Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland looks at different housing types

By ALLEN MINCEY

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has been building homes for residents in this area for more than 30 years, and for the most part, those homes have been single structures. Recently, the organization has delved into duplexes which houses two separate families.

In 2022, Habitat may be looking at increasing those housing units into spaces for four families, as plans for a quadplex are being explored.

“For the first time in our local affiliate’s history, we are going to be building a quadplex,” Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Executive Director Tammy Johnson revealed. “Right now, we are working with the city to finalize plans for that.

“The quadplex design is going to be a two-story (structure) in the middle, and then single-story on the end,” she explained. Johnson said  this would not change the direction of Habitat from still providing single-family homes.

This past week, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland dedicated a duplex for William and Rebekah Ashe and Merilee (Maggie) Fyffe. It may have come as a surprise  this type of residence was dedicated, yet it was not the first, Johnson said.

“This isn't the first … we have another in this neighborhood, but it's been a while since we built this style,” she said. “These are 900-square feet on each side. We have a single female (Fyffe) and then we have a married couple (the Ashes).

“And this is a great situation for them to be neighbors, and it also allows, William, who is blind, to be able to have easy access to his home,” Johnson said, and to have a neighbor nearby that can help if the need arises.

The Habitat executive director said  the quadplex is planned for property the organization has near Blythe-Bower Elementary School.

“We’re working with the city to finalize that,” Johnson said. “We're actually working on prepping that land right now. We're working with Cathy Andrews (the city’s Redevelopment coordinator) with the community development block grant funding. The City of Cleveland is actually going to help us with a chunk of the infrastructure cost.”

Johnson mentioned  working with Andrews and Corey Divel, assistant to the city manager and communications coordinator, is making the project easier to plan. Divel is also on the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Board of Directors.

She added  the new Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland subdivision near the elementary school will be named “Morelock Meadows,” named after long-time Habitat supporter Jeff Morelock, who passed away earlier this year.

She said  plans for 2022 are for five residences to be constructed, with one of those being a holdover from this year. That will bring the total for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland homes up to over 150 in the 30-plus years of existence for the local organization.

Johnson said  there is a waiting list for those who wish to become Habitat homeowners, and encourages anyone wishing to learn about applying for such a home to go to the organization’s website. She also said  there is another waiting list that is something new to the group.

“We actually are starting a 2022 waiting list for people who want to come and help, and for sponsors,” she said. “This is the first time that I can ever remember us having this type of waiting list.”

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland depends on sponsors and donations, but also on volunteers who help homeowners build the residences. This year, the four homes have had groups involved in titled efforts, including the Women Build, Law Build, Faith Build, Legacy Build and Leaders Build, but there is always room for more.

To find out more about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, visit the organization’s website at www.habitatofcleveland.org or visit its Facebook page.

Habitat dedication brings two sets of homeowner smiles

By ALLEN MINCEY

Victory Cove residents will soon have two new sets of neighbors following dedications Tuesday of residences constructed through Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

William and Rebekah Ashe and Merilee (Maggie) Fyffe will now be the 145th and 146th homeowners of a Habitat home in Cleveland. While the residents there will have new neighbors, the Ashes and Fyffe will be even closer neighbors, as they will be residing in a duplex especially built for them.

“While we were praying for a safe home of our own,” Rebekah said, “God already prepared a wonderful person to live next door. We couldn't have asked for a better friend and neighbor.”

Maggie, as everyone called her, agreed, and may be approaching her new neighbors for some cooking tips.

“I can see me looking out the window, and I can envision a table there in front of the window and of course I've got my coffee and I'm looking and there are my grandchildren in the backyard. I can see myself in the kitchen with my grandchildren,” she said. “And we're baking cookies, although they may not taste too good because I cannot cook, but it's okay. They are my grandchildren, they still love me, they will accept it.”

The stories of the new homeowners made the dedication Tuesday even more special.

William Ashe is legally blind, and relies on the eyes and kindness of others to navigate daily life. In fact, that led to him meeting Rebekah, as he was shopping at Walmart as best he could, but needed some assistance. In stepped Rebekah to help.

“I remember hearing that Becky’s manager at Walmart asked her to help William, and when they met, it was magic,” said Pastor Ryan Boldman of Bowman Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He said the two became inseparable and eventually married.

The Ashes currently live in an apartment with stairs that are difficult, and dangerous, for William to negotiate, so a single-level home was a dream, and a necessity.

“A one-level house is what we need the most, and with Habitat’s help, we will have exactly what we need,” said Rebekah.

Maggie had a similar situation, as she struggled after her husband left her and her two daughters several years ago. While she had a job, financial pressures being a single parent were mounting and the trio were evicted from their home.

One of her daughters eventually became a Habitat homeowner herself, and suggested to Maggie that she should apply for such assistance. It took eight months, but she became a Habitat homeowner herself, and could not help from smiling, and cheering, at Tuesday’s dedication.

“I have to give honor today and a big shout-out to God the Father, that He bestows upon each and everyone of us, all good blessings, and I'm happy to give a shoutout and thank Habitat, and the board and all the workers,” she said. “And I have to say this because, I'm just being me … Happy Dedication Day.”

The two residences were a part of a four-home building project for Victory Cove this year. Work is progressing on two homes just up the street from the Ashes and Fyffe’s homes, one for Kerea and Kyreece Westfield (the Leaders Build project) and one for the Kayla Jackson family (the Women Build project). Both Kerea and Kayla were in attendance at Tuesday’s dedication.

The Ashe and Fyffe homes were special projects by Habitat also, with the Ashe home being sponsored by the Faith Build project, and the Fyffe home being the Legacy Build project.

Faith Build sponsors were Andy and Laura Anderson, Bowman Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Broad Street United Methodist Church, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, Eaton Corporation, Farmland Community Church, Father Mike Nolan, First Baptist Cleveland, First Presbyterian Church, Jack and Vicky Byrd, Jacinto’s Auto Sales LLC, Keith Street Ministries, Knights of Columbus, McReynolds Family Foundation, Mt. Olive Church of God, Nick and Mara Grisham, North Cleveland COG, Phil and Yaunna Higgins, Professional Title Services, Pyramid Construction, Rebecca Jabaley, The Chapel, Verrill Norwood and Westwood Baptist Church.

Legacy Build sponsors included Bank of Cleveland, Barry Boettner, Carolyn Ingram-Franitza, Chandler Properties, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber Youth Leadership, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, Corey Divel, David and Ellen Smith, Don Rollens Legacy Fund, Doug Berry, Fitzgerald Family Foundation, George R. Johnson Foundation/Hardee's, Habitat for Humanity International, Jeff and Kathy Morelock, Julian Sullivan and Publix Super Markets Charities.

Tammy Johnson, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland executive director, said that while the homes were dedicated Tuesday, the families will not yet be able to move in.

“This is a symbolic moment where we pass the key (to the new owners) … but you will also see a reality that we have had to deal with,” she said. “You will see a very real reality that we have been facing. In years past, when we ordered cabinets for homes, it typically took maybe two or three weeks to get the cabinets. Last year with COVID, it took five weeks. This year, we ordered in plenty of time, we were told maybe seven-to-eight weeks, and we still don't have cabinets.”

She said there are hopes the cabinets will arrive soon, and installed quickly, so the two new homeowner families can move in and enjoy their new residences.

To find out more about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, visit the website at www.habitatofcleveland.org or visit Habitat’s ReStore at www.restoreofcleveland.org.

Habitat for Humanity weathering COVID-related challenges

By ALLEN MINCEY

Building materials have been either in short supply or available at higher costs as the COVID-19 pandemic struck the United States. Habitat for Humanity organizations across the country have not been immune from those challenges.

That includes Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, which Executive Director Tammy Johnson said presented barriers that the local organization has worked through.

“We have continued building homes and creating a stronger community despite unforeseen challenges,” she said.

Johnson mentioned these challenges at this week’s dedication of two homes for residents in the Victory Cove subdivision.

“We have seen a 30-to-40 percent increase in construction material costs, but God has provided,” Johnson said. “There continue to be subcontractor delays, but God daily shows us grace. His guidance is evident in the way folks donate and shop at the ReStore, knowing those funds help with land and infrastructure costs is a way our community helps offer more Bradley County families a hand up, and not a handout.”

In many cases across the country, there have been even more challenges than just higher costs and delays. Some Habitat for Humanity affiliates have also seen decreases in volunteers as the pandemic kept many from giving their time for fear of the virus. Some affiliates also limited the number of volunteers due to the pandemic.

“Our team of staff, volunteers, sponsors, board members and homeowners have weathered the storms of the past year,” Johnson said.

She praised those who have continued to work with Habitat through the pandemic, stating that “you have invested in each other. You have served our community by swinging a hammer, offering valuable time and financial gifts while displaying hope and courage.”

Yet, the pandemic even caused a delay in the two new homeowners — William and Rebekah Ashe, and Merilee Fyffe — actually getting to move into their new home after the Tuesday dedication.

“Getting things shipped has been a challenge,” Johnson said. “You don't know how long it's going to take. The cabinets for these families … usually it would take two or three weeks, but last year we're talking five, and we were told seven to eight this year, and now it's gone beyond that.

“And there are literally things sitting in ports that we need, and you can't do the final work on a home, do the final inspection and let the homeowner move in without them,” she added. “This causes some challenges for them because of their renting, they're ready to get into their home, and we have it all ready to go except for these final few things and they can't move in.”

Johnson said that a final inspection must be performed before occupancy, and that cannot occur until the home is complete.

“I will say that these families have handled it like a champ,” she smiled. “Our homeowners knew that we have a lot of unforeseen challenges this year and they've been gracious, they've been very flexible and wonderful to work with.”

One thing that the pandemic did not affect drastically in Cleveland is the ReStore. Manager Dave Williams said that this year, especially the past few months, has been especially profitable for the store.

“The community has been great at donating,” said Williams. “Of course, when we were closed a year ago, in April for the month, then reopened in May, we didn't know what we were getting into.

“So we didn't know what the future held — we just kind of were going blindly a little bit — but from that May until today, it has been non-stop. We were getting donations from the community like crazy in May, June, July, August …”

He said that even through the pandemic, the ReStore saw many of its regular customers still shopping, and donating, in 2020 and into 2021.

“I got some customers been four or five times a week just because of what's coming in next,” he said.

Williams said that he feels the ReStore promotes a “cycle of blessings.”

“People in our community blessed us with something big or small. We sell that at a reasonable price, which is a blessing and then in return we take the funds and the profits from that to build these homes,” he said.

Even with higher construction costs, and with an increase in sales at the ReStore, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland still will be completing two more homes in Victory Cove this year, and plans are for five new residences to be built in 2022.

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.”