will reach $3 million from individuals, churches, foundations and businesses to complete these builds.”

Local Habitat chapters may apply for $15,500 per build in THDA funding from the grant. When construction is complete in June 2019, more than 100 adults and children will be living in 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. 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.

Habitat for Humanity is propelled by a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity began in Tennessee in 1978 when Appalachia Habitat was created serving Scott and Morgan counties. The Christian housing organization has grown over the past 40 years to include 45 affiliates that serve 62 counties. Tennessee is ranked the fourth largest builder of Habitat for Humanity homes in the country. 

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. 

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 www.HabitatTN.org

www.THDA.org

A shovel of dirt, and a dream in the making

Posted Saturday, April 6, 2019 9:00 pm

Whether it’s the first shovel of dirt during a groundbreaking, the inaugural nail driven during an opening day of construction or the snip of a brightly colored ribbon at the close of a dedication, there’s always something extraordinary about a Habitat for Humanity observance.

Always.

Conditions don’t matter: rain, sun, hot, cold or the nip of a frosty October morn, it’s a sight to behold for all … from volunteers to organizational staff to program advocates – and especially to recipient families who give “sweat equity” and a personal commitment to homeownership. Truly, it’s an emotional turn in the lives of all whose hands have touched this heartfelt moment.

For program staff, it is the continuation of a personal mission, one that whispers “… I am my brother’s keeper,” and for this reason they choose to work for a nonprofit whose efforts sometimes go unnoticed but whose impact is forever seen.

For donors, it is the knowledge that dollars contributed don’t disappear into the unknown with never another word to be heard; on the contrary, these gifts swell hearts by building hope.

For volunteers, it is the chance to make a difference in the lives of others … strangers on day one, best friends at project’s close; theirs is the sweat, the drive and the fatigue of working in the sun, theirs is the compassion of mentoring others whose lives are not so different from their own, theirs is a need to do good, to be good and to feel good in the doing.

For recipient families, it is the hand up for which many pray; it is not the handout that lends to a thirst for more, but an opportunity that should be afforded to any man or any woman or any family, with child or without, of any color and all cultures who are willing to work to help themselves while accepting the responsibilities of their decision.

This is the world of Habitat for Humanity. These are the people who give it voice. Theirs are the knowing smiles, the perspiring brows and the tired sighs that give it face.

As most know, Habitat for Humanity is an international initiative, one that erects houses and builds cities in all pockets of the globe. It is also a national front, one given life by community affiliates from Bangor, Maine, to Brownsville, Texas, from Spokane, Wash., to Miami, Fla. Its outreach is immense. Its vision spans coast to coast.

Closer to home, we have a league of miracle workers in our midst. Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has been bringing the American Dream to local families since 1990 … nail by nail, board by board, shingle to shingle, time-scarred paint brush to drip-stained bucket, shovel to landscaped earth, and heart to heart.

By the close of 2019, Habitat for Humanity volunteers spanning 29 years will have built 136 homes in the Cleveland and Bradley County community.

Habitat volunteers recently broke ground on three new houses in the Victory Grove subdivision. Groundbreaking will be held later for a fourth in the South Gate Hills subdivision.

One of the strengths in the fabric of Victory Grove and South Gate Hills is their commonality. Both are exclusive Habitat for Humanity neighborhoods.

They are not alone. Habitat also boasts its own communities in Fitzgerald Village, Sain Village and Century Village.

There is wisdom in building Habitat homes on the same soil. Their families get to share a sense of pride, one that breathes success, embraces a celebration of life and resonates a pledge … to themselves, to each other, to their hometown.

Collectively, the four homes being built this year include:

• Women Build, whose title sponsor is Easy Auto, will feature the work of 200 women, divided into teams of 10;

• Legacy Build, sponsored by the George R. Johnson Foundation;

• Leaders Build, comprised of a large collection of local celebrities and community leaders; and

• Heroes Build, which engages the work and sponsorships of veterans, active-duty military and emergency responders.

The homeowners are everyday people who love, laugh and cry: Dale, Nataziona, Erica, Tatyana, Victor, Ethan and Brenda. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, they are building strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter, and they’re doing it right here in our hometown community.

Want to get involved? We knew you would. Call 423-473-4610. 

Habitat for Humanity is located at 300 Grove Ave. Cleveland natives might recognize the site as the former Cinema Twin theater. Even after all these years, the old building still stirs the imagination and cultivates dreams for all.

But not just any dreams … American Dreams.

Knights of Columbus donate to charities

Posted Saturday, March 30, 2019 9:30 pm

During a recent meeting, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 4572 of Cleveland presented several donations to nonprofit groups in Cleveland. 
The Knights of Columbus is a nonprofit Catholic men’s organization dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. They conduct several fundraisers during the year, including the Labor Day and Super Bowl Barbecue roast sales, the annual golf tournament in May and valet parking during the year. All the proceeds are donated to charitable organizations.

Among those receiving donations were:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region, which focuses on enabling young people in fulfilling “their potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ocoee Region operates 15 units in the area — seven in Bradley County, one in Polk County, one in Meigs County and six in Monroe County.

• Life Bridges, which “bridges the gap between abilities and disabilities,” provides services for residents with developmental disabilities. Life Bridges’ vision is to “provide exceptional services to the individuals we serve, their families, and our community to promote independence, respect and trust while meeting our social and financial responsibilities.” 
• The Caring Place, an ecumenical Christian nonprofit, addresses “basic spiritual, physical and social needs of people in Bradley County.” They distribute groceries to families at poverty level or below, give ready-to-wear clothing upon availability, provide professional social work services, distribute spiritual food through prayer, provide environment where prayer is encouraged and facilitate getting head in a just getting by world. 
• Family Violence Program’s Harbor House provides a safe and caring place for individuals and their children who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

• Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland partners with residents who need decent and affordable housing. Homeowners complete “sweat equity hours, homeowner education courses and paying an affordable mortgage on their home.” 
• Lee University Developmental Inclusion Classroom is a state-approved private school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Cleveland City Schools saw an increase of 1,000 percent between 1999 to 2000, and 2005-06. Experts agree ASD individuals “have the most unique learning needs and require the greatest expertise to teach of all disability categories.” LUDIC provides services targeting the needs of its students. The services are often more intensive than can be offered in schools.

• Orange Grove Center offers “person-centered services and programs to nearly 1,000 children and adults with the goal of transforming our community into one that is truly inclusive and diverse.” 
•  Hospice of Chattanooga addresses the “medical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families faced with a life-limiting illness. The goal is to help terminally ill individuals live their final weeks and months with the highest quality of life possible.”

Habitat honors 88-year-old volunteer with dedication of ReStore Book Nook

Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2019 10:09 am

By COLBY DENTON

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland recently unveiled the newest addition to its ReStore: a specially designed book nook that not only displays the books it has for sale, but also serves as a dedication to a particularly faithful Habitat employee named Hazel Spain.

Having served with Habitat since 2005, the 88-year-old Spain originally started with the nonprofit when Habitat was still located at its original location, Broad Street United Methodist Church.

“I think the William Shakespeare quote went something like, “Though she be but little, she is fierce,’ and that describes Ms. Hazel so well,” said Habitat volunteer services manager LaManda Bowers. “She has so much passion and tenacity. I met her seven years ago when I started at Habitat. She puts her entire heart and soul into this organization.”

Bowers added she’s never seen anyone love books like Spain does, and praised Spain’s desire to instill a love of reading in others.

Spain is often called Habitat of Cleveland’s “paparazzi,” as her job once involved taking countless photos for scrapbooking purposes, and she continues to capture images even now. Due to this love of scrapbooking, Habitat’s staff presented her with a scrapbook filled with photos of herself throughout her years of service.

“One of the first things Hazel did was to help our staff with filing, and she grew from there to take pictures of all of our events, construction sites and dedications, and would scrapbook those. So, a lot of our history is in direct relation to Hazel Spain,” said Habitat of Cleveland Executive Director Tammy Johnson.

Having a file of every Habitat of Cleveland home built since its inception, Spain also clips  photos and articles from media coverage over the years for Habitat's scrapbook.

Aside from scrapbooking, another passion of Spain’s is tending to the books in the Habitat ReStore. Her duties involve processing donated books, putting them on the shelves and selling them, with all proceeds going to help build Habitat homes.

Johnson proudly said Spain’s work brings in around $17,000 per year to Habitat through book sales alone.

“Hazel is one of those people who gives so unselfishly behind the scenes, so I thought it was time to honor her. I approached the teams about dedicating this book nook to her, and everyone just came together to honor this amazing woman,” Johnson said.

She added she believes the nook will increase book sales in the ReStore, as it offers a larger section for the books and even a spot to sit and browse.

This is the first section of the ReStore that is specifically dedicated to a Habitat volunteer, with the area being dubbed the Hazel Spain Book Nook.

Spain took a moment to recognize all of the construction crew, led by assistant supervisor Jesus Trujillo, for all their hard work with Habitat and the creation of the beautiful facade now bearing her name.

“I feel honored to be receiving this,” Spain said. “I think this facade they’ve built for my book nook will draw the eyes of customers and increase traffic to the book section for people who may normally have ignored it.”

She explained when she first moved to Cleveland years ago, she needed something to do. She knew about Habitat because it was located at Broad Street United Methodist, and the church was one of the few places she knew how to get to, so she ended up working for Habitat. She says she’s certainly glad she did.

“I met all these people as they came to volunteer, and it was almost like you knew everyone. It was like a family with everyone being so friendly and nice. Habitat’s mission is very important, as it’s such a good thing to help people get good housing,” she added.

Habitat of Cleveland is completing four homes this year, and upon completion, will have constructed 139 homes since its inception.

The Hazel Spain Book Nook is now open for business.

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

Bowater Credit Union donates to Habitat

Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2019 10:03 am

CALHOUN — Bowater Employees Credit Union member Tammy Johnson has won $1,000 from Bowater Credit Union to her favorite nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.  

Bowater Credit Union has asked its members to nominate their favorite nonprofit helping people in the counties eligible for credit union membership: Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk.  Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland is the most first winner of 2019.

Johnson knows first-hand how the winning organization improves the community we serve – in addition to being a credit union member, she is the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.  The $1,000 prize will be used toward the 2019 Heroes Build.  “This home build will engage veterans, military members and first responders who will volunteer to help build a home for the Brenda Walker family,” wrote Johnson.  “Brenda Walker is a hard-working mother of two. Her current living situation is unhealthy, and she began looking for a better quality of life and a safe, secure environment. She applied, went through our stringent qualification process, and was accepted into the Habitat program. 

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland or to make your own donation, visit habitatofcleveland.org.

The Pay It Forward program will continue through 2019, and that means any member of Bowater Credit Union can nominate their favorite nonprofit for a $1,000 Pay It Forward prize.  Four more prizes will be given out in 2019, and the deadline to be considered for the next prize is August 31. 

Bowater Credit Union began the Pay It Forward program in 2010 as a way to give back to the community it serves.  Since the program’s inception, Bowater CU has given $41,000 to various charities making a difference in our community.  For more information, visit www.bowaterecu.org.

Bowater Employees Credit Union is a federally insured credit union offering savings, checking, loans, and financial education to those who live, work, or go to school in the counties of Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk.  They have five branches, over 16,000 members, and $168 million in assets.  To learn more about Bowater Employees Credit Union and its services, call 423-336-7268 or visit BowaterECU.org.