Blair family celebrates 2020 'miracle' home

Posted Wednesday, December 9, 2020 2:00 pm

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland dedicated a new home on  Dec. 3  in honor of  homeowner Anthea Blair and her three children.

This home, which marks the 144th home built in Bradley County,  has been named the Heroes Build home.

There was a celebration ceremony inside the Victory Cove Subdivision at Franitza Way, with limited attendance on Thursday, and the ceremony was also livestreamed on Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Facebook page.

Blair’s journey from a tent to a real home at first took a few “baby steps,” but in her case the trek was a “go” in a relatively short time.

When she and her three children left her husband, they lived in a tent for about three months during the summer of that year. Anthea was determined to not depend on anyone else. She wanted to be sure that she would never go back to a situation that caused her to prefer a tent over the home she once had.

A friend of Blair’s brother had what she described as an “old run-down trailer” on a piece of property he owned. The trailer needed to be gutted, but the owner said that if she was willing to fix it up, she could buy it from him.

Blair paid to have it fixed as much as possible, and the family patched walls and tried to fix leaks. In the cramped trailer, the family’s washroom was part of the pantry and there were only two bedrooms.

Blair’s father converted a large closet space into a "bedroom" for her teenage son, Ryan. Blair’s two teenage daughters — Delia and Abigail — shared one of the bedrooms. With a leaky roof, the family has battled a constant mold problem.

Once she began her journey in earnest, the family’s path to a new home accelerated. Blair was soon told   she would be able to purchase a Habitat home in 2021.

Then to her surprise, that date was moved up to 2020; then back to 2021, due to challenges getting subcontractors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the Tennessee Cares Act, a grant was secured to give the family the miracle for which many had been praying. The grant provided for Frank Thaggard, owner of Pyramid Construction, to have his crew manage the construction for a home to be built from the ground up and completed this month.

Blair said, "This was the grace of God that everything fell into place and one of the greatest moments, next to having my kids."

She has had a lot of support from her church and family to help her in her steps toward freedom, safety and home ownership.

“It's not about me having a nice decent home," she said. "I want a home for my kids. It's something they deserve. What we went through has made us stronger. It's led us to something that's going to be so great for us. I'm so grateful for this. I'm really thankful for opportunities like this for people like me,who just want to do more and better for their families."

 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 and the ReStore, visit habitatofcleveland.org or restoreofcleveland.org.

Leaders Build helps plot firm foundation for Mulcahys

Posted Sunday, November 15, 2020 1:59 am

By DANIEL GUY

A weight was lifted off the Mulcahy family on Tuesday as they celebrated the completion of their new home in Victory Cove.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland held a dedication ceremony  in honor of new Habitat homeowners, Kyle and Kelly Mulcahy and their children — Athena, Aurora and Amelia.

The Mulcahy home, which marks the 143rd home built in Bradley County, was a   Leaders Build home. The dedication took place inside the Victory Cove Subdivision, 1236 Franitza Way S.W.

The Leaders Build allows local leaders in the community to donate $1,000, step outside the boardroom or office to swing a hammer and help a family get into a home.

Gov. Bill Lee and first lady Maria Lee recently served by helping construct part of the Mulcahy’s home.

New homeowner Kelly Mulcahy thanked her Creator for watching over her during trying times and for helping her and her loved ones bloom into the loving family that they are now.

“When I thought you weren’t there, you held me. You helped me grow and I grew in you,” she said. “When my home grew on the ground, you gave me a firm foundation just like you did for our family.”

The Mulcahys are working toward the common goals of most families, like paying off debts, staying debt free and owning their own home. The Mulcahy family is working to achieve these goals for their three daughters.

With only one income and the cost of raising three energetic daughters, it has been difficult for the Mulcahys to make ends meet. Until now, they have been living in what could be described as an overcrowded space, with one bedroom for their family of five. They have found it difficult to even imagine home ownership.

However, the Mulcahy family was given a large glimmer of hope when they heard about the Habitat’s program through Kyle’s cousin, who is a Habitat homeowner.

Kyle and Kelly have worked hard on their finances through the “Be Smart About Money” program and have also gained a lot of their “sweat equity” hours through helping to build their home and by working in the ReStore.

Kyle commented, “The Restore hours are great. It is a humbling feeling to know that you are not just helping yourself, but others as well.”

Executive Director Tammy Johnson remarked on the will and drive of the Mulcahys to provide a better home for their children.

“They worked really hard and we’re excited to hand the keys over to them today,” Johnson said.

Sponsors for the Leaders Build include: Andy Anderson, Athens Federal Foundation, Keith and Cathy Barrett, Bradley Veterinary Hospital, Buddy's bar-b-q, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber Foundation, Thomas M. Collins, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, First Horizon Bank, Father Mike Nolan, Habitat Family Fundraiser, Habitat for Humanity International, Insurance Inc., Keystone Solutions, Law Offices of Andrew B. Morgan, Lee University, Logan-Thompson, P.C., MCA, Jeff and Kathy Morelock, Dr. Walter and Barbara Peterson, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Jared Powers, Regions Bank, Representative Dan Howell, Senator Mike Bell and Wedgewood Accounting, PLLC.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 and the ReStore, visit habitatofcleveland.org or restoreofcleveland.org.

Moore family celebrates new home with Habitat

Posted Wednesday, October 28, 2020 2:29 pm

Amanda Moore is  the single mom of three children, juggling a full time job, and helping children with online middle and elementary school  homework, basketball practices and games. Then a tornado comes ripping through your backyard.

With this limited window of time each week, she still managed to keep her volunteer hours to stay in the Habitat program.

In a prepared statement read by homeowner services manager NaCole Massengill, homeowner advocate Mark Gluckner affirmed the Moore family's battle to homeownership. He said  this would be “almost impossible” for anyone else — not for Amanda Moore.

On Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland dedicated its 142nd home — the Women Build home — in a ceremony at the Victory Cove subdivision site for the Moore family.

 Moore and her children were overjoyed Tuesday evening surrounded by family and friends, as they transitioned into a life of homeownership at this week's Habitat for Humanity home dedication.

“I’ve rarely seen anybody so determined and work so hard to keep pushing through all the delays and challenges that were thrown at her. Delays with construction; volunteer team shortages; appliance shortages; and material shortages, she has stayed so positive through it all and has worked so hard, always looking forward to this day,” said Gluckner.

Born and raised in Cleveland,   Moore is the single mother of Jakia Young and Johnathan and Amontay Walker.

Their family has been renting a home with poor electrical wiring, soft floors that her daughter has fallen through and a leaking roof.

She said the neighborhood feels unsafe, with police constantly patrolling the street and illegal activities taking place nearby.

She  believes her children deserve to grow up where they can go outside without being afraid.

"It's going to get better. I promise," she tells them.

Moore has been determined to learn all she can in the Habitat program to ensure a bright future for her children and herself.

She said, "I want things to be better for my kids and to show them that it's possible to do anything."

She is very excited to soon have a home of her own, where her family can flourish and excel.

The Women Build home was made possible through sponsors like Andy Anderson, Beiersdorf, Bradley Sunrise Rotary, Broadstreet United Methodist Church, Easy Auto, Girls in Pearls by Pat Fuller, Habitat Family Fundraiser, Beverly Johnson, Knights of Columbus, Law Offices of Andrew B. Morgan, Nicholas Lillios, Ocoee Crest, Patty Silverman, Southern Heritage Bank, Wacker, Wells Fargo and Wright Brothers.

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 and the ReStore, visit habitatofcleveland.org or restoreofcleveland.org.

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."