Prayer and a song of worship usher in Habitat's Women Build

Posted May 7, 2024

By GRANT BROMLEY

They were singin' in the rain, but prayin' the rain would go away.

Fortunately, on Friday, May 3, the Women Build of the future Roberts residence was not thwarted by the sporadic precipitation.

Ushering in the Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland event with a song was the Roberts family, who sang Fred Hammond's "Give Me A Clean Heart."

Brian and Tarmika Roberts have nine children, and with Tarmika's mother, Dale, their future home will house 12 people.

Needless to say, this choir of 12 seized upon the opportunity for all of them to bless those who would be helping in the construction of the frame of their home that day in the form of song, and it was something they told the Cleveland Daily Banner they were glad to do.

"We sing all the time as a family," Tarmika said, noting she and her husband have more than 20 years of past experience in music ministry.

Presently, Brian is the director of operations at Chick-fil-A in town, and Tarmika works on homeschooling all of their children while caring for her mother.

Introducing everyone to one another was Lynne Wooten, director of operations at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, who noted that families like the Roberts are facing monthly rents well over $1,000 a month at apartment complexes in the city.

"Families just cannot afford it," Wooten said.

Tarmika echoed this, telling participants of the Women Build that the rent they've been paying is $1,600, adding, "That doesn't give you the space to be able to save to purchase a home." 

Continuing, Wooten said, "Our main mission is to work with our families to build affordable housing solutions."

Throughout the Roberts' experience with Habitat, they will be equipped through classes on homeownership and financing with all the knowledge they will need to support their family in a home they can call their own.

Wooten noted Habitat's work is not "a handout," with sweat equity going into the development of the house in addition to taking on "an affordable mortgage" and paying property taxes.

Prior to letting the Women Build teams begin their work, Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, led everyone in prayer.

"I pray that you would bless our homeowners, Lord, and let this be a time of new beginnings …" she said. "And I pray that they would just feel the love of these ladies surrounding them, and I pray that these ladies, as they pour into this family, will also feel loved."

As the teams began putting on their hard hats, Tarmika told the Banner, "I can't even express the gratitude that we have for everybody that has contributed and has poured into us, not just financially but as far as time is concerned, so we're very thankful."

She added, "We're very grateful and super excited!"

Habitat quadplex dedication highlights God's 'plans to prosper you'

Posted April 22, 2024

By GRANT BROMLEY

Habitat for Humanity home dedications are often emotional and uplifting, and the Morelock Meadows quadplex dedication was doubly inspiring as the organization's executive director shared some of her own story.

Asking attendees of the Thursday, April 18, dedication to keep the question of "what is real love?" in their minds, Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland began telling of her upbringing, noting she had never shared her story publicly.

"We were very, very poor growing up, to the extent that there were times we didn't have heat, there were times we didn't have food, and I personally have dug out of dumpsters to eat," Johnson recalled. "We also had times where we didn't have extra money to get clothing."

She told of how her mother would place clothes on layaway at stores, making her deposits to eventually bring home a couple outfits for her. There were also hand-me-downs, which she was excited to wear, but Johnson still recalls the full name of the girl who made fun of her when she was in elementary school for wearing a pair of pants that was two sizes too big.

Over a decade later, she was in college and working three jobs, she said, "I wouldn't take anything for my poor background and my poor upbringing, you know why? It taught me a huge dose of perseverance. When the going gets tough, I can keep going."

She went on to say that through everything she's gone through, she now can say that if she were to lose everything in an instant, she would be satisfied to still be here, adding, "No matter what you've been through, you're still here."

Pivoting to the homes behind her, Johnson said, "It's very easy, in our compassion and our love for people, to just give away things — give away money, give away food, give away clothes, give away housing. It's very noble to do that, but, as I've learned, the more noble thing is not to give someone a fish. Let's actually teach them how to fish."

Johnson went on to say that Habitat's mission of love is exemplified by the example it sets for the families it houses, with each of them showing that love by contributing to the construction of not only their own home, but the home of their neighbor at the quadplex.

Following Johnson's remarks was Jarrett Millsaps, CEO of Tennova Healthcare-Cleveland.

"[These homes are] the place where laughter is going to happen, where children are going to grow up, where tear tears will probably be shed at some point and where the entire human experience is going to occur," Millsaps said.

For one of the four families moving in, Millsaps' words could not be more true.

Pregnant with their third child, the Kholod family will soon be able to bring their child from the hospital to a home of their own.

Vadim Kholod spoke on behalf of all the families moving in to Morelock Meadows, saying, "I had completely different plans for my life, but God knows what's best for us. God knew what's best for me, and by the grace of God, I'm here today."

He then recited Jeremiah 29:11, which reads, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Continuing, Kholod said, "Me and my family have seen God in our life. He knows what's best for us, even though sometimes we don't like it."

This remark got a knowing laugh from those in attendance, and he went on to express his gratitude to Habitat and the community for the home they're about to make their own.

Addressing the staff and volunteers of Habitat, Kholod concluded his remarks by saying, "You're showing the love of Jesus to many families in need. We pray and hope that you may continue to touch the lives of people around you."

The Kholod family was joined by their neighbors, which include the Moore family, Blair family and Alison Martin, as they cut a ribbon with the members of the community in attendance before receiving the keys to their homes.

Habitat installs precast walls in latest home build

Posted April 19, 2024

By GRANT BROMLEY

Psalm 127:1, which reads, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it," is a verse which is often recited at Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland's house dedications.

Utilizing an approach to home building which is new to the local Habitat chapter, it hopes to ensure the labor of its staff and volunteers will not be in vain.

After being delayed by rain for several weeks, on Tuesday, April 16, Habitat had a crane and construction crew on hand to bring in and install precast walls for a home it hopes to complete in the fall of this year.

It may be months away from its dedication and move-in day, but Habitat was excited to see this 

"We do a lot of building and construction with volunteers," David Cowan, construction director for Habitat, told the Cleveland Daily Banner. "It helps keep our costs low and helps keep our community involved, which is our priority. Without our community support, we're not really able to build houses."

Continuing, Cowan said, "One of the issues that is plaguing Habitat, not just here, but nationwide, is volunteer hours since COVID-19. We averaged over 15,000 hours a year, but we're below 3,000 hours a year."

Enter: a hybrid building process.

Starting with a gravel footer, waterproof concrete walls with foam insulation and metal studs already pre-installed are then dropped into place.

He described this as a superior material over a traditional wood frame, and a cost-saver as well.

"This type of construction has been used in the commercial world for quite a long time," he said. "Our fear here was, if we cut our community out of the building process, then we would basically be starting our own demise."

He added, "If we can't find a way to build and increase home production, while keeping our community involved, we will fail as a [Habitat] affiliate in the Cleveland community."

Once the walls are up — which they were all set in place in a matter of hours on Tuesday — he said there are plenty of opportunities for community involvement.

Cowan assured it will be an aesthetically pleasing home, with a farmhouse style.

With the walls being made from concrete, he noted that termites won't ever be a cause for concern.

Watching from the sidelines was one of the women who will soon know these concrete walls as the walls of her home, Flor Figueroa, who was ecstatic to see her home begin to take shape.

"This is a dream come true," she told the Banner. "We've been working hard for it."

Sweat equity is a big part of Habitat's approach to providing a home for an individual, and while the walls may have been put up by a construction crew, she said she's ready to continue working.

Figueroa added, "I can see everything that we've worked for. I can see it now with my eyes, and I know we're going forward."

From homelessness to homeownership

Posted February 24, 2024

By GRANT BROMLEY

"Have you ever wondered what a woman who is escaping domestic violence dreams of?" Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, asked attendees of a home dedication on Thursday, Feb. 22. "She dreams of safety, security and a life free from fear."

Stacy Aldridge, joined by her children Calvin and Kaylee, now has a place which can provide that safety and security.

Having put in 300 hours of "sweat equity" and completed 18 courses offered by Habitat on home ownership and budgeting, Aldridge received the keys to her home in the presence of many who contributed to its construction and offered guidance to her along the way.

Among those in attendance was Eva VanHook, executive director of Family Promise of Bradley County, who spoke of how Aldridge first made an impression on her and her staff by completing an eight-week program in 23 days.

"She came in with her goals set high and the willingness to do the work," VanHook said.

Between the time she completed Family Promises' program and was connected with Habitat, Aldridge earned her GED, VanHook said.

Now, she's going from having been homeless at one time to homeownership, which VanHook said was "powerful" as she thanked the community for being a part of Aldridge's success.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Aldridge addressed those in attendance, saying, "To have this community come out and support us is unimaginable. It's very heartwarming, and it means the world to me."

Noting she and her children had lived in a hotel and in trailers before, Aldridge said, "After all we've been through and all this time, we wanted a home."

The home Aldridge is moving into has a 0% interest mortgage, which she will pay back to "help lift someone else up" in the Habitat for Humanity program, Johnson noted.

"Thank you to our anonymous partner, who allowed Habitat to acquire this home at no cost," Johnson said. "Through the dedication of Family Promise, our Habitat for Humanity team and many others, Stacy will be closing on her new home [Friday]."

She added, "Stacy's journey is not just about finding a home. It's about reclaiming her life, being an example to her kids and rewriting her story."

After cutting a ribbon and receiving the keys to her new home, Aldridge told the Cleveland Daily Banner, "I thank God for this journey. I'm very thankful and blessed."

Looking ahead, Aldridge said she is excited to have a flower garden, noting, "We've never been to do that."

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.”