Christmas spirit lives in heart of Habitat homeowner

Posted December 23, 2023

By ALLEN MINCEY

Tammy Johnson has served as director at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland for more than six years, and before that had served as resource development director for four, so she has seen many families receive their first home, and the joy it has brought them.

She said one of the best times is seeing these homeowners celebrate Christmas in their new home for the very first time. One in particular — Dale Ware — is a Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland recipient who Johnson said is an example of what Christmas is all about — not the receiving, but the giving back.

“In the bustling heart of our office, a radiant presence named Ms. Dale graces us with her unwavering dedication each week," Johnson said. "As a proud Habitat homeowner, she not only secured a place to call her own but found a profound sense of community that compelled her to give back. Despite navigating life on a fixed income, Ms. Dale's commitment to volunteerism shines as a beacon of selflessness.”

She took the keys to her new home in June 2019. Some who receive the homes are unable to work on new homes like they did when they provided their “sweat equity” as their home was built. Not Ms. Dale.

“Every week, she steps through our doors with a heart full of love and a spirit of generosity that transcends financial constraints," Johnson said. "Ms. Dale, with her gentle smile and warm presence, effortlessly becomes the thread that weaves our team together. Her act of volunteering, born from gratitude and a desire to contribute, speaks volumes about the transformative power of Habitat's mission.”

Though Ms. Dale might bring a special gift to someone at Habitat anytime of the year, Christmas is an especially good time for giving.

“What makes Ms. Dale's story truly remarkable is not just her time but the thoughtful Christmas gifts she brings, tokens of appreciation that reflect the abundance of her caring spirit,” Johnson said. “In the face of financial limitations, she teaches us that the most meaningful contributions come from the heart. Her actions remind us that generosity knows no bounds, and love is a currency that enriches both the giver and the receiver.”

The Habitat executive director said Ms. Dale's loving sacrifice is more than a weekly routine. “it's a profound lesson in compassion, resilience, and the beauty of human connection. In a world often driven by material gain, her example stands as a testament to the enduring power of simple acts of kindness.

“She embodies the essence of Habitat for Humanity — not just building homes but nurturing a community where every heart, regardless of its economic status, has a place to give and receive,” Johnson said.

In 2022, when Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland was about to break ground at the new Morelock Meadows on Foster Lane, near Blythe-Bower Elementary School, the organization looked for a compelling spokesperson to talk about the organization. They found the perfect person in Ms. Dale.

She spoke from the heart, and told those in attendance at the groundbreaking how Habitat for Humanity changed her life.

“During this time, I lost my home, and lived with my sister for several years, and heard one day that my neighbor got a Habitat home,” she told those in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony. Her sister eventually passed away, she moved from place to place, and “I was lost … I didn’t know where I belonged.”

Then, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland came in and helped. “They were looking for me,” she said. “I went down, and began the process. We are all in a process, just like the process that brought me into this spot. I am the proud homeowner of three years … and future homeowners, I have stood where you stand today, full of excitement and scared at the same time. It’s all worth it.”

Ware told those who will be moving into Morelock Meadows that they have a great opportunity, “just let the process work.”

“Habitat for Humanity was the hope for me, that desire … to give a hand up, not hand out,” she told the audience at the ceremony. “They encouraged me to accomplish my dreams of homeownership. Let that encouragement move in you to help someone reach their goal today.”

Once again, Ms. Dale was telling people to give to others, even if it is an encouraging word, a shoulder to cry on, or a kind word at the right time.

“In Ms. Dale, we find a living testament to the belief that the true measure of wealth lies in the richness of one's heart and the impact of one's actions,” Johnson said. “She is not just a volunteer; she is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that, indeed, love and generosity are resources that never run dry.”

Especially at Christmas, and even in the excitement, and concern, of a new year ahead.

 Johnson said she hoped Ms. Dale’s story, “her beautiful legacy of giving,” will continue to inspire others “to embrace the true spirit of the season.”

“In the warmth of her selfless contributions, may our community find renewed strength, connection and joy,” Johnson said. “Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with the same love the Ms. Dale so generously shares.”

Local Habitat officials speak at Ohio conference

Posted November 11, 2023

By ALLEN MINCEY

Posted November 11, 2023

By ALLEN MINCEY

When Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland decided to build a multi-family quadplex, they knew there would be new issues they would have to address, but they did so, and now, four families have new homes in Morelock Meadows.

That success not only impressed local officials, but other Habitat affiliates in Tennessee, leading both Executive Director Tammy Johnson and Construction Director David Cowan to speak at the state’s Habitat for Humanity conference.

It also caught the attention of officials in Ohio, and in October, the pair was asked to speak at the combined 14th annual Habitat for Humanity of Ohio conference. Their presentation was titled “Benefits and Challenges of Building Multi-Unit Homes.”

“Tammy and David will share their experience of navigating change to their affiliate and the strategies they employed to troubleshoot and solve problems along the way,” read the introduction to their presentation in conference literature.

Cowan said when the Cleveland Habitat organization began to talk about the quadplex, in his mind he analyzed the benefits versus the challenges.

“I could only list one benefit against several challenges because … well, it is very challenging,” he said. “But the one benefit supersedes all the challenges and that is to have more families in their new homes. That's our sole existence, so then, it doesn't matter what the challenges are.”

Those challenges were met, and the quadplex was dedicated in July. Cowan and Johnson said the challenges that appeared and were addressed will now help in the future, including the second quadplex currently in construction at Morelock Meadows.

Officials in Ohio who are considering multi-family construction projects wanted to learn how to meet these challenges.

“We presented this session at our Habitat Tennessee State Conference: the benefits and challenges of building multi-unit homes,” Johnson explained. “Ohio caught wind of it and invited us to come there.

“It ended up being the highest attended session at the Tennessee State Conference and then again at the Ohio State Conference,” she added, stating “there's big interest in the Habitat world, how to learn how to do multi-unit housing, because there being less land and challenges with getting some subcontractors, and, of course, increase costs.”

In fact, at the Ohio presentation, it was standing room only.

Both Johnson and Cowan said they were glad to share their experiences with those attending both sessions, and said some from both Tennessee and Ohio have reached out to them for more information, some even planning to visit Cleveland and see the work here.

“Lots of people build multifamily habits, and Habitat being one of the world's largest general contractors the world over has a huge network where we are all after the same goal, which is affordable housing,” Cowan said. “So we all share ideas, and we all share struggles. We all share things that did right and things that we didn't do this right? We can share things like this is exactly what it costs us.”

He said in the for-profit world, “there’s a lot of secret keeping, you know, people don’t necessarily want to share those things, to give themselves an advantage.”

Not so with Habitat for Humanity.

“At the [Ohio] conference, we had a gentleman who said he wants to come down and visit and we're like, ‘Come on. We'll show you.’ We're happy to show our work and host people,” Johnson said.

Cowan said the work being done at the second quadplex at Morelock Meadows could be completed by January 2024, and following that will be two triplexes and a four-bedroom home, all at the subdivision located on Foster Lane near Blythe-Bower Elementary School.

He said the subdivision should be complete by 2025.

Two new Habitat homes dedicated

Posted October 27, 2023 By ALLEN MINCEY

When a Habitat for Humanity home is dedicated, it is always a special occasion. When two are dedicated at the same time, it is twice as nice.

That occurred on Thursday, as Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland dedicated two homes in the Victory Cove subdivision. New homes for LaTrayier Williamson and her mother and son, and for Beverly Wade and her two great-grandchildren will soon be occupied by these thankful families.

Thursday’s dedication — which included a ribbon cutting and a key exchange — was staged at Williamson’s home, where both families cut the ribbon at once. Both hope to be in their new homes by Christmas, though an official “move-in” date has not been set.

The Williamson home was constructed by groups of ladies during the “Women Build,” while the Wade family’s home is a “Leaders Build” project.

“This home was built by almost all women, besides our core volunteers who performed some of the work that we could not do, and we had to contract out,” said Karen Colley of Chick-fil-A, a major supporter of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

Williamson and her mother, Bernita Williams, actually were among those women working on the home, as was Beverly Wade while her home was being constructed.

“This is a day in our home ownership journey that my family has remembered as we continue building, see the finish line, and are ready to embark on this new chapter,” said Williamson.”I believe I can speak for the Wade family as well when I say we are ready, we are showing our children and grandchildren that anything is possible through hard work and dedication.”

Wade, who did not speak at the ceremony, said afterward that she is also very happy to have a new home for herself and her great-grandchildren — Landon and Andi.

“This will be a great Christmas present for us,” she said. “I was living in a small, two-bedroom apartment and Aldi and I shared a room, with a very small kitchen. It was not very comfortable at all.

“This is an absolute blessing. We waited and worked a long time for this,” Wade added, saying she worked on both homes as part of her “sweat equity.” “I learned to use a saw, and someone would say, ‘I need a board cut at three-fourths, and I’d cut it.”

Several others spoke at the ceremony, including Kim Gunter of Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, who participated in the home building; Fran Henry, who spoke on the gifts many were donating to both families as they become new homeowners; Toni Miles, a board member at The Caring Place; and David Cowan, construction director.

“It’s my honor and pleasure to work with them on the job site,” Cowan said of the Women Build, and of other projects. “I always tell them my days with you are much better than office days. We have fun. It’s fellowship. It really just enriches your soul to serve.”

Tammy Johnson, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland executive director, said there are still a few things to finish before the families can move in. Both families said once they are in, theirs will be homes filled with love.

“It is a safe place that will be filled with joy and with laughter,” Williamson said.

The two homes bring the number of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland homes constructed in its 30-plus years of operation to 155.

Veteran, wife finally home

Posted August 8, 2023 By ALLEN MINCEY

A SIZABLE CROWD attended the dedication of this new home for Alvin and Zandra Jackson, which sits on the same lot as the home they previously lived in.

A strong, new home stands on the land where Zandra Jackson grew up, replacing the house where she and her husband, Alvin, lived until a year ago.

The two were showered with love and prayers Saturday morning as their home on Lang Street was dedicated in a special ceremony attended by many who were responsible for the Jacksons having a new residence.

A NEW HOME and a new address for Alvin and Zandra Jackson as their Pugh Street home now faces Lang Street. Their new home was dedicated Saturday morning.

“I can’t believe we are here,” Alvin Jackson said. “We lived here in our house, but it had problems. They said it couldn’t be repaired, but said we might get a new house — and look at what we have now.”

“I learned there was a Vietnam veteran who needed help with their house,” Orr said. “I came over and saw that there was no way [to repair the home], though the garage was solid and could be saved. So, the first thing I did was call Operation Finally Home.

“It is a great organization that we’ve worked with before on another project, and they gave us a $20,000 grant to get started,” he continued. “From there, I reached out to [local builder] Charles Blankinship, who is part of the local homeowners association, and then started reaching out within the community, and for the next eight to nine months, we began working on this without telling [the Jacksons].”

Then, almost one year ago to the day of the dedication — on Aug. 4, 2022 — the Jacksons were brought over to the Tribe of Judah Ministries on Chippewa Avenue, where they attend, to learn that they were going to receive the new home. As emotional as they were that day, the couple was just as emotional on Saturday.

ZANDRA JACKSON thanks all who helped with their new home as her husband, Alvin, wipes away tears of joy.

“He cries a lot,” Zandra said of her husband, while also holding back tears of joy when she thanked all in attendance at the dedication.

The past year has been quite a journey for the Jacksons leading up to Saturday’s dedication. As their old home was taken down, they had to find new accommodations, first living with their granddaughter, then their daughter, then a hotel, then back to their daughter. All of this was occurring while Zandra was dealing with lung cancer, and taking chemotherapy and radiation treatments which still continue.

Through all of that, the Jacksons knew one day they would be in their new home. In fact, Zandra said they would come over to the new home while under construction almost every day, though she would often sit in the car while Alvin would meet with those working there.

The finished product was unveiled Saturday, and many who were involved in the project expressed their pleasure at seeing the Jacksons in their new home.

THE JACKSONS' NEW HOME was dedicated Saturday, with a special ribbon cutting on the front porch. Several organizations that helped with the construction were present at the dedication.

“At Operation Finally Home we provide mortgage free homes and home modifications to wounded, ill and injured veterans, and first responders, and their families, and we do this by bringing together the community,” said Mollie Halliday of Operation Finally Home. “What a beautiful message today about this community and about the importance of the community and that is just so special.”

Among those who helped in the project who were present Saturday were representatives from Lowe’s, from Men and Women of Action, and from Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

“We build houses, but first and foremost, we're administering basically around the teachings of Jesus Christ,” said David Cowan, Habitat construction director. “Because of that, I went and asked my boss, ‘Do you mind if we take our resources and our construction guys over there?’ It was cold that first day, but we were here, and it’s a blessing to be part of the blessing here.”

Michael Blankinship, representing his father, said his dad is a veteran, and thanked all who had a part in the project, while Charlotte Peak, representing the Ocoee Region Builders Association, also wanted to thank those veterans who supported the project, as well as the community.

MEMBERS OF THE CLEVELAND FIRE DEPARTMENT, along with state Rep. Dan Howell, welcomed Alvin and Zandra Jackson into their new home Saturday.

“It was a group effort and a community effort and what people have said already is true — we live in the greatest neighborhoods, the greatest county and the greatest city in America, Tennessee and Bradley County,” Peak said, adding that probably every builder in the area had someone working on the project at some point.

Everyone stressed the community made the Jacksons’ new home a reality. Orr said that is what he is most proud of.

“One of the biggest reasons why I enjoy doing something like this is I want to build new relationships,” Orr said. “That is the greatest thing, watching this community come together. Thank you.”

The dedication began with prayer from Kelvin Page, pastor at Westmore Church of God, which had a special offering for the Jacksons as their home was being built, and closed with prayer from Pastor Fitzgerald McCastle from Tribe of Judah Ministries.

Home for Vietnam veteran to be dedicated Saturday

Posted August 3, 2023 By ALLEN MINCEY

ALVIN AND ZANDRA JACKSON were surprised last year when told that Operation Finally Home and the Cleveland community announced the couple would receive a new home.

Last August, Alvin and Zandra Jackson learned their home — which had been deteriorating for years, including the family having to use 5-gallon buckets to catch rainfall coming through their roof — would be replaced.

This Saturday, the family will join others for the dedication of their new home, located at the same site as their previous residence. It has come to fruition through the kindness, and hard work, of many in the community.

Lamar Orr spearheaded the rebuild of the Jacksons' home, and with Alvin being a Vietnam veteran, knew one entity that might help — Operation Finally Home.

“Two-plus years ago, we did another house for a veteran, with Charlotte Peak [of KACE Construction] leading that project, and when I learned of the Jacksons’ need, I came over and saw that the home could not be repaired,” Orr said. He contacted Rusty Carroll with Operation Finally Home and the new home project started.

Operation Finally Home applies and gets assistance from major corporations to put back into the community to help veterans. Orr, a veteran himself, knew working with Operation Finally Home would be a possibility.

Orr wasn’t going to stop there, as he began going out into the community seeking support for the project.

“I started reaching out within the community and I told the story that Alvin was a Vietnam veteran who served in the jungles as a scout and came home and he had 25 years [in the military], so he's honorable,” Orr remembered.

And the community responded.

Charles Blankinship, a local builder, was brought in and used his expertise, as well as his company name, to secure what was needed to begin the construction.

The community rallied to help the Jacksons, with Orr remembering special help that came from his church — Westmore Church of God.

“Josh Roe [at NewsChannel 9 in Chattanooga] had put together a video, and [pastor] Kelvin Page “showed it one Sunday morning and did a special offering for this project and raised over $5,000 at one time. So that really helped,” Orr said.

Others joined in the project — Men of Action, the Ocoee Region Builders Association, and Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.

“Tammy [Johnson, Habitat president] gave me a spreadsheet that they use to build houses and said, ‘Here's an example.’ So I critiqued it to fit this project and created a spreadsheet from it,” Orr said.

Others in the community offered to help, from roofing to guttering, to concrete that was being poured for the sidewalk to the house on Tuesday.

“I would plug in these numbers to give me a total of what we have in donations,” Orr said, noting that during the process, more than $108,000 in gifts and donations had been secured, along with $20,000 from Operation Finally Home.

The work proceeded, and Saturday, the home will be ready for occupancy. Orr said the Jackson may take a little time to move in, but he is sure they are ready.

When their previous home was razed, Alvin and Zandra Jackson had to stay with relatives. Now, they are going to be back in their home, on the same property they have lived for years.

“This is where they lived before. The house was pointed the direction toward Pugh Street, so that is the address they used, but it will soon be changed to Lang Street. The actual address that is being used for direction purposes for Saturday is 155 Pugh St. NE."

Saturday’s dedication is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., and Orr said he hopes many will attend to welcome the Jacksons into their new home. He especially hopes area veterans will attend for their fellow soldier.

“This has been a community project, and I can’t think of a nicer couple than Alvin and Zandra to receive this support,” Orr said.

“When I really started out [with this project], I was hoping to build relationships, not just with the Jacksons but in the entire community, and we have seen that,” he added. “I am proud to live in this community.”

Women Put 'Sweat Equity' Into Their Habitat for Humanity Home Build

Posted June 2, 2023, at 5:53 p.m. By Associated Press

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (AP) — At first, Bernita Williams didn’t think it was real.

Her daughter, LaTrayier Williamson, had applied for a house through Habitat for Humanity in Cleveland, Tennessee, which builds homes and trains homeowners.

When the mother and daughter got the phone call saying they were approved, Williams said they entered “the excitement phase.”

“We jumped up and down, we screamed and hollered,” she said by phone. “Then it was like, oh man, what do we have to do?”

For the past two weeks, more than 160 female volunteers have been working on Williams and Williamson’s new home, which they expect to move into in the fall.

Sixteen teams of women participating in Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build helped raise walls, install windows, build a porch and apply siding to the house.

Professionals come in to complete plumbing, electrical work and roofing, but around 80% of work done on the organization’s homes is done by volunteers, Katherine Kimball, donor engagement coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, estimated.

Williams and Williamson have also been working on the home, applying siding, putting up walls and adding moulding to windows.

When finished, the three-bedroom home will complete a South Cleveland neighborhood of Habitat-built homes, Kimball said by phone.

Each team of women also raised $2,500 — about $250 per volunteer — to go toward construction.

At the beginning of the two-week build, the property only had a concrete slab. Now, it looks like a home.

“It has been beautiful watching the house be built by women,” Williamson said by phone. “Women are the ones hammering nails, using the nail guns, the saws.”

Volunteers even threw a birthday party, complete with balloons and cake, on the construction site for Williamson’s now-3-year-old son Ky’mier.

Many of the Women Build volunteers were mother-daughter duos, Kimball said. Homes constructed by Women Build volunteers typically go to households that are mostly women, she said. The female-led project has been active for about 10 years, Kimball said.

Before moving in, Williams and Williamson had to complete a 16-week course on homeownership, which included training on maintenance, budgeting and legal processes.

They also put in 400 hours of what the organization calls “sweat equity,” which includes hours working on the home as well as manning the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and helping with other homes, if needed.

“It’s a hand-up, not a handout,” Kimball said.

Williamson said that compared to the two-story townhouse where her family lives now, the new home will be safer and more stable for her mother and son.

“I won’t have to worry about my mom falling down stairs anymore, especially because she watches my child for me while I work,” she said.

Habitat offers mortgages at 0% interest to its homeowners, many of whom have struggled to qualify for traditional mortgages, Kimball said.

The need for affordable homes only went up during the pandemic, Kimball said, and as rent prices continue to rise in the Cleveland area.

“We won’t have to worry as far as the rent going up, up, up,” Williams said. “We will be paying for something that’ll be ours. We will be investing in ourselves.”

Habitat awarded 'ReStore of the Year'

Posted on August 3, 2023

EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS with Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland's ReStore came together to celebrate winning ReStore of the Year.

Having recently celebrated its 150th home built since 1990, Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland now has another reason to celebrate.

On Wednesday, July 26, volunteers and employees of Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland and its ReStore location came together after winning the 2023 Habitat of Tennessee State Impact Award for ReStore of the Year.

"The ReStore is a nonprofit thrift store and donation center that exists to help local families build decent, affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland," its website states.

Prior to enjoying a taco party, Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland, said, "This is quite an honor. Of all the ReStores in the state of Tennessee, you all had the best one."

LAMANDA BOWERS smiles as the ReStore was praised for its service and increased revenue.

With a printed statement in hand from Habitat of Tennessee detailing the distinction they received, Johnson read, "Habitat of Cleveland's ReStore, under the leadership of LaManda Bowers, has excelled and increased revenue in uncertain times. Retail stores across our state and country have continued to experience new challenges, like labor shortages and rising operating costs."

In light of those hurdles, Johnson was pleased to announce the location's retail sales increased by 13% in the past fiscal year.

"The ReStore picks up local donations, keeping them out of the landfill, and those items are sorted, priced and put on the sales floor to keep it well stocked," she read aloud. "This year, Habitat of Cleveland's ReStore chose to open an additional hour each day, which added much needed revenue to offset the rising costs."

A TACO PARTY was enjoyed by volunteers and employees of the ReStore.

It was also noted in the announcement that the location had increased recycling efforts and recruited new volunteer labor, which "has had a tremendously positive impact."

"Habitat of Cleveland's ReStore understands the importance of helping build homes and community, and everyone works hard toward that goal," Johnson read as the Habitat employees and volunteers applauded.

Taking a moment to celebrate this accomplishment, Bowers thanked everyone from volunteers to board members, commending them for working together.

Bowers added, "We're a family, not coworkers."

The ReStore of the Year award comes after receiving the 2022 Leader of the Year award as well as the 2021 Affiliate of the Year award.

Four families move into Habitat's quadplex

Posted July 15, 2023 By GRANT BROMLEY and ALLEN MINCEY

A LARGE CROWD was present at Thursday's dedication of the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland quadplex in Morelock Meadows.

Sweltering heat couldn’t keep a crowd from welcoming four families into their new homes.

On Thursday, July 13, team members from the build of the homes, officials from Bradley County and Cleveland, Christian leaders and the families preparing to move into the place they will soon call home all gathered at the quadplex for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The quadplex, comprised of four homes in a single building, marks the 150th, 151st, 152nd and 153rd homes built by Habitat For Humanity since it began its work in the area in 1990.

“I want you to know that this didn’t happen overnight,” Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland, told attendees. “We have had the support of this community since day one. Our entire community is amazing, and a lot of times I attribute the success of this Habitat affiliate to all of the people who support it, so thank you so much — you don't just tell people you care, you’ve shown people you care.”

Continuing, she said, “We offer a hand up, not a handout.”

The homeowners worked for the past year, she said, to get to this point — and it really was work!

“They went through a very long, rigorous application process,” Johnson said, detailing how each applicant had to show a need for a home, had to partner with Habitat and take 16 weeks of classes, put in their sweat equity by contributing to the construction of their home and save up for a downpayment.

“They're gonna pay back a mortgage that’ll go back into the program and basically pay it forward,” she said. "What a beautiful description and display of Jesus’ love.”

THE QUADPLEX marks the 150th, 151st, 152nd and 153rd homes built by Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland since it began its work in 1990.

Jesus’ presence in this project was invoked by many speakers, including Corey Divel, Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland Board president and assistant city planner, who said, “The body of Christ came together in so many parts, so many members of the body come together to build these homes in love and hope.”

He noted, “It’s such a wonderful, firm foundation to build these homes on.”

Joy Christian Fellowship has been providing Bibles at homes built by Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland for decades, and Pastor Bob Zwarych told the Cleveland Daily Banner he believed they were given away 94 Bibles, counting the four homes which brought everyone together on July 13.

“This is the day the Lord has made, right?” Zwarych said. “We'd like it to be 15 degrees cooler, but we're gonna rejoice. We're gonna be glad in it. We have a lot to rejoice about … Four families are getting the keys to a new home. Not a handyman, a fixer upper or refurbished, but brand new.”

Noting Cleveland has a high Christian population, he still defended giving out Bibles, saying, “Let this be a reminder of the day that you got the keys to your new home, and that you're getting the keys of life contained in God's word.”

Both Carolyn Ingram-Franitza and Mara Grisham had been involved in the first homes built by Habitat For Humanity of Cleveland, and had a chance to speak on what seeing Habitat cross its 150th home means to them.

Ingram-Franitza said she remembered when Habitat first began, hearing about it at Broad Street United Methodist Church, and was so glad to see it come to Cleveland, while Grisham remembered helping one of the first residents shop for items for her new home.

"Thank you for being the community that wants to help their neighbors, the community who is the hands and feet of our Father in Heaven," Grisham said.

Pivoting to the present, Jerra Barker, one of the new homeowners, spoke on behalf of all four families at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

SPEAKING on behalf of all four families moving into the quadplex was Jerra Barker, who described this process as a "blessing."

“Today four families stand before you, completely humbled, beyond grateful and dying with anticipation to move into our very own homes," Barker said to applause from attendees. "To say that this is a blessing seems like such a simple clichéd phrase. However, the little word 'blessing' means God's favor and protection, and if you know the Lord, then you know just how impressive that covering is over us when we say this is a blessing."

Having a place they can call their own, as well as living as neighbors with the families they have gotten to know over the course of this process, is something Barker said they were all excited about.

"This has been a journey that will forever impact our families' lives, and we want to thank every sponsor, volunteer, core worker, board member, family member and friend who has came alongside of us, encouraging us, believing in us and giving their time to help us achieve these beautiful homes."

Felicia Rhan, another of the new homeowners who had a young son, Mac, learned of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland from her former neighbors, Vincente and Aurelia Rodriguez, who moved into their Habitat home just over two years ago.

"When they were getting ready to move out, [Aurelia] came down with Nicole Massengill’s card and said, ‘You need to do this … you need to look into this’," Rhan remembered. "I kind of waited a few months, then contacted them and got the ball rolling … and it’s just amazing."

Michelle Hutto said she has been in the Habitat program for a little over a year, "and I have gained so much knowledge, and it's such a blessing. I was required [at part of sweat equity] to do 300 hours at the ReStore and actually helped building the home.

"But now, I don't have to worry about homelessness ever again." Hutto has two children — Kanniyah and Kendall — who will be living with her.

Marta Diaz and her granddaughter, Deborah, will be moving from an apartment where they live with six other family members to their own place at the quadplex. Though both are limited in speaking English, she did say that she was "happy, happy" to have her new home.

The exact time for each family to move in has not yet been set. There is still some work to do at the site, including paving the parking area, but officials said it will be soon.

Amid the sweat from the heat, and many tears of joy, everyone was delighted to see the ribbons cut at the four front doors at the quadplex.

Women Build begins for Habitat home

Posted May 18, 2023 By ALLEN MINCEY

FUTURE HOMEOWNER LaTrayier Williamson tries her hand with a nail gun as she puts in sweat equity at the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Women Build Monday.

“It shouldn't feel this good,” Fuller said while holding one of the nail guns she would learn to use. “It just feels good to be able to help a little bit … to put in a few sweat equity hours and raise a little bit of money to reduce a first-time homeowner’s mortgage.

“It just feels good," she said.

Fuller mentioned “sweat equity,” which is actually what the homeowner must put in as part of the Habitat agreement. Bernita Williams and her daughter, LaTrayier Williamson, were both “sweating” with the “Girls with Pearls” Monday, and will be working with other teams throughout this and next week.

“I'm so excited; I'm so thrilled,” said Williams. “It's such an honor and a beautiful experience. It's a blessing watching these women working on our new home.”

Currently, Williams and her daughter and grandson, Ky’mier, are living with LaTrayier’s older brother, but long for a home of their own. In fact, Williams said her daughter was extremely anxious to help the women with the project.

“One of her goals in school was, ‘Mommy I want to build a house.’ So, her high school dream is coming true,” Williams said. “And, it’s like they say, this is sweat equity.”

Fuller and Construction Director David Cowan both stated that there was no doubt during the humid morning that the “sweat” part was very evident.

Cowan explained this was the first opportunity for ladies in the Women Build to actually use power tools.

BERNITA WILLIAMS, who with her daughter and grandson will move into the new Habitat home, gets assistance from Brenda Voytik at Monday's Women Build.

“This is the first women's build where we're using all the power tools — the nail guns, all the big saws,” Cowan said. “We are trying to make sure that they get the full experience.

“I didn't want to patronize them just swinging hammers,” he added. “We really want to try to get as much accomplished and show the community what these women can do. They're doing a fantastic job.”

Along with building the home, these women have come up with creative names for their teams. Along with those previously mentioned, there are Pretty with Power Tools, TVFCU HERoes, Wright Women, Roof Raisers, Women Empowered, Dream Builders, Chicks with Sticks, Women of Wacker and Millie’s Hammering Honeys, and a second Girls with Pearls team (2.0).

Each women’s team spends four hours working on the home, and consists of six to 12 members. The women have individually pledged to raise $250 for Habitat.

CLEVELAND STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE President Ty Stone uses a nail gun on one of the beams at Monday's Women Build.

The women working at Habitat have also formed their own team, called House Decking Divas, to help in building the new home. That team is headed by Habitat Homeowner Services Manager NaCole Massengill, and could possibly include Habitat Executive Director Tammy Johnson.

“Thank you to our incredible community for supporting our Habitat Women Build,” Johnson said. “Your generosity, enthusiasm and hard work are making a real difference in the lives of families in need.

THE SHIRT SAYS IT ALL, as worn by one of the Girls with Pearls volunteers.

“Together we are building not just houses, but also hope and brighter futures. We couldn’t do it without you.”

The Women Build will continue through Friday, May 25, and Cowan said he would like to have “this house not only dried in, which means all the windows, doors trusses and a roof, but I'd also like to have siding by the end of the two-week period.”

The home is located in the Victory Cove Habitat subdivision, which also features a home which is part of the Leaders Build which began several weeks ago.

Habitat dedication for new quad scheduled for Thursday

Posted on July 8, 2023 By ALLEN MINCEY

THE NEW HABITAT QUAD, located in Morelock Meadows, will be dedicated Thursday. Though not yet finished, soon four families will be moving into their new homes there.

More than 30 years ago, Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland built its first home, and since then, nearly 150 families have moved into their residences through the program.

On Thursday, another first for the local organization will take place, as four new families will participate in the dedication of Habitat’s first quad set of homes. The dedication is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Morelock Meadows off 20th Street near Blythe-Bower Elementary School.

This will be the second dedication at that site, as the Cullins family is already living in their home there after it was completed in 2022.

Morelock Meadows will now house these four new families, and others in the next several months.

“Our team started talking about that property a few years ago. The property is a little bit less than two acres, and we were going to be able to get about six homes on that property,” explained Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland Executive Director Tammy Johnson.

RHAN FAMILY

“But we know that there is a rise in need for affordable housing, so we started to talk about the possibility of multi units and kind of connected with some other Habitat affiliates in other states, and we decided together to take this approach. Now, we're able to get 16 families on this property.”

The four new families will be in the quad located on the southwest corner of the property, and in time, will be joined by others families in a second quad, two triplexes and one more single family home.

Work on that second quad is presently taking place as the finishing touches are being done on the quad to be dedicated Thursday. The families will not yet be able to move in, but Johnson said it will be very soon.

HUTTO FAMILY

Those whose new homes will be dedicated include the Rhan family, the Hutto family, the Bejerano-Diaz family, and the Barker family. Each of these families has gone through 16 weeks of Habitat classes, and has done “sweat equity” in helping Habitat projects or working at the Habitat Re-Store. Each head of the family is a single mom.

“It’s like a really tight knit class of people because they go through all their classes, all 16 weeks of classes, together,” Johnson noted. “They do ‘sweat equity’ on each other’s one, and they really get to know each other.”

The quad is comprised of a pair of three-bedroom units and a pair of two-bedroom units.

Michelle Hutto cares for her two children and says a new home will mean security and peace of mind, while Jenna Barker now lives in a duplex where her two children share a bedroom. These two families will receive the three-bedroom units of the quad.

Felicia Rhan and her son, Mackenzie, and her cat, Kitty, will be moving into one of the two-bedroom units, with Marta Diaz and her granddaughter, Deborah, moving into the other.

THE BARKER FAMILY

Johnson said she is pleased that some of the new homeowners have small children, as the elementary school is within walking distance of Morelock Meadows. Also, the new Avery Johnson Park is just up Foster Lane from the homes.

“Actually, Vice Mayor Johnson will be with us at the dedication,” Johnson said. “What we are going to do is have our ribbon cutting, which will include our key sponsors, the City of Cleveland and vice mayor will be here, Bradley County Mayor [D. Gary] Davis will be here, Stephanie Linkous with United Way and Janice Wilson from the George R. Johnson Foundation.”

Also to be present at the first dedication of a Habitat quad will be current Board President Corey Divel, Immediate Past President Lisa Mantooth, and former presidents Andy Anderson and Patty Silverman.

“This will be home number 150 to 153 since 1990, which is phenomenal,” Johnson said. Plus, there are two homes in Victory Cove that are on tap to be completed by the end of the year.

BEJERANO-DIAZ FAMILY

Along with the triplexes and additional single family home in Morelock Meadows, the Habitat director said there will be three homes in 2024 in Century Village, which is just west of Morelock Meadows off 20th Street SE.

“We’d love for the public to come to our dedication and welcome these new families into our Habitat family,” Johnson said.

The dedication will also be streamed on Facebook Live.