Habitat for Humanity — Law Build

Leaders hammer down on Habitat home

Posted Friday, May 21, 2021 7:48 am

By ALLEN MINCEY

She grew up in Knoxville in a Habitat for Humanity home. Now, Kerea Westfield will soon be moving into her own Habitat home as the raising of walls began at a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland build in the Victory Cove subdivision.

Westfield’s new home, which might be ready for occupancy in August or September, is being built by a group of volunteers labeled “Leaders.” These are individuals in the Cleveland and Bradley County area who are leaders in government, business, industry and non-profit organizations.

One of those leaders is Mike Hayes, vice president of student development at Lee University, who introduced Westfield to a group of volunteers at a special lunch Thursday between building shifts.

“I come out because it's deeply personal to me, and I love the idea of really helping the next generation experience something that perhaps they otherwise could not have,” Hayes said. “So thank you all so much for being part of swinging some hammers today, building some walls that are truly building the sanctuary for this family, and building this community up in really powerful ways.”

Westfield’s home is one of four to be constructed in the Victory Cove subdivision this year. The others include a townhouse, which will house two occupant families, and a house just across Franitza Street from Westfield’s home.

“What's its gonna be like to have a home? Oh my goodness, this just brought a whole new perspective to life, and me and my son are very excited,” Westfield said.

“He has big plans for my guest room, but no, he's not coming in my guest room — he'll be in his own room,” she smiled.

Julio Cerpa, construction manager for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, said that the home will be “a three-bedroom, two-bath home, with an open concept in the kitchen and dining area with large windows in the living rooms for plenty of natural light.”

Cerpa said the home could be completed by September, but added there have been obstacles this year due in part to the pandemic.

“This year we're having to make several adjustments because of the increased cost of materials,” he said. “We’ve had anywhere from a 35 to 45 percent increase in materials cost.”

Plus, it has not been as easy to get building materials as before. But, Cerpa said Habitat has persevered and showed off how far they have gotten with the townhomes just down the block from Westfield’s home.

On Thursday, Westfield was right in there hammering nails and moving two-by-fours with the volunteers. That is a part of the agreement with Habitat for Humanity, that the new homeowner will be involved in the building somehow … what the organization calls “sweat equity.”

Westfield said she was aware of Habitat before signing up for a home in 2019.

“I’m from Knoxville originally, and I've been in Cleveland for 16 years and I actually grew up in a Habitat home,” she said. “I vaguely remember building the home with my stepdad and my mom, but I did grow up in a Habitat home.

She said when she moved to Cleveland in 2004, she dropped out of school. Westfield said she worked at a fast-food restaurant for 8 1/2 years, but finally got her GED in 2017, started hair school that year and finished quickly.

“I don't remember which gentleman said perseverance, but to me, that was perseverance,” Westfield said. “When I was doing my GED, that's the word I heard, so when [Habitat] asked me about anything that's been in front of me that I want to do, I would say that ‘I'm not a procrastinator. Whatever I put my mind to, I do it.”

She has already met some of her new neighbors, including one that spurred her to seek the new home through Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

“My neighbor, Erica Nelson, actually told me about Habitat in 2018, but she said that she didn’t apply until 2019.

“I believe in God's timing, so for whatever reason I didn't come in 2018, but in 2019, I came and filled my application out, and here I am today with a new home," she said.

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland also has classes set up for prospective homeowners, so Westfield already knew some of the people who will be moving in to the new homes in 2021.

“In the beginning of this process, it seemed like it would be a long journey, but now it's happening. We're here,” she said. “I'm just so thankful.”

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland celebrated its 30th year operation in 2020, and since the first homes were built on Starlet Circle, 144 homes have become a part of the Habitat family.

“This means so much to us to have this kind of community support and to know that Habitat would not be what it is without our community, and I love it that the founders made it that way on purpose,” said Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Executive Director Tammy Johnson. “Thank you for all who worked today, and in the past and the future.”

Inset Quote:

“In the beginning of this process, it seemed like it would be a long journey, but now it's happening. We're here. I'm just so thankful.” — Kerea Westfield

'Together women can build a home'

By ALLEN MINCEY

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland celebrated Women Build Week the past seven days preparing for the construction of a home for a local mom and her children later this year.

The week was celebrated not only by the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, but also by Lowe’s, the major sponsor of the event in Cleveland and nationwide.

Together, the two organizations built the week on a foundation of strength, resilience and perseverance. International Women Build Week this year took place virtually in over 300 locations in the United States, Canada and India. The focus is to raise awareness of challenges women face in accessing safe, affordable housing.

Locally, several women who will be involved in the upcoming home build spoke of their desire to be involved in the construction of the home for Kayla Jackson and her four children.

“Kayla Jackson is a single mom. She has four children and, unfortunately, her daughter (NaShyah) is in a wheelchair,” explained Tammy Johnson, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland executive director. “She was in an accident and has a disability. In the current apartment they live in, they have to carry her up and down the stairs, which makes it very difficult for them.

“She can’t play in their yard, so when we get finished with this home, she will be able to move about freely and grow in her home,” Johnson added.

Those who will be involved told why they are involved in the Women Build through the organization’s Facebook page.

“It’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up with a lot of hope attached,” said Habitat board member Patty Silverman. “We have a lot of women in our community who do not have a safe and secure home, and being a part of Women Build, I get to go out there and swing a hammer with nine other women and help other women in my community have a home that is brand new, safe and secure.”

Lisa Geren said it is rewarding not only to help Jackson into her new home, but to work with women who continue with their normal lives while also giving of their time to the project.

“I always say that women are great at taking care of their families,” she said. “They have husbands, they have children, they have households, and a lot of them work outside the home, so when it comes time to give back and build homes for those who need them, women come out, they come together and they make it happen.

“That’s why I like Women Build,” she continued.

“So we are putting Women Build together to celebrate women and their ability to not only learn how to build a home, but to build a home for other women who are going to make their community so much stronger,” said Mara Grisham. “Together women can build a home.”

And as she said when knowing the outcome of Women Build, “we know that when mother is happy, everybody is happy.”

Since 2008, the weeklong event has provided opportunities for women in construction and home improvement. This year, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Lowe's to help with the cost of the Women Build home.

Jackson said, “I do everything I can for my babies. I have one pair of shoes and my kids have everything.

“What this house means to us is beyond words. It’s a forever home for my daughter,” said the soon-to-be new home owner.

Kayla Jackson is an example of the countless single mothers striving to make a better life for themselves and their families. Habitat for Humanity and its affiliates have given a hand up, not a hand out to numerous women, thanks to its partnership with Lowe’s.

Local sponsors for Women Build 2021 currently include Bradley Sunrise Rotary, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, Garden Plaza. Jill Culpepper, the Kearney Family, Laura Anderson, Patty Silverman, Lisa Mantooth and Pat Fuller.

Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on four new homes

By ALLEN MINCEY

Four families will soon be residing in new homes following groundbreaking on the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland residences this past week.

The four homes will be located in the Victory Cove subdivision, which already houses Habitat homes. The dedication was held on Franitza Way, named after a longtime Habitat volunteer, Jerry Franitza.

Memories of another Habitat volunteer, Jeff Morelock, began the event, with Executive Director Tammy Johnson remembering Morelock as a person who said “Habitat is not perfect, no human organization is, but decent housing is essential, and Habitat provides our community a hand up.”

That is the theme of Habitat for Humanity — providing a hand up, not a hand out. Four families said they were very excited, and very thankful for helping them to raise their hands in delight as they spoke of their new homes which will be built this year.

Those recipients include:

— Merilee Fyffe, a single parent and now a grandmother who was evicted from her home, struggled to find friends and family to stay with for many years, and longed for a place to come home to and be able to have visits from her children and grandchildren.

— William and Rebekah Ashe, who met at a Walmart where Rebekah worked and where William needed assistance shopping because of his vision difficulties. Due to those issues, after they married, the couple were living in an apartment which was dangerous for William. Their new home will be much safer for him.

— Kerea Westfield, another single mom who was living in government housing and wanted a better home for her and her son, Kyreece. She was determined to give him a better life, so the high school dropout passed her GED, enrolled in cosmetology school and began working full-time at Life Bridges. She and her son look forward to their new home.

— Kayla Jackson, a single mom with four children, the most recent being born in October, who currently lives in a duplex which makes it difficult for her kids, especially her daughter NaShyah, who was in a car accident as a baby and is bound to a wheelchair. The new home will provide better access for NaShyah, and give her children a safer place for them to play outside.

“They say that there’s no place like home, and as a single mom, I have raised two daughters and have received in the past six years two son-in-laws, three grandchildren and one on the way that will be here in June. I have to say that I am standing in front of a place that I will soon call my home,” Fyffe said. “I stand before you today and tell you that I can be a good homeowner … and it is an honor for me to be the recipient of the Legacy Build because I am going from homeless, which is my story, to being a homeowner. It is like leaving behind a legacy of great strength in the place of failure.”

“We have met so many people who have made such an influence in our lives, not only in this program, but those who have been encouraging us,” William Ashe said.

“This has been a journey of many months. We have been so encouraged by so many people along the way,” said Rebekah. “This new home will be such a blessing for us. Not only will it provide stability, as we will be investing in our own home that will last for years to come. This will also help my husband William, who is blind, because he will now be on one level, and not have to worry about climbing stairs that are not safe.”

“I learned about the Cleveland Habitat in 2018, but didn’t sign up until 2019, and was chosen. You have to remember that all is on God’s time and not ours,” Westfield said. “I have to let you know that you have to be determined and focused during this time in becoming a homeowner and put your all into it. I am thankful for the opportunity to become a homeowner.”

“This opportunity is really life-changing for me and my children. Many of you know that I have a daughter who is in a wheelchair and life can be very difficult for her. What this home means to us is a safe place for my children,” Jackson said. “And I am so proud to be a part of the ‘Women Build.’”

The Women Build is taking place this week as Jackson’s new home will be the first of the four to be raised. The International Women Build Week is sponsored by Habitat and Lowe’s, and is taking place in over 300 locations across the United States, Canada and India. Photos and videos of the build this week are available on the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Facebook page, on Instagram and through the organization’s E-Newsletter.

Several of the sponsors of the four Habitat homes were present at the recent groundbreaking, including Cathy Barrett with the Community Foundation, Frank Thaggard with Pyramid Construction and Ben Chandler with Easy Auto. A representative with the George R. Johnson Foundation was not able to be present, but that sponsor was also recognized.

“Habitat is the expert in developing quality, affordable housing and doing it in a way that really provides stability and self-reliance in the homeowners,” Barrett said. “We appreciate all the great work that Habitat does, and the huge difference they are making in our community.”

Thaggard said he considers it “a privilege to work with Habitat for Humanity, because they do such a wonderful job … and it really does my heart good to do something for them.”

“We started contributing to Habitat for Humanity back in 2005, and I asked our ownership group what about Habitat makes you be where we provide the bulk of what we provide back to our community,” Chandler said. “And what we discussed is that this is a pure investment in the community and we truly believe in the organization’s approach as a hand up in giving back.”

Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis said he participated in the Leaders Build, and it was so rewarding to him to be involved in not only promoting Habitat, but having a hands-on part in the process. He said when he has visitors to the community, he always takes them by what he called “the Habitat subdivisions.”

“Habitat shows what Cleveland and Bradley County is all about, in my opinion,” he said. “Thank you Habitat, the volunteers and the sponsors for all the hard work you are doing for others.”

Habitat Board Chair Andy Anderson stressed that volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization, and thanked all who have given time to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

“To all of our volunteers, you are a part of something that is bigger than all of us,” Anderson said. “We make a difference in these people’s lives and I am proud to say that I am a part of Habitat of Cleveland.”

With the four new homes being built in 2021, that will mean that Habitat for Humanity has been involved in the building of 148 homes in its 30 years of existence, with the first being built on Starlet Circle just off Durkee Road in 1990.

Johnson said that Habitat continues through tougher times than in the past, but continues to provide these homes to these special people.

“There are already talks in the Habitat world of increases in costs of materials of 30 percent or more,” Johnson said. “And, we have had contractor delays because we are building here in Bradley County like crazy. We love that for our community, but it causes a little bit of a challenge for us.

“But so many of you have stepped up, and that encourages us. We do this for our homeowners and all of our homeowners will do 300 to 400 hours of what we call sweat equity where they volunteer to work in our Restore, and they volunteer to build their own home and they volunteer to build their neighbors homes many times. And they also have to pay back their mortgage,” Johnson explained. “But what is special is for many of our Habitat recipients, this is their first home.”

Habitat For Humanity Of Cleveland To Share In $500,000 THDA Grant To Help Build 1 Home Locally

Monday, February 15, 2021

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland announced Monday it will receive $15,500 granted by Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency to build one new home in Bradley County.

Funds come as part of a $500,000 grant from THDA to Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee financed through the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund. Local Habitat chapters can apply for $15,500 per home build.

THTF does not receive state tax dollars. Instead, it is funded by revenue from THDA’s mortgage loan program.

Since 2006, THDA has provided more than $75 million through THTF grants.

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

When construction is complete in June 2021, more than 100 children and adults across the state will be living in affordable, energy-efficient homes built in part from THDA funding.

"It takes time, talent and funding to build a home," said Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. "Some provide time, some talent and others donate funds to help build. THDA has provided support by helping fund a Habitat home, which improves our great community. Our gratitude runs deep, but it doesn't compare to the lasting change it will bring to a family in Bradley County.”

“THDA is a strong, statewide partner helping us make homeownership a reality for more Tennesseans,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee. “This grant provides us with a solid foundation to spur our larger fundraising efforts, which will reach over $4 million from individuals, churches, foundations and businesses to complete these builds.”

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's Jeff Morelock Was A Man Of Bravery And Dignity

Jeff Morelock, a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland volunteer and past Board president, passed away on Saturday. 

"A little over a year ago, while Jeff was our Board president, he called and asked me to meet with him," said Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland. "What he told me next will stay with me for the rest of my life. He shared he had been diagnosed with ALS but that he wanted to continue in his role as long as possible. Then he told me he wanted to face this with, 'bravery and dignity,' and that’s exactly what he did."

Last June Ms. Johnson was able to visit him to deliver pictures from his time with Habitat and took cards from the staff and board members. The next day he texted, “Thanx so much for your visit today & the gifts & cards. Kathy is reading them to me. Give my regards to all! Keep doing at Habitat what u r doing & then do more!”

Mr. Morelock loved Habitat but more importantly, he loved people. He stayed involved, and he continued to change many lives. Even on Jan. 15 of this year he sent an email regarding the board of director’s meeting. Last November he emailed Ms. Johnson, asking her to, “Encourage all to donate for 20/21 fund drive to strive for 100 percent.”

"Jeff never asked for public praise, nor did he want it," said Ms. Johnson. "He simply went about doing good. He cared deeply about our community, and he cared about Habitat’s success. He was a strong leader, and as our Board president he often encouraged me by calling, texting, emailing and taking me to lunch. He stood with me during good times and supported me fully when we faced challenges. He never wavered. He was a mentor and my boss, but he was so much more than that – he was loyal, and he was my friend.

"Jeff will be missed deeply by our Habitat family. He led by showing us the way. He served for nine years on our board of directors and four of those as president. He cared deeply, and we will miss Jeff. We will think of him every time we swing a hammer, attend a board meeting or work in the community to raise funding for this important work. It’s what he wanted for Habitat, and we plan to honor him knowing that our work is not over. He will continue to inspire us to help more families and to always move forward with 'bravery and dignity'. Thank you, fine sir, for the way you have touched us. You have made a difference, and we will always remember you."

Bob Zwarych offers a Bible and a prayer ; Pastor Z has presented 81 Bibles to Habitat homeowners

Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2020 2:30 pm

By GWEN SWIGER

Associate Editor

At the dedication of their homes, new homeowners with Habitat for Humanity in Cleveland receive a free Bible thanks to Pastor Bob Zwarych.

Pastor Z, as he is called, counts it a blessing to be able to present the new homeowners with a Bible and prayer at this important time in their life.

The Bible holds “the keys to life to God’s work,” Pastor Z said.

“Bob Zwarych, or Bob Z, as we like to call him is a truly special and important part of Habitat’s history. We are an ecumenical Christian organization, and an important part of our dedication ceremony is providing the gift of a Bible to each new homeowner,” noted Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat. 

“Since, home number 59 Bob has purchased and donated 81 Bibles to every family. He always speaks from the heart, and the gift he brings touches our families and whole Habitat team in a deep and profound way. Thank you, Bob, for sharing this lasting gift in such a special way,” she said.

Pastor Z explained he became involved in Habitat with a youth group from his church. 

“We wanted to help,” he said. They asked and received permission to bring lunch to the work crews. 

When he was asked to provide a new Bible to homeowners, his response was “absolutely.”

The first Bible presented was the first house at Century Village, Pastor Z said. “It was neat. I usually quote scripture and say a prayer for the family.”

He has since provided more Bibles to homeowners in Century Village, South Gate and Victory Cove. He plans to continue giving Bibles as long as they ask him.

He was unable to provide a Bible for the last home dedication due exposure to COVID-19 by a family member.

Originally from new Jersey, Pastor Z came to Tennessee in 1978. The World’s Fair site was under construction in Knoxville. The fair was to be held in 1982. 

He came down at his brother’s urging to find work on building the fair. 

“I had always like Tennessee,” he said. “I never got hired or worked on the World’s Fair. I worked in an art gallery. I did photography, and did picture frame building.” 

He went from 12 years as a commercial picture framing supervisor to operating is own picture framing business.

“I had always believed in God. I knew about religion, but I didn’t know about a relationship with Jesus until I came to Tennessee. … I didn’t become a Christian until I was 33,” he said.

“I started volunteering as a Sunday school teacher. 

“I applied for the position as a youth pastor at the church we were going to in Ooltewah. I went from youth minister to associate pastor at one church for three years. Then I became pastor at Joy Christian Fellowship,” he explained.

For 13 years, he has been the pastor at Joy Christian Fellowship, which meets at Walker Valley High School’s auditorium.

“They have been good to us,” he said of WVHS.

He also serves as a chaplain for the Cleveland Police Department. 

He encourages everyone to experience a Habitat for Humanity dedication.

“I want you to experience what a community thing this is … the mayors and different officials show up,”

 “I may tell them this is Cleveland, Tenn. You may have three or four Bibles, but this will be a reminder to you of the day you received the keys to your house,” he said.

Pastor Z noted these homeowners have to qualify to get into the Habitat program. They also have to put in sweat equity to fulfill those qualifications. 

“These homes are not free,” he said.

Pastor Z noted the dedications are an “emotional time for many homeowners as they share their story. It is often a struggle with emotion to get through.”

One dedication that had a deep impact on him was one for Victor’s home. 

Victor had struggled with substance abuse and an inability to hold a steady job. 

He said as Victor shared his story, he kept glancing at the house. Victor said, “I have to keep looking back to make sure it’s real. This is my house.”

Pastor Z said, “I remember when I heard his name was Victor, I said you are a victor. You are a victor in life because you have overcome all these obstacles and become a homeowner and a responsible parent. … That was meaningful to me.” 

“I encourage people to volunteer. There are so many nonprofits you can be a part of, but Habitat is such a great organization. It is run with biblical values,” he noted. “It is a neat community thing.

“I enjoy it. To me it’s an honor to be asked to give God’s Word to a family and to pray for a family.”

Pastor Z noted, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor, labor in vain. The Lord does build these houses. … It is a wonderful thing. It is an honor to be included in these dedication services.”

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.