Christmas comes to the ReStore

Posted Sunday, October 4, 2020 1:30 am

By Gwen Swiger

For 30 years, Habitat for Humanity has been building homes and changing lives in Bradley County. During those years, 144 homes have been built — five will have been constructed this year. Habitat receives the money to build these homes through grants, sponsorships, individual donations and its ReStore. “Some 30 to 40% of our income comes from the ReStore,” according to Meta McGuire, Donor Engagement Manager.  

Since 2010, the ReStore has taken donated Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations and lights to decorate and then sell. Deborah Flower, a retired school teacher, coordinates the holiday displays and volunteers.
She said, “We (Flower and her husband) always knew we were going to volunteer somewhere when we retired.” A neighbor asked her husband to help on a home build site. When she retired, she joined her husband on the construction site. “I learned to do power tools and others things,” she said.

During the rainy season, she was asked to assist at the ReStore. She started by organizing the book section. “Then they said they had a room stacked with holiday stuff — floor to ceiling,” she said. She organized it, priced it and set it out. Her assignment grew as she took on organizing Thanksgiving items. “It came all the way down the pike,” she said. “I’m in charge of the holidays — not the seasons — the holidays. “Christmas is our biggest moneymaker. We make between $20,000 to $25,000 between August and December,” Flower said. “That makes 1/3 the cost of a house. Between all these decorations, ornaments, lights and trees, we make enough to be put toward someone’s home. That’s good,” she noted. “Everything is donated.”

To help her decorate and put together the holiday items, Flower has the assistance of local volunteers. McGuire, who goes to Silverdale Baptist Church, has groups from her church who volunteer each year in decorating the trees. They also have volunteers who are teacher friends, neighbor friends and sometimes Lee University students, according to Flower. “They all work together.”

The Christmas trees are decorated and sold as is. “No cherry-picking decorations,” Flower said. When a tree is bought, the ReStore wraps it. The new owner must provide help to get it in their vehicle. The ReStore doesn’t deliver.

Christmas at the Restore is not restricted to decorated trees. There are also holiday wreaths, packages of ornaments, and holiday décor items. In other sections, you might find some gift items.

The trees went on sale last Wednesday at 300 Grove Ave.

About Habitat for Humanity

McGuire noted individuals selected for a Habitat for Humanity home undergo from 300 to 400 hours of training and sweat equity. Some of the sweat equity is in building the home and some can be earned by volunteering at other homes and the ReStore. The training includes educating the prospective homeowners on budgeting their money and being good neighbors. The mortgage funds are at 0% interest. McGuire explained new homeowners can save as much as $200 a month over renting apartments. She said the mission of Habitat is to “share the love of God by putting God’s love in action. Habitat is putting people together to build homes, communities and hope.”

“A lot of hope has been spread this year. We usually have 20 volunteer groups per year. We build four to six homes,” she said. It was through the $75,000 sponsorship of the Community Foundation a fifth home was able to be constructed this year.

The groups donate $1,000 to participate in providing affordable housing. However, a lack of funding and volunteers this year due to COVID-19 restrictions has limited those construction opportunities. McGuire said individuals and groups interested in donating may go online and click fundraiser. There is a matching fund which will provide up to $30,000.

The ReStore is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Habitatofcleveland.org

//restoreofcleveland.org

Dream becomes reality for Rodriguez family

Posted Friday, September 25, 2020 2:28 pm

Vincente and Aurelia Rodriguez were showered with love and blessings, surrounded by family and friends, as they transitioned into homeownership at this week's Habitat for Humanity home dedication.

Addressing the crowd in attendance, Aurelia Rodriguez said, “We are so glad that our dream has become a reality. We will be thankful for the rest of our lives.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland dedicated the home in a ceremony at the Victory Cove subdivision site with Habitat and Community Foundation of Cleveland representatives on hand to congratulate the new homeowners.

The build was made possible by Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County’s $75,000 Full-Home Sponsor donation.

Construction director Julio Cerpa lead a musical  number with    members of the crowd singing, clapping and playing a set of claves.

Vincente gave many thanks to Habitat, Community Foundation and each and every volunteer who donated  time and talents.

“We believe it is essential for every family to have safe, affordable housing," noted Cathy Barrett, president of the Community Foundation. "We know that affordable housing is a major challenge for our community. The work that Habitat does is a huge part of solving that problem.

"We are thrilled to be a partner with Habitat and to help another family achieve their journey of home ownership. Through the financial support of the Community Foundation, along with all the work of the Habitat volunteers, we are one step closer to becoming that community that we aspire to be.”

Patty Silverman, a  Habitat representative, said, Community Foundation of Cleveland is a facilitator for donations by individuals, families or corporations that meets with the donor to handle all the taxes and paperwork involved in the  process so “the donor can just enjoy the joy of giving.”

Barrett was honored during the celebration  with Habitat’s annual Habitat Hero Award for outstanding contribution for her volunteer work.

Dr. Miguel Vega, pastor at International Worship Center, also offered his blessings on the Rodriguez’s new home.

The Rodriguez couple, who moved to the U.S. from Puerto Rico in 1984, has been married almost 49 years. They are now retired and have three daughters, two sons, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

After living in a high-rent, second floor apartment, the Rodriguezes will now have an affordable, low-cost mortgage.

They like to be active around the house, to sit outside, and to garden, until now, these had not been an option.

Vicente Rodriguez said, “Our home will be like a therapy for me and my wife. We will be able to be outside more often, walk around, enjoy the sunshine, and garden — right in our own yard. We are thankful to God that He has brought us together with the Habitat team and has blessed us with an opportunity to own our own home.”

Athens Federal Foundation awards over $126,000 in grants

Posted Saturday, September 26, 2020 11:51 pm

ATHENS — For 10 years, the Athens Federal Foundation has been making investments in the community. The return on that investment has already been too valuable to put into terms of dollars and cents. Thirty-one local charitable and nonprofit organizations in Athens Federal Community Bank's service area received $126,644 in funds from the Athens Federal Foundation in 2020.

Those organizations carry out work ranging from helping the uninsured receive proper medical care to providing warm meals for those who might not otherwise receive one.

The 2020 recipients included: Homeless Management of Monroe County; Helping Hands Ministry; The Grace House in Athens; Family Promise of Bradley County; Niota United Methodist Church (Christian Co-Workers Children's Aid); Food Pantry and Thrift Store of Tellico Plains; Coordinated Charities Inc.; Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland; Etowah Community Food Pantry of Wesley Memorial UMC; The Caring Place; Grace & Mercy Ministries; Love Thy Neighbor Project (of Tennessee Wesleyan University); Nourish One Child - Outreach of Keith Memorial UMC; CASA Monroe; CASA of Bradley County; CASA Corridor of East Tennessee; The H.O.P.E. Center, Inc.; Straightway Ministry Inc.; Miracle Lake; Good Faith Clinic, Inc.; New Hope Pregnancy Care Center; McMinn County Emergency Rescue Squad; Sweetwater Education Foundation; Tri-County Center; Women at the Well; McMinn County Educational and Community Foundation; Polk County Friends of the Library — Imagination Library; Let's Read 20; Athens-McMinn Family YMCA; Y-CAP (YMCA Community Action Project) Cleveland; and The House That Mercy Built.

“As we consider the work being accomplished in our communities, we recognize this is a powerful group willing to face trouble and hardships head-on,” said Athens Federal Foundation President and CEO Jeff Cunningham. “The deeds of local charitable and non-profit organizations do not go unnoticed and, on behalf of the Athens Federal Foundation, we are truly honored to be a partner in service.
"The need does not radically change from year to year as our area continues to experience a crucial shortage of basic life essentials, including food, shelter, and adequate healthcare," Cunningham said. "The foundation is committed to helping overcome those adversities and inspiring others to continue endowing our communities. As the Athens Federal Foundation grows and we refine our efforts, we hope to touch even more people in need."

This was the 10th round of grants presented since the foundation's 2011 inauguration, with total fund distribution of nearly $1.2 million. All nonprofit organizations in Athens Federal's service area (Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe and Polk counties) were eligible to apply.

The Athens Federal Foundation was established by Athens Bancshares Corporation, the holding company for the former Athens Federal Community Bank, and its shareholders as part of the Bank's 2009 stock conversion. The foundation was created to provide funding and support for charitable causes within the bank's market. In conjunction with the initial stock offering, Athens Bancshares Corporation contributed $1 million of Athens Bancshares Corporation stock and $100,000 in cash to the foundation.

The foundation's mission is to support and fund community development through affordable housing, job training, and programs that assist the economically disadvantaged. The foundation also considers requests for educational initiatives, healthcare programs, and supportive human services programs, as well as local cultural institutions for the purpose of broadening access to cultural and arts activities.
For more information about the Athens Federal Foundation or its grant program, contact Mike Hutsell at athensfederalfoundation@gmail.com or visit www.athensfederalfoundation.com.

Southern Heritage Bank Donates To The Women Build

Monday, September 14, 2020

"This event provides the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities," officials said. "This $1,000 sponsorship will help build a home and bring hope to one more family in Bradley County. Over the last four years, Southern Heritage Bank has donated $5,500 to sponsor Women Build teams."

Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Cleveland Tammy Johnson, says, “Southern Heritage Bank has volunteered and sponsored Habitat homes in Bradley County since 2016. Not only do they help with vital funding, but Brooke Littell, AVP of Commercial Lending also serves on Habitat’s board of directors. They have made a lasting impact on many families. It’s heart-warming to see what a team of kind, giving and supportive people can do.”

Ms. Littell adds, “Southern Heritage Bank is proud to partner with Habitat to be a small part of not only building a home, but a new life for someone in our community. I believe home ownership is an important part of personal stability, which is the foundation for healthy communities.”

Ms. Littell has also led and served on many home builds, alongside a "powerhouse of women" build teams.

"Amanda Moore, a single mother of three beautiful children, Jakia Young, Johnathan Walker Jr. and Amontay Walker, will be the new homeowner for the Women Build home this year," officials said. "The family has been living in a home with a poor foundation and electrical issues. Their neighborhood also feels unsafe, with cops having to continually visit their street. Ms. Moore just wants her kids to have the opportunity to grow up in a safe environment."

“I want things to be better for my kids, and to show them that it’s possible to do anything,” says Ms. Moore.

"A glimmer of hope has come upon the family through this generous donation to help fund their new home," officials said. "Ms. Moore is working hard to gain sweat equity hours as she gets one step closer to her dream home."

To become a sponsor for Habitat home builds, contact Meta McGuire at 423-476-6947, ext. 312,
mmcguire@habitatofcleveland.org or visit habitatofcleveland.org/2020builds.

BUILDING A HOME ... AND BUILDING HOPE Governor, first lady lead volunteer team to Cleveland

Posted Saturday, August 1, 2020 10:29 pm

By TIM SINIARD

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee were in Cleveland Friday, along with dozens of volunteers, to help construct a Habitat for Humanity home for a family of five, who have been living in one room for seven years.

Local elected officials and community leaders were also on hand to participate in Habitat’s Leader’s Day build event.

Many of the volunteers at the site were part of Tennessee Serves, the First Lady’s program to encourage volunteerism across the state.

“As a Habitat volunteer you know you've been a part, even if it's just a small part, of not only building a home, but a new life for someone,” the First Lady said. “The impact of Habitat on its homeowners and families goes far beyond the home that's built.  It leaves lives forever transformed.”

The event took place on 1236 Franitza Way in Victory Cove subdivision.

Kelley Mulcahy, who along with her husband, Kyle, will be new homeowners this year, have been putting in hours of sweat equity in order to build a home that will be a safe and affordable place for their family.

“Not only will this be my home, my sweet home, but it will have more sentimental value than monetary, because my hands have taken part in building it from the foundation up,” she said. “Kyle and I live in a single bedroom with our three girls, and I’m appreciative of his sweet parents for letting us live there.”

Mulcahy said she was excited her children will have a backyard where they can play.

Local elected officials such as state Sen. Mike Bell and state Rep. Mark Hall attended the event. 

In addition, in what was his first public appearance since recovering from COVID-19, Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks was in attendance with his wife, Kim.

Tammy Johnson, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, said, “We’re coming together for one reason, and that's to build homes communities and hope.” 

“This is actually an unprecedented moment where everyone of us has been forced to deeply consider the fundamental importance of having safe, decent and affordable shelter,” she said.

Coleen Dudley, Habitat’s state executive director, said the local organization is one of the standout affiliates in the state.

“And that's your leadership," she said. "The leadership of your board and congratulations for all you do.”

She said Habitat is much more than an organization that builds houses.

“We're empowering families,” she said. “We’re building with them and we’re enabling them, showing them a means to become homeowners and as homeowners, they become taxpayers. They have equity in their home, they build an asset ... they're building wealth.”

Gov. Lee said he has long believed that government is not the answer to the greatest challenges, stating that organizations such as Habitat transform the lives of people in communities.

He lauded the volunteers who had gathered at the site to help the Mulcahy family.

“We're in the middle of a pandemic and economic crisis,” he said. “We've had natural disasters that blew right through this county. We've had months of very unsettling times that can cause people to have fear and anxiety and look around with trepidation, but I've  always believed one of the solutions to fear and trepidation and worry is to go out and serve somebody else.."

The governor added, "And that's what's happening right here and when that happens, hope goes into our heart. There's hope for this family that's going to be living here.”

Gov. Lee, first lady to help construct Habitat house Victory Cove will welcome couple

Posted Thursday, July 30, 2020 2:14 pm

By TIM SINIARD

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee, as well as Tennessee Service volunteers, will be visiting Cleveland on Friday to help construct a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home.

The event will take place on 1236 Franitza Way in Victory Cove subdivision.

According to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, Kyle and Kelley Mulcahy will be new homeowners this year and have been putting in hours of sweat equity in order to build a home that will be a safe and affordable place for their family.

Kelley Mulcahy said her father always told her that she “needed to be a leader instead of a follower.”

I never knew the impact that it would have had on my life,” she said. “It's amazing to me to watch God’s plan be fulfilled and to see it come full circle physically. I cannot wait to begin to be a co-leader to my children in our new home."

The goal of Tennessee Serves is to transform the state through service and by encouraging volunteers to serve their communities, according to Habitat for Humanity.

Hand-sanitizing stations will be available onsite. In addition, precautions will be taken to keep tools clean. Work gloves and masks will be provided. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own.

During the Friday event, up to 10 leaders will be working the morning shift from 8 a.m. to noon, followed by up to 10 leaders in the afternoon from noon to 4 p.m. 

To follow the CDC guidelines, boxed lunches with food stations at each build site will be available. 

First Lady Lee and homeowners will be speaking during lunch; however, six-foot social-distancing guidelines will be followed at all times on site.

For more information, contact Habitat’s Meta McGuire at 423-476-6947, ext 312 or by email at mmcguire@habitatofcleveland.org

Governor Bill Lee And First Lady Lee Will Volunteer In Cleveland For Leaders Build Day July 31

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland announces Governor Bill Lee, First Lady Maria Lee and Tennessee Serves volunteers are coming to Victory Cove subdivision in Cleveland for Leaders Build Day on Friday, July 31. They will be bringing a team of 10 volunteers to help build a Habitat home.

Officials said, "The goal of Tennessee Serves is to transform our state through service, by encouraging volunteers to serve their communities, one person at a time. Habitat is a perfect fit to achieve these goals.

"Will you be next? Are you willing to step out of your business or home office and step on to the construction site for a four-hour build shift?

"As you may know, in Victory Cove we have several houses being built at the same time. We are hoping to have 20-30 leaders, working on multiple houses to continue the progress. These families can’t wait to have a safe home to call their own by the end of this year. Every nail you hammer and every piece of wood you carry is framing a lifetime of hope for generations to come."

On Friday, July 31, up to 10 leaders will work in the morning shift from 8 a.m.-noon and up to 10 in the afternoon from noon-4 p.m.

To follow the CDC guidelines, boxed lunches will be served with food stations at each build site for each shift.

First Lady Lee and homeowners will be speaking during lunch, but six feet social distancing guidelines will be followed at all times on site.
 
The event will take place in the Victory Cove subdivision at 1236 Franitza Way in Cleveland.

Officials said, "We will provide hand sanitizing stations and will take precautions to keep tools clean. Work gloves and masks will be provided, or feel free to bring your own.
 
"Thank you for your consideration and support of the Habitat mission. Together, we can build hope in our community, one family at a time."
 
Kyle and Kelley Mulcahy will be new homeowners this year. They are putting in their "sweat equity" hours so their family of five will have a safe and affordable place of their own.

Kelley says, "Growing up, my dad always told me that I needed to be a leader instead of a follower. I never knew the impact that it would have had on my life. It's amazing to me to watch God’s plan be fulfilled and to see it come full circle physically. I cannot wait to begin to be a co-leader to my children in our new home."

Habitat dedicates its 140th home in Cleveland

Posted Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:50 am

By DANIEL GUY

With the cutting of a ribbon, Sheila Smith recently celebrated her new home in Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland's Victory Cove subdivision. 

Her home is the 140th Habitat home built in Bradley County and is named the Legacy of Faith Build home. 

Smith bought her first home — a “fixer-upper” with grass up to her waist and more than 20 bags of garbage littering the lawn — when her now-adult children were still growing up.

She worked “12 hours a day in a carpet mill,” she said, “12 hours a night” at home to transform that house into a home.

“I just did what I had to do to survive and take care of my kids, working 48 hours a week, and sometimes it was 72 (hours),” Smith said.

She most recently lived in an apartment complex with mold issues, a broken refrigerator, little space and noisy neighbors. However, she saw the fruits of her labor during a dedication ceremony for her new home at Victory Cove. 

Speaking about the volunteer homebuilders, Tammy Johnson, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland executive director said, "We literally take many, many, many people and wrap arms of love around our habitat homeowners."

Smith is full of life, laughter and ambition. She loves spending time with family including her grown children — a daughter, Stephanie, and son, Russell —  and her 12-year-old grandson, Ethan, who led the dedication prayer at the dedication.

She applied to Habitat in November of 2018 in hopes of bettering her life and changing her living situation. She worked very hard to complete the 300 sweat equity hours and to pay off debt. 

Smith dreams of the day where she will finally have a beautifully decorated "forever home" with a lovely yard of flowers, backyard cookouts, corn hole games with family and friends and peace all around. 

Speaking about the apartment complex she was living in, Smith said, “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a fine place to live, but I have no yard. All I have is concrete, and my yard has always been my special place.”

She also looks forward to making meals in her own oven.

“I love flowers, and I love a vegetable garden where I can go out and pick some tomatoes and lettuce, okra and squash and just prepare a meal for my family,” Smith said. 

“More than making meals, I hope to make warm, lasting memories to pass on to my family and all who visit,” she added. “My grandson and I will be able to play in a yard together, plant flowers and watch them grow for years to come. We are so excited, and I am truly blessed. It’s been a journey.”

A little more than a few weeks from completing her home, she is excited about the prospect of moving in and taking care of her home, no longer a displaced flower looking for a garden.

“It will be clean, and it will be cherished,” Smith said. 

She said she is blessed with a strong core of friends, including Sam and Judy of South Pittsburgh, whom she has known for over 40 years, and her dear friend, Leon.

Sponsors for the Legacy of Faith Build include: Alba Foundation, Anatole Exteriors, Bank of Cleveland, Barry Boettner, Broad Street UMC Endowment, City of Cleveland Community Development Block Grant, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, David and Ellen Smith, Don Rollens Legacy Fund, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, First United Methodist Church, Fitzgerald Family Foundation, Gary White, Habitat Family Fundraiser, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, Howling Cow Community Commitment Fund, Julian Sullivan and Tennessee Housing Development Agency. 

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 www.habitatofcleveland.org.

Habitat holds community groundbreaking for five houses

Posted Saturday, May 16, 2020 7:59 pm

By AUTUMN HUGHES

The sound of construction was accompanied by music from a neighbor’s radio Friday, when Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland held a community groundbreaking for five houses under construction in 2020.

Future homeowners were there to celebrate on Franitza Way with volunteers and Habitat Board of Directors members.

“As you know these houses have been a little bit delayed this year,” said Tammy Johnson, Habitat’s executive director.

However, it was finally time to plunge golden shovels into the gravel of one of the homes already under construction, and celebrate the families looking forward to new homes.

Johnson introduced Cathy Barrett, president of the Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, which donated $75,000 to Habitat.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the groundbreaking today,” Barrett said, noting the Community Foundation believes it is “essential for every family to be able to have safe, affordable housing — and we know that affordable housing is a major challenge in our community.”

Barrett added she is grateful to Habitat for its efforts in not only building houses, but for doing it in a way that builds strength, stability and self-reliance.

She noted the Community Foundation’s financial support “to build one additional home this year, along with all the work of the Habitat volunteers puts us one step closer to becoming that community that we aspire to be.”

Johnson said Habitat had planned four houses this year, but because of the participation of the Community Foundation, a fifth was added.

She also expressed appreciation for the volunteers and board members working on houses Friday before introducing Kim Brooks, a member of Habitat’s Board of Directors.

Brooks said at Habitat “we build homes. We build community.  We build hope.”

She noted the community “has been hit hard” lately with COVID-19, tornadoes, unemployment, and closed stores and businesses.

“So building hope is such an important part for all of us today,” Brooks said, adding Habitat works “to build and repair homes, to build and repair communities and to build and repair hope.”

Speaking about hope and appreciation was Anthea Blair, whose family will be recipients of the Heroes Build house.

The Heroes Build engages veterans, military members and first responders. Build dates are July 10 to Sept. 25.

Blair thanked God “for blessing us with a new home” and Habitat for Humanity “for allowing the families that were chosen this year the opportunity to work toward a new beginning.”

The process has taught her valuable education tools “and that there’s a community out there that truly cares.”

“Without Habitat for Humanity’s help, I would never be able to give them a home of their own and a chance for a better and safer environment,” Blair said.

Following the ceremony, Amanda Moore, recipient of the Women Build 2020 home, said her grandmother had mentioned Habitat to her “years ago.” However, it was at friend Felecia Kelley’s urging that Moore applied; Kelley had been selected to participate in the program.

Moore said she got her approval in April 2019 and began the process of taking financial and other classes to prepare her for home ownership, as well as putting in “sweat equity.”

“I think I have 80 hours left for my home,” she said, adding her home dedication is planned for Aug. 11.

She is looking forward to providing a home for her children: Jakia Young, 11; Johnathan Walker Jr., 5; and Amontay Walker, 3.

Blair said she also connected with Habitat through Felecia Kelley; she attended the dedication of Kelley’s home and decided to apply for a home of her own.

As a single mother of three — Ryan, 17; Delia, 15; and Abby, 14 — Blair was ecstatic when she got a call a month or so after she applied, asking her to come to the office for paperwork. Two months later she got a call to have a home visit, and she began taking her required classes.

“The Lord really was with me … we really needed a home,” Blair said, adding she is done with her “sweat equity” and is now volunteering to help others build their homes.

“We’ve been blessed,” she said.

Blair’s home build starts July 10 . She is counting down the days, driving by her future homesite often to check on the property and progress of her future neighbors’ homes.

Also present for the groundbreaking was Kelly Mulcahy, recipient of the Leaders Build home, who was excited to see construction on her home begin in less than two weeks. It will be the first home for her and her husband, Kyle, and their three daughters: Aurora Juliette, 5; Athena Grace, 3; and Amelia Penelope, almost 2 years old.

Mulcahy said her daughters know about their future home and are excited about it.

The other two homes slated for construction in 2020 are:

• Community Foundation Build 2020, for Vicente and Aurelia Rodriguez. The build, made possible by Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County’s $75,000 donation, is scheduled to go through June 12.

• Legacy of Faith Build, for Sheila Smith. This build honors legacy and faith partners, along with construction volunteers. Build dates are March 6 to May 2.

For more information on Habitat, including how to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitatofcleveland.org or call 423-476-6947.

Anthea Blair wins Habitat fundraiser

Posted Friday, May 15, 2020 9:00 am

Anthea Blair was the winner of the Family Fundraiser on Facebook Live sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, Easy Auto and Mix 104.1. 

The family fundraiser was a friendly competition among five future Habitat homeowners to see who could raise the most money for Habitat for Cleveland. The fundraiser ran from December to March, according to Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

The family who raised the most money received a car, donated from East Auto of Cleveland.

“Keeping with the model of Habitat being a hand up, not a handout, we came up with the idea of having families partner in a fundraiser,” said Johnson.

Collectively, the five families raised more than $15,000.

Ben Chandler, president of Easy Auto, noted, “This is a wonderful piece of news in the middle of a stressful time for folks. We’re happy to be involved and can’t wait for future projects with Habitat.”

Johnson and Chandler surprised Blair and her three teen children with the news she had won on April 17.

“This means the world to me,” said Anthea. “This is going to help us out so much. It’s been really difficult having only one vehicle and I never could have afforded to get my kids a vehicle right now.”