Chattanooga resident Shenarian Favors’ and her children’s dream of owning their own home is poised to come true thanks to Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, a nation-wide alliance between Habitat for Humanity International and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans that has given more than 1,000 families an opportunity to achieve the American dream of homeownership since 2005. This year the alliance will provide $24 million to help build another 311 affordable homes in 37 states and the District of Columbia. Hundreds of local Habitat affiliates will build these homes alongside members of Thrivent Financial and other community volunteers.
Shenarian Favors with the Thrivent Build Sign for her home.
“The Favors family will be the fourth family in Chattanooga whose homes have been built by members of local Lutheran churches and Thrivent Financial with financial support from Thrivent Builds,” says Pete Palmer, Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. “We are grateful for the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the job site, and are looking forward to another successful build.” Congregations participating in this year’s build include: Ascension, Christ the King, Cross of Christ, First Lutheran – Chattanooga, First Lutheran – Cleveland, Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Resurrection, Spirit of Joy, Trinity, and The Rock Lutheran Churches, as well as members of the SE TN NW GA Chapter Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Local Lutheran volunteers work to put up walls on the first day of the 2009 Thrivent Build in Chattanooga.
“This is a wonderful way to bring our Lutheran members together in fellowship while providing a great community service,” says Harold Humphries, who coordinates volunteers for the project. “ To know you have helped a less fortunate family obtain home ownership is very rewarding.”
“Being able to help provide a family with a home means so much to Thrivent members,” states Linda Hill, Lutheran Engagement Associate – Thrivent Builds for the South Region. “Volunteering is important to them, and this gives them a great way to personally support our community by helping families achieve financial security.”
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga has been awarded $82,922, or 65 percent of the funds necessary, to build the Favors’ home through the alliance. Local Lutheran congregations provide 10% of the cost or $11,057 and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga provides the remaining funds.
The Favors family has been hard at work putting in 300 hours of “sweat equity” helping to build their home. When the home is finished they will purchase it with a 30 year zero interest mortgage. Construction began April 25 and is expected to continue for the next three months.
