“To tell you why I’m so happy and grateful for Habitat, you have to know where my family and I have been for many years.” For the last twelve years Carey Glass and her three children have lived in turmoil, never being totally sure from one day to the next if they would have a place to call home. It was during this tumultuous time in Carey’s life that her husband, while under the influence of alcohol, would verbally and physically abuse Carey and her children, oftentimes kicking them out of ‘his house.’ “I knew I had to take the next step and move out for good. I wanted my children to have a sense of security. I wanted to provide a good home for them.”
After finding a place to rent, Carey decided to give Habitat for Humanity a call. Carey filled out an application, gathered all of the necessary paperwork and met with Connie O’Neal, Director of Family Services. What a glorious day when Carey received notice that she and her family were accepted into the program at Habitat for Humanity!
Carey’s current living conditions are less than desirable. With only makeshift heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, winters are very cold and summers are very hot. Moreover, Carey’s neighbors do not appreciate her musically talented and expressive children. Their creativity is regularly stifled by the neighbors’ banging on the walls of their duplex.
A Habitat home means much more to Carey than just a place to call home. “No one will be kicking us out ever again!” Carey will be able to experience the safety and security a home should provide and her children will have the opportunity to not only pursue their musical talents but to also have a quiet place to study, free from the stress and worries they once knew. With a Habitat home they will be able to enjoy the carefree life of just being a kid!
“An organization like Habitat has to stay around. I always wanted to be that someone who could give money to help others less fortunate, but now I realize I can help others like me get a home of their own through becoming a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
Thanks to the support of McCallie and GPS students, alumni and faculty, construction of the Glass family’s home is now underway!
Tags: GPS, House Builds, McCallie School, Memorial Hospital - Chattanooga, www.habichatt.org
