Habitat And Easy Auto Announce Winner Of Family Fundraiser

Monday, April 18, 2022

The 2022 Family Fundraiser winner was announced Monda morning at Easy Auto Cleveland, 100 25th St. NE. This was an exciting moment, captured on Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Facebook live, after a three-month competition among five future Habitat homeowners.

From Dec. 10, 2021 until March 18, the five families have collectively raised $10,586 to help build Habitat homes in Bradley County. Felicia Rhan is the winner of a 2015 red Kia Soul car, donated by Easy Auto. Ben Chandler, president of Easy Auto, made the surprise announcement to Ms. Rhan Monday morning, along with Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat of Cleveland.

Ms. Rhan came to the car lot thinking she was doing a video about her experience participating in the Family Fundraiser. She was very pleasantly surprised to learn that through the many generous donations of family and friends, she is the winner. 

Mr. said, “The Easy Auto and Habitat partnership goes all the way back to the year 2000. We’ve been involved in multiple building projects. We did the Leaders Build, and we’ve always sent out groups of employees. When you talk about service work within the ranks of the people of Easy Auto and Sunrise Acceptance, one of their favorite things to do is to go out and work on a home right here in our community. It’s been a wonderful partnership for us over the years, and we are truly excited to be invested with Habitat for Humanity, here in Bradley County.”

Ms. Johnson said, “The more we can work together, the more we can impact the community together. This has already been a huge team effort, and will help with this year’s home builds in the new Morelock Meadows subdivision. Felicia, and all the families work so hard through the Habitat program. Felicia has been putting in her sweat equity as our receptionist in the office, and she will soon be out on the build site working on her home.

“I would like to thank Easy Auto and all the people who donated on our behalf to the Family Fundraiser," said Ms. Rhan. "I was so overwhelmed, and definitely surprised, when I found out this morning that my family won the car. This is so amazing and definitely a God send. So much money has been put into my other car in the last couple years, that I knew I’d be needing a new one soon. I had no idea where that money would come from,” Her teenage daughter, Mackensie understands that when she gets her driver’s license, she will get the older car.

They are both deeply appreciative to everyone involved in this wonderful opportunity.

City-county join forces with federal funds to address homelessness

Posted Friday, January 28, 2022 10:08 am

By AUTUMN HUGHES

Local government leaders officially have presented $1.4 million in federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) money to two organizations dedicated to affordable housing.

Cleveland and Bradley County leaders gathered Thursday afternoon to present funding to City Fields and Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

The Bradley County Commission and Cleveland City Council each allocated $400,000 to City Fields to continue its efforts to rebuild or remodel 10 houses in the Blythe-Oldfield community, and $300,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland for 16 new homes in the Morelock Meadows subdivision.

The check presentation took place at Avery Johnson Park, which was named in Cleveland Vice Mayor Avery Johnson's honor last year.

"We've got a lot of people in the community who are doing a lot [to help others]," Johnson said.

Noting the cooperative effort between the city and county to equally fund City Fields and Habitat for Humanity, Johnson said, "We're really going to do something good here."

Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis called the use of ARP funds "an important step in addressing the housing issue facing Cleveland and Bradley County" and "a transformational investment being made in our community."

"This is another perfect example of what is possible when the city and county come together for a common goal," Davis said. "When my office approached the city about partnering together, we did so knowing that our impact in the community would be strengthened by working together."

He thanked Cleveland City Manager Joe Fivas, Mayor Kevin Brooks, Johnson and the Cleveland City Council for their partnership.

"I am thrilled with our other partners, these two organizations," Davis said. "Both of them have a track record of results when it comes to what they do, and I am confident this money will be put to its best use in the community.

"This investment helps to address a portion of the challenge, which is providing more affordable housing, but it doesn't go far enough to address the other side of the coin, which is available housing," Davis said.

"We have an opportunity, both the city and the county, to continue working together to create an environment that produces the necessary development and growth we need for the future," he added. 

Davis said millions more state and federal dollars "are flowing into Cleveland and Bradley County that will allow us to address our infrastructure needs" of sewer, water and broadband, "which in turn will help us address the issues of providing more affordable and available housing."

"Thank you to the city of Cleveland for meeting us in the middle on this project," Davis said. "As Bradley County mayor, I will continue to offer my hand of cooperation. The partnership and vision between the city of Cleveland and Bradley County is responsible for the strength of our community today, and continuing that cooperation is the only way we can move forward in addressing the challenges of tomorrow."

Cleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks was unable to attend the ceremony, but said in a written statement: "I am proud to join County Mayor Gary Davis in this historic move to support affordable housing in Cleveland and Bradley County. Today’s historic first steps by the City and County, will make an investment in the lives of our fellow neighbors for years to come.

 “These investments of a combined $1.4 million are not just a game-changer, these dollars are a life-changer for many in need," Brooks added. "Affordable housing can be found, and today’s partnership with the county proves we can work together to change lives for the better. And I wish to thank Vice Mayor  Johnson for being here today to present these checks to City Council. The future is bright when we work together.”

Dustin Tommey, executive director of City Fields, and Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Bradley County, also spoke about the impact of the ARP funds to their organizations.
"It's a beautiful picture, to me, of what can be done when the city and county cooperate and come together," Tommey said. "I am so grateful for the investment you are making in our community."

Tommey said City Fields' goal is to use the ARP funding for renovations and new construction of 10 homes, adding he hopes 10 projects each year will be the organization's "new normal." He said the community is "at a crisis point" of being able to provide affordable housing in the community.

"The money will  be stewarded well, and the people whose lives it will impact will make you proud," Tommey said.

Johnson said Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has built 148 homes over the past 30 years, and the ARP funds will help build 14 townhomes and two single-family homes. She noted the new Morelock Meadows development is just down the street from Avery Johnson Park and Blythe-Bower Elementary School.
"Thank you — you are changing generations," Johnson said.

Affordable housing future looking brighter

Posted Wednesday, January 12, 2022 11:05 am

By AUTUMN HUGHES

The local affordable housing picture has been bleak for some time, but is starting to look brighter due to an infusion of one-time federal funds.

Bradley County is slated to receive nearly $21 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, with $7.5 million already expended for essential worker premium pay one-time bonuses.

Nearly all of the $1 million in ARP funds set aside by the Bradley County Commission for affordable housing has been earmarked for use by nonprofit organizations.

Commissioners agreed last week to give $400,000 to City Fields to continue its efforts to rebuild or remodel 10 houses in the Blythe-Oldfield community, and $300,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland for 16 new homes in the Morelock Meadows subdivision.

Last month, in addition to Habitat for Humanity and City Fields, the United Way of the Ocoee Region, The Caring Place and Bradley/Cleveland Community Services Agency shared with commissioners how they would use ARP funding for affordable housing.

On Monday, commissioners heard again from The Caring Place and the United Way.

Corinne Freeman, executive director of The Caring Place, said that organization plans to use the ARP funds for housing stabilization.

“Those funds will be to help individuals who do not currently have stable housing, to move them into housing, and individuals who are at risk of losing housing, to help them prevent that homelessness,” she said, adding “we anticipate because of our current funding that should last us until about March, first of April.

“So we don’t have to draw down any funds from the commission until that time, and that should get us toward the fall before the end of the year,” Freeman said. “It does depend on the amount of need, how many requests that we get … .”

Freeman said $100,000 — a third of the remaining $300,000 in affordable housing funds — “gets us through 2022.”

Commissioner Milan Blake asked how COVID-19 has impacted the need for affordable housing, from The Caring Place's vantage.

“We had a housing crisis before COVID, so we had a housing need before COVID,” Freeman said. “What COVID did is it stopped a revolving door. … We had families who were continuously bouncing from house to house to house, rental to rental to rental, because they couldn’t afford what they found, or they would be with family members and they would be able to stay with family.

“What COVID did is it stopped that because we didn’t have evictions, so we actually saw all the amount of need in our community,” Freeman said. “And then it compounded that need because we had a lot of families who were kind of on the fence of being able to be stable … and they lost that safety net because they could no longer manage from week to week, paycheck to paycheck, because they might have went some time without employment.”

Tanya Mazzolini and Jaynese Waddell with the United Way also spoke to commissioners.

Mazzolini, the United Way’s chief financial officer, confirmed any ARP funds commissioners allocated to United Way will be used only in Bradley County.

Blake asked how United Way would use $100,000 in ARP funds and how long they would last.

Waddell, the United Way’s director of community impact, said “that’s very much based on the need and the call volume coming in.” She said over the past two years, the average amount given from the Tennessee Cares pandemic funding was $697 per family.

“So if you take that same average, that’s going to serve 143 families based on that $100,000,” Waddell said.

Mazzolini added that no ARP funds will be spent on administration or salaries.

Freeman also spoke about the “continuum of care,” noting The Caring Place, United Way and Bradley/Cleveland Community Services Agency (BCCSA) all provide direct assistance in the community, but they all have unique areas of specialization. For example, BCCSA is the only organization of the trio with an emergency shelter, while the United Way offers one-time assistance, and The Caring Place “offers from the beginning of need for our most vulnerable citizens — those who are without housing, unsheltered. We have outreach, rapid rehousing, and we’re able to move them onto that continuum.”

As Monday’s meeting was a work session, commissioners took no action on the additional information they heard. However, Blake aske the item will be put on next week’s voting session agenda to officially allocate ARP funds to The Caring Place and United Way.

Proud mom and her four children start new lives in Habitat for Humanity home

From STAFF REPORTS

Kayla Jackson has sacrificed so many things for her four children. But now, she is able to give them something that she previously was unable to do — a home.

Jackson became the 148th owner of a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home in a special dedication held Thursday. The home was one of four constructed this year in the Victory Cove subdivision, and was done as a part of the Women Build project.

“Thank God, because without him, none of this would be possible,” Jackson said at the dedication. “I want to give a huge shoutout to everyone involved throughout this process, this whole journey. You guys are amazing."

She added, “My children and I will be forever grateful. We are filled with so much joy and excitement and ready to start our new life and successful future in our new home."

Jackson and her four children have been living in a small duplex and a neighborhood unsafe for the children. Her daughter, NaShyah, was the victim of a car accident when she was a baby and is in a wheelchair. Her current residence’s driveway is slanted, so NaShyah can’t play outside in her wheelchair. It’s also difficult carrying her up and down stairs and getting into the house without a ramp. And, with a family of five, they have quickly outgrown their space.

“I’ve been looking for a house suitable for my daughter, who is handicapped, so I thought I would sign up for a Habitat house,” Jackson said. “I applied and had started the new homeowner and budgeting classes before I was accepted into the program. I was just so happy when I found out, I could have cried! It’s a blessing, because I can fix it to where it’s basically modified for NaShyah.”

NaShyah has two brothers — Tayhvon and Damias, who is only a year old. Her sister is Daionna.

This new home for the Jacksons is giving them a lot of hope for their future. NaShyah will be able to play outside and gain independence. The entire family will experience positive changes and a new freedom they’ve never experienced. They have already developed strong friendships with their neighbors in the Habitat program.

The dedication was held on a special day in the Cleveland and Bradley County community — Veterans Day, and those in attendance were thankful to be there, and to have been a part of helping Jackson into her new home.

“We salute our veterans here today, whether they’re near or far; let’s give them a hand,” said Stephanie Linkous, CEO for United Way of the Ocoee Region. “The United Way of the Ocoee Region has one simple vision and that is to give everyone in our community an opportunity for a better tomorrow. It has been a joy to partner with Habitat for Humanity over the last few months to make that ‘better tomorrow’ come true for the Jackson family.

“We know from observations that affordable housing is an issue in our community,” she added. “That is one of our four focus areas, so when the proposal for funding came through, we were pleased to offer Habitat a grant to make those dreams come true.”

Along with the United Way of the Ocoee Region, there were several other sponsors that made Jackson’s dream come true. They included Bradley Sunrise Rotary Club of Cleveland, Century Park Associates, Chick-fil-A, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, Crossroads Church, David and Ellen Smith, Harry S. Truman Club, Jack McKee, Jill Culpepper, Karen Colley, Laura Anderson, Lisa Mantooth, Mark and Beverly Johnson, North Cleveland Church of God, Pat Fuller/Girls in Pearls, Patty Silverman, Southern Heritage Bank/First Citizens National Bank, Tennessee Flash Senior Olympic basketball team, Tommy and Tracey Wright, Wacker Polysilicon, Whirlpool Call Center, Whirlpool Corporation, and William and Marilyn Kearney.

Also at the dedication was the presentation of a Habitat Hero Award to past Habitat Board President Andy Anderson. The award was presented by Lamanda Bowers, Habitat Volunteer Services manager.

“His heart is huge. He is an inspirational leader and he truly displays what it means to be the change in the world,” Bowers said of the recipient. “The love of Christ flows through him and he is truly a Habitat Hero. I’m so thankful to know him. Anybody that meets him, your life is better by knowing him.”

Pastor Bob Zwarych attends each dedication, and presents a Bible to the new homeowner. He also points out that the Bible tells everyone that building such a house for someone in need is a “labor of love.”

“There’s so much to rejoice and be glad about, as Kayla Jackson and her family are getting a brand new home. The Bible tells us that unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor, labor in vain. This was a labor of love," Zwarych said. "The Bible also tells us that it’s by wisdom that a house is built. It’s through understanding that it is established and it’s through knowledge that it’s rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

“Kayla, you have four rare and beautiful treasures that are ready to move into this home,” he said.

Jackson said that she and her family are ready to move in, but also wanted to stress how thankful she was for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland helping her make this dream a reality.

“Habitat is a hand up and not a hand out. So with that being said, I accomplished one of my biggest dreams with Habitat,” she said. “I am so grateful and will be forever grateful for that.”

Habitat to hold 148th home dedication honoring the Jackson family

Posted Wednesday, November 10, 2021 4:50 am

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will hold a home dedication ceremony on Thursday in honor of new Habitat homeowner, Kayla Jackson and her four children.

The Jackson home marks the 148th home built in Bradley County. It is named the Women Build home. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Victory Cove Subdivision, 1228 Franitza Way S.W. It will also be live on Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Facebook page.
Jackson is a selfless and loving, single mom of four beautiful children. They are her world, and she looks forward to coming straight home to them after work.

"I do everything I can for my babies," Jackson said with a proud smile. "I have one pair of shoes and my kids have everything."

Her oldest son is Tayhvon, and her youngest son is Damias, a year old. Her middle children are precious girls — NaShyah, and Daionna.
NaShyah, was in a car accident when she was a baby and is in a wheelchair.

Jackson said, “I’ve been looking for a house suitable for my daughter, who is handicapped, so I thought I would sign up for a Habitat house. I applied and had started the new homeowner and budgeting classes before I was accepted into the program. I was just so happy when I found out, I could have cried! It’s a blessing, because I can fix it to where it’s basically modified for NaShyah.”
The Jacksons currently live in a small duplex ina neighborhood unsafe for the children. The driveway is slanted, so NaShyah can’t play outside in her wheelchair. It’s also difficult carrying her up and down stairs and getting into the house without a ramp. With a family of five, they have quickly outgrown the space.
This new home for the Jacksons is giving them a lot of hope for their future. NaShya will be able to play outside and gain independence. The entire family will experience positive changes and a new freedom they’ve never experienced. They have already developed great friendships with their neighbors in the Habitat program.
Sponsors for the Women Build include: Bradley Sunrise Rotary Club of Cleveland, Century Park Associates, Chick-fil-A, Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, Crossroads Church, David and Ellen Smith, Harry S. Truman Club, Jack McKee, Jill Culpepper, Karen Colley, Laura Anderson, Lisa Mantooth, Mark & Beverly Johnson, North Cleveland Church of God, Pat Fuller/Girls in Pearls, Patty Silverman, Southern Heritage Bank/First Citizens National Bank, Tennessee Flash Senior Olympic basketball team, Tommy and Tracey Wright, United Way of the Ocoee Region, Wacker Polysillicon, Whirlpool Call Center, Whirlpool Corporation and William and Marilyn Kearney.

How it all began: Original Habitat volunteer visits Cleveland

By KAITLIN GEBBY

On April 1, 1977, Clive Rainey said yes to an opportunity that would forever change the landscape of affordable housing.

Rainey was the first volunteer of Habitat for Humanity, and was in Cleveland this week to offer his inspiring story to the local Habitat organization during its board retreat.

Rainey's connection to the nonprofit came from his friendship with the founders, Millard and Linda Fuller, who asked him if he would help out with their missions to build homes in Africa.

“I wasn’t ready to go,” Rainey said.

At age 30, he was a teacher in Georgia. His students were often from “very poor” circumstances, so he felt his job was to educate them for a chance at a better future.

“We have kids in school who couldn’t read their own names, and they were in the seventh and eighth grade,” Rainey said.

“One day a little girl said to me, ‘Why do we have to learn this old stuff anyway?’ And I said ‘Because if you have an education, you'll get a better life.’ And she came back at me and said, ‘Yeah, that's what they told my mama.’ So that evening I went to find the mama, and found them living in a shack with literally no doors or windows, no running water, no electricity and no hope.”

After that, he went back to the Fullers.

“I went back to Millard and said, ‘You win. I’d waste my life in classrooms like that unless I get to kids at an earlier stage.’ And I was in, that’s how it all began for me,” he said.

He started out doing odd jobs, “whatever needed to be done,” before heading to Africa for Habitat. He eventually oversaw the family selection committee and introduced the concept of “sweat equity” as a key component of Habitat’s program.

Over the next 35 years, he would be part of countless houses built for people in need. Habitat estimates 30 million people worldwide have been placed in a house built by Habitat for Humanity. Rainey said the organization especially gained steam when former President Jimmy Carter brought the organization into the national spotlight.

Though he didn’t return to the classroom, Rainey did one day see the lives of children improve through education while he was in Guatemala, where he lives now.

“I actually met three little boys on a build site who were going hungry,” Rainey said.

He learned they lived with their mom and “a huge family,” but their dad was no longer around to provide for them.

“I just stepped in and started helping the family. And I lived there for 10 years and saw those boys grow. And yes, I've had a lot of influence on their lives,” he said.

As the very first volunteer for the nonprofit, standing in the yard of one of the dozens of homes in a neighborhood established by Habitat for Humanity, Rainey said he is now seeing what stable housing has afforded generations of families.

“I sat with one of these older friends just last week in her kitchen, and her young grandson walked in. Bright-faced, happy and seeing so far beyond anything that I or his grandmother could have imagined. You can see the future in his eyes. That’s what it's done for me. The ability to see the future, and to believe in it.”

Though Rainey has been part of countless Habitat builds, he said the job is never done. He said there are so many factors that continue to change the hurdles in the housing problem in the United States and around the world, but he said housing is the answer to crime, education, “and should be number one on our country’s agenda.”

“Until we have everybody in this country, and frankly around the world, decently housed, our work will not be done.”

KEREA AND KYREECE WESTFIELD GET A 'WELCOME HOME!'

By ALLEN MINCEY

Kerea Westfield said that she is ready to move into her new Habitat for Humanity home as soon as possible, and if her son's — Kyreece — fidgety motions are any indication, he is, too.

The Westfields are the newest owners of a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home in the Victory Cove subdivision. The home was dedicated, and the ribbon cut, at a special ceremony held Tuesday morning.

The home was constructed as a part of the Leaders Build and Law Build, and was the 147th home built by Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland in its 30-year history. It was the third dedication this year in Victory Cove.

“This is the culmination of what Habitat does,” said Patty Silverman, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland board chair, as she welcomed the dozens who attended the dedication.

Silverman reminded everyone the home constructed for Kerea and Kyreece Westfield was built with love, and will be a place that love will reside.

“It’s not a building, but it is a place where love will dwell, where life will happen, and memories will be made for Kerea and Kyreece,” said Silverman.

The board chair said “there were 160 volunteers that put their hands to this home. When we build a home, it’s a construction crew, but 160 community members came out to build."

She added, "There were 14 build teams that worked on this home. Not only that, but Kerea and Kyreece did a little bit of labor of love on this, too. They put 350 working hours on this home.”

Tammy Johnson, Habitat director, said Westfield was at the home, working with others, almost every day. New home owners are required to put in some “sweat equity” in the building of their new home, and she said that Westfield went above and beyond that requirement.

“This is one of the best days that we have all year,” Johnson said. “It’s my favorite thing that we do all year long. It always reminds me that it takes a community to raise a family."

Johnson stressed, "Kerea has been an incredibly hard worker. She has been here for the whole time, every step of the way, and been very involved."

Westfield said she had so many emotions running through her during the dedication.

“I feel excited, I feel thankful, I feel ecstatic, and I’m ready for closing day now,” she said. “We were in Cleveland Housing on Clemmer Street, and this will be our first home. And the first thing I am going to do when I get in there … is decorate … hopefully for Christmas.”

Along with the new home, Westfield said she gained even more through working with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

“During this process, I’ve learned how to budget, be a good neighbor, and, most of all, how to build a home,” Westfield said. “I’ve met so many kind-hearted people during this build, from attorneys, to judges, different church organizations, Lee [University] students, and many, many more. Each of them offered their time and kind words at the job site, and, believe me, they didn’t go unnoticed.”

The diversity of those who worked on the Westfield home build was not lost on those in attendance, especially those who were involved in the Leaders and Law Build.

“As I was looking about this diverse group here, this is a group that brings everybody together,” said state Sen. Mike Bell, who was among those who participated in the Leaders Build. “We had churches, businesses, attorneys and individuals come together with one mission, to see this home completed for a person and the security of having a house.”

During the dedication ceremony, a long-time Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland supporter was posthumously honored as a “Habitat Hero” — Charley Bolick. Jerry Franitza, who worked with Bolick on many home builds, spoke about his friend.

“I am going to call him “Mr. Electric, because that is what he was,” Franitza said. “Mr. Electric retired from Olin Chemical Company in 1991, and his wife got on him for several years to come out and be a Habitat volunteer."

Franitza continued, "Finally, he came out and helped, and he did a lot for Habitat. He was the greatest guy I ever knew. He was one of the great volunteers. He worked for Habitat for over 20 years and he worked on over, I would guess, 80 homes, so I want to thank Charley for everything he did.”

Others who spoke at the event included Ellen Dobbs of Easy Auto, one of the major sponsors of the build; Mara Grisham, who represented the family advocates for Habitat; and Pastor Bob Zwarych, who as he does at all Habitat dedications, presented the Westfields with a Bible. Westfield’s pastor, Beverley McCowan of the Pneuma Christian Center, gave the closing prayer before the ribbon cutting.

Silverman summed up the event by saying that the new Westfield home will be one that is built on love of neighbors, and love of God.

“There was a moment when [the volunteers] could come in and write a piece of scripture on the walls, so underneath this paint, there are scriptures all over your home, Kerea, that will be the foundation of your home,” Silverman told the new homeowner.

Habitat for Humanity remembers Jeff Morelock

By ALLEN MINCEY

“Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control … are fruits of the spirit.”

Those were some of the last sentiments that Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Tammy Johnson remembers voiced by longtime supporter Jeff Morelock.

Morelock, who passed away Feb. 13, was remembered for his dedication to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter at a special ceremony Friday at Victory Cove, a Habitat subdivision. His family was in attendance, as were several members from First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where Morelock was a member.

The event was held as a tribute to Morelock, who not only worked as a volunteer with Habitat, but also served as the organization’s board president for four years. In 2020, he was named a Habitat Hero. He, himself, said he was no carpenter, but tried his best to help in building homes in the community.

“Years ago, our church was doing work on another Habitat home … and my dad pulled me in to help. I can tell you, my dad was not much of a carpenter,” said Davis Morelock with a smile. “He was very good in motivating people to get the project done and get the work done.

“Over the last 10 years or so, he really stepped away from other nonprofits and spent his time with Habitat, because that was his passion,” he continued. “Thank you to all who volunteer, to the staff, and to anyone who participated in one way or the other … and thank you for honoring my father.”

Kathy Morelock, Jeff’s wife, greeted everyone at the ceremony with a smile and tried to speak to everyone at the event, but was at a loss for words when she approached the podium. She did especially thank the Habitat for Humanity staff, and those from the church who came to the ceremony, stayed and did some volunteer work on the home that will be dedicated on Tuesday.

“We call ourselves a church, but we are really a family,” said Kathy Morelock. “I really appreciate all of you coming out today.”

Pastor Jennifer Newell of First Presbyterian Church spoke of Morelock’s dedication to helping others, and volunteered to work on the Habitat home. She pointed to Morelock’s character leading him to help others, appropriately quoting a scripture from the Bible.

“Isaiah 38:2 reads ‘but he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands.’ That was Jeff Morelock,” she said.

Johnson said even as Morelock was battling illness, he stayed in touch with her, and would drive by the building projects and talk to her from his vehicle.

“I have such a deep love and affection for Jeff. He was such a kind, loving mentor to me,” she said. “I keep his picture on my desktop computer that has his hand on a 2-by-4 where he wrote, ‘Good luck and blessing’.”

Two photographs of Morelock were presented to the family at the ceremony, one of which was the picture Johnson mentioned. Along with Kathy and Davis Morelock, other family members in attendance were Davis’ wife Ashlan, and their children: Emma Ann and Jefferson.

Johnson announced the next building project for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland will be at 20th Street S.E. and Foster Lane S.E., near Blythe-Bower Elementary School.

“Jeff left a silent but strong legacy with us at Habitat. He never asked for public praise and was a true servant,” she said. “We will continue his legacy by breaking ground on a new subdivision next year called Morelock Meadows. We would love to have family and friends return to help with that build.”

Dedication for the Kerea Westfield Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland home is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 11 a.m. at the home at 1223 Franitza Way.

Whirlpool, Habitat partner to build houses that better withstand storms

By TIM SINIARD

Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity are working together to build better houses with climate change and energy efficiency in mind.

Earlier this month, Whirlpool announced Habitat for Humanity’s "BuildBetter with Whirlpool" initiative, an expansion of Habitat’s existing BuildBetter program that will deliver more than 250 climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes to hundreds of Americans in need of affordable housing over the next three years.

Through House + Home, Whirlpool will support Habitat for Humanity to construct homes designed to better withstand storm winds, natural disasters and other severe weather events that are intensifying.

The initiative is the centerpiece of Whirlpool Corporation’s 21-year, nearly $130 million renewed relationship with Habitat.

According to Whirlpool, the broadened initiative "sits at the heart of the appliance manufacturer's global corporate social responsibility approach called "House + Home," that contributes to comfortable and nurturing places to live and supports resilient, thriving and sustainable communities.”

D. Jeffrey Noel, Whirlpool’s corporate vice president for communications and public affairs, told the Cleveland Daily Banner that Whirlpool and Habitat want homes they assist in constructing “to be better weather resistant, be more cost effective and be more secure for the homeowners.”

“Every family deserves to have a shelter and a place to call home,” Noel said.

He said the homes will also "help reduce operating costs for homeowners with limited budgets, through an expected improvement in energy efficiency of approximately 15% compared to homes built to current local government code, contributing to a more sustainable future for local communities."

“These are the kinds of things we know really help homeowners, and, if you're a homeowner and you're working on a fixed budget, you can't afford surprises,” Noel said.

He said improving life at home has always been at the heart of Whirlpool’s business strategy.

“It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live — a comfortable, nurturing home is essential for everyone,” he said. “This initiative continues our long history of leveraging our innovative, quality appliances and philanthropic support to improve life at home for people around the world.”

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, said Whirlpool has been a "tremendous partner in helping us improve and broaden the ways we can help more families achieve housing stability.”

“Through the launch of our BuildBetter initiative, Whirlpool’s support will help us accelerate the construction of resilient, energy-efficient homes and can result in greater savings for families,” he said “Whirlpool’s dedication to this program will enable the focused research needed to expand sustainable housing to even more communities, helping with neighborhood revitalization and environmental impact.”

Reckford said in order to enhance storm-resilient measures, such as secure-and-sealed roof decks, all homeowners under the program will be eligible to choose at least one upgrade that addresses a hazard specific to their state, including enhanced flood or fire defense.

Habitat organizations participating in the program will receive technical guidance on construction design and implementation, as well as funding for energy-efficient upgrades. Whirlpool Corporation employees are volunteering to help build these homes with Habitat for Humanity. Construction began July 2021.

In addition to the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity are also collaborating to:

• Provide a range and refrigerator for every new Habitat home built in the United States and Canada;

• Help advance the Habitat Cost of Home advocacy campaign, a five-year program through which local Habitat organizations, partners, volunteers and community members across the United States work together to help 10 million people have access to an affordable home.

With the addition of these contributions, Whirlpool Corporation has donated nearly $130 million to Habitat for Humanity International and supported Habitat programs in 45 countries.

Whirlpool operates a plant in Cleveland, where approximately 1,500 are employed.

In 2012, the company relocated to a new one million-square-foot, state-of-the-art, LEED-certified facility on Benton Pike in 2012.

For more details on Whirlpool Corporation's sustainability efforts, please visit the company’s 2020 Sustainability Report at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/2020SustainabilityReport/

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland earns state affiliate award

From STAFF REPORTS

Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has received the 2021 Affiliate of the Year Award for the state of Tennessee.

The presentation came earlier this month during the state organization's annual conference in Murfreesboro.

The award was presented to Executive Director Tammy Johnson by Rutherford County Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell, along with Colleen Dudley, state executive director.

With the challenges of a pandemic and destructive tornadoes last year, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee saw many heroes around the state rising to the top, according to Johnson. She said there were a number of nominations for affiliates who were out front, serving their communities in difficult times, encouraging their staff, looking everywhere for funding to continue to provide housing so more people could be “Safe at Home," and not just during a pandemic.

"Habitat of Cleveland was selected for providing outstanding service to families and their community through extraordinarily trying times, and for exhibiting exemplary leadership," state Habitat presenters explained at the recent conference.

Johnson pointed out the Cleveland affiliate was among many looking for new ways and innovative outlets to help its community.

"In the shutdown during the spring of 2020, the entire staff of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland worked hard despite all the uncertainty — applying for grants and reaching out to check on volunteers, donors and foundations," Johnson explained. "Critically, the staff kept encouraging one another and the community via social media and other outlets."

She pointed out, "Construction was considered essential, so subcontractors kept working. Staff rotated in small groups to stock the ReStore and help to get building done. Through all of this, the board members always did whatever was needed to help complete goals."

After reopening, the local Habitat affiliate hosted Gov. Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee at a build. It was a high-profile event that raised awareness that Habitat was still going, Johnson said.

"The staff reached out and enlisted volunteers," she advised. "Through these efforts, we finished all five scheduled home builds in 2020, despite the challenges of contractor delays and rising materials costs."

Shortly after reopening, an anonymous donor gifted Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland with almost $400,000, which became the beginning of the Hope for Habitat Endowment Fund.

"This gift contributes to the costs of future building plans for families in Bradley County," Johnson noted. "In addition, the ReStore sales are up almost 20% over last year and currently operating at a 50% net profit."

After returning to Cleveland with the state award, Johnson addressed her hard-working staff.

"I’m incredibly proud of, and happy to be working alongside you," she stressed. "Each of you brings talents and gifts that make our team strong, and I’m truly grateful for each of your contributions.”

Many of the staff, board members and volunteers gathered Wednesday at one of the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland homes in the Victory Cove subdivision, and later were provided a special lunch courtesy of Scott McGowan and The Old Fort restaurant, celebrating the award.

"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," Johnson said.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland and the ReStore, visit www.HabitatofCleveland.org.