Archive | March, 2010

Chris Horne Memorial Home is Complete!

29 Mar

Home for Michelle Moore and Family Built in Memory of Late Son-In-Law of County Commissioner Bill Hullander

On March 30, family and friends will gather to remember Chris Horne, late son-in-law of Hamilton County (TN) Commissioner Bill Hullander and celebrate the completion of a Habitat for Humanity home built in his memory for Michelle Moore and her family.

Michelle and her two daughters are more than excited to have the opportunity to become Habitat homeowners.  The conditions in which they lived before were beyond inadequate.  In addition to insect infestations and a landlord who refused to fix problems, Michelle found

Bill Hullander, Jenny Hullander, Linda Hullander, Mandy Horne Hullander, Matt Hullander, and Michelle Moore (back row L to R) with Reese Hullander, Corshell Moore and Coreyunna Moore

it almost impossible to pay the high rent.  Her children lacked a safe and decent place to play.  “After my car was broken into for the second time, I knew I had to find a better home for my family,” she said.

Michelle Moore (left), her brother and daughter at the build kick off.

“Family has always been very important to me.  Our dad passed away when I was only two years old, so my brother has been like a father to me.  For a short time my brother was blessed with the privilege of playing in the NFL and was always there for me whenever I needed help.”  It was through his encouragement and that of a close friend that Michelle applied for the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program.

Camp Merrie-Woode Staff Traveled From North Carolina To Work on the Home to Honor Chris

Habitat has provided Michelle with much more than just an opportunity to receive a home—the required homeowner education classes have taught her valuable life lessons.  “Like most people, I was spending money unwisely.  The money management classes have taught me so much.  Working full time and being a single mom makes putting in [sweat equity] hours difficult, but I know it is well worth the hard work.  My daughters constantly talk about their new home.  They want everything to be pink.”

More than providing a home for her daughters, Michelle will also be able to help her mom care for three of her nieces for whom she has custody.  “My mom is a recent survivor of lung cancer.  I can’t wait to have a place where they can all come relax and be happy.”

Michelle’s dream of homeownership has come true thanks to friends and family of the late Chris Horne in Chattanooga and across the country.

"As a symbol of cooperative goodwill, work and sharing, we dedicate this house O God ..." - Debbie Bramlett leads the litany of dedication.

Originally from North Carolina, Chris grew up in northern Virginia.  After studying biology at William and Mary, he taught in Virginia, then moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for graduate work in field based education.  There He met Mandy Hullander, daughter of Bill and Linda Hullander, of Chattanooga, TN. Chris stayed in Jackson Hole for seven years before briefly returning to graduate school at Antioch New England Graduate School in New Hampshire where he earned his master’s degree in conservation biology.  In 2007 Chris accepted a position as principal of the Summit Charter School in Cashiers, North Carolina.  Mandy and Chris were married in June 2007 and while on a trip to Baja, Mexico in November 2007, they were involved in an automobile accident, which claimed his life.

Mandy (Hullander) Horne and Chris Horne

“I approached Habitat with this idea to not only honor my late brother-in-law but to help a family in need and give our employees a chance to participate and give back as well,” says Matt Hullander.  “Chris would be proud and is for sure missed.  We really appreciate all of those who donated funds or materials to this effort to honor Chris.”

Guests visit after the dedication of the house.

Materials or services for the home were provided by Alside Incorporated , Associated Roofing & Insulation, C.B. Electric, Drain Right Guttering, Elegant Accents, Excel Contracting, Howard Outdoors, Hullco Exteriors, J.B. Millworks, James Wilson Crane Company, Key’s Carpet Center, Lansing Building Products, Mike Bible Carpet, Shane Foley, Scott Orr, Sun Windows, Sunrise Windows , Ted Fugunt Heat & Air, and Wally’s Restaurant .  Financial support came from more than 100 individuals and groups from Chattanooga and around the United States.

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From A Freezing Apartment to a New Home In St. Elmo

19 Mar

This winter was a tough one for Carey Glass.  She faced a hard choice when school was out– go to work and worry about the danger of the space heater running full blast to warm the one room where she and her three children could stay barely warm, or stay home with them, but not get paid.

Sumner McCallie, McCallie Habitat Chapter advisor(left) passes the house key to Carey Glass (right), as Pete Palmer, Habitat's Executive Director (rear) looks on.

For the last twelve years Carey and her children James, Kandida, and Sebastian 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.”

The family found a place to stay, but makeshift heat and air conditioning have made winters very cold and summers 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.

But winter has passed!  On March 21, 2010, Carey and her children, along with the McCallie School, GPS and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga celebrated completion of the Glass family’s new home in St. Elmo. (A neighborhood in Chattanooga, TN at the foot of Lookout Mountain).

Carey Class and Family

Spring couldn’t be a better time for this home to be dedicated,” says Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.  “After 12 years of challenges, Carey and her children will have a home of their own where they can live and grow without fear.  Their strength through adversity bodes well for the future.  We are proud to have been a part of their journey to homeownership, and wish them all the best as they begin a new chapter in their life, thanks to the financial and volunteer support of McCallie and GPS.”

The Caldwell Family Foundation provided significant funding to make this house possible as did the national offices of State Farm, Inc. Metro Services, Inc, and Coca Cola also supported the build as well.

“Carey Glass and her family provided such an education for us in how to approach life. Their positive spirit, their courage, their obvious strong sense of familial love spoke volumes in how to be resilient in the face of challenging odds,” said Sumner McCallie, McCallie Campus Chapter advisor and president of Habitat’s board.  “It is funny.  We volunteers go into the program thinking we are making a real difference for someone else and we end up getting back far more than we give. “

The Habitat staff could not have been more patient, supportive, and engaging for our guys and girls. Not only did they teach how to erect a stable wall or how to install plank siding, but they showed how to live lives of service and to do so with every ounce of one’s heart and soul.  That is invaluable teaching,” McCallie said.

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2009 McCallie GPS House Under Construction

We are extremely proud of the home we have built for this family,” says Dennis Neal, LEED AP, Director of Construction for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.  “This home is the first Habitat home to be located in the St. Elmo Historic District.  “We appreciate Jenny Shugart and all others who worked with us in regard to helping this home fit the design standards for the neighborhood,” says Neal.  “Besides fitting well with the neighborhood, this home will keep the family comfortable, and help them enjoy lower energy bills.”

Her Habitat house means much so more to Carey than just a place to call home.  “No one will be kicking us out ever again,” she says. “With a Habitat home my kids will be able to enjoy the carefree life of just being kids!”  They will also be able to pursue their musical talents and studies free from the stress and worries they once knew.

The Glass Family's new home is the first Habitat home in Chattanooga in a Historic District.

“Over the years Carey helped care for my children through her work in day care,” says John Lamb, Director of Development with Habitat.  “I had no idea of her challenges.  It has been a blessing to see students and staff from McCallie and GPS, community volunteers, and Habitat staff rally around a person whose compassion and care touched my children and family daily for several years.  Her story is great example of what can happen when we come together as partners to make a difference in the life of a family, and in our community!”

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From War, to Exile, to Safe Harbor in Chattanooga

17 Mar

It has been a long journey for Santo and Mary Majok Takfiny from Sudan to Egypt, and then to Chattanooga. Thanks to Rivermont Presbyterian Church, Mary and Santo’s dream of a new home for their family will start to come to life today as construction started on their new Habitat for Humanity home.   This is the 15th home funded  by Rivermont  Presbyterian, and one of hundreds that church volunteers have helped build here through weekly service on the jobsite.

Mary (left) with Connie O'Neal, Habitat's Director of Family Services at the site for Mary's home.

Mary met Santo Takfiny under frightening circumstances. They had both fled violence in the Sudan, losing family and friends. “When I was twenty-two,” explains Mary, “they bombed the city and my father was killed.” Disheveled and lost, it took 20 days on foot for her and her four children, Aleza, Cicilia, Samuel and Patros to reach Egypt.

Mary had no relations or contacts in Egypt, and found the area to be hostile; Sudanese people were not welcomed in Egyptian culture.  Mary yearned to reunite with her family and return to her home, but did not know where they were, and it was not safe to return.  Grateful to be alive, she resigned herself to make the most of God’s blessings.  It was then she met Santo – soon the two were married.

Mary and Santo

“We spent the next five years in Egypt,” says Mary.  They struggled in the country filled with refugees.   Finally, their prayers were answered by an opportunity to start a new life in America.  In March of 2005, Mary and her four children arrived in Chattanooga.   Because of paperwork issues, Santo could not accompany them. Mary was pregnant and ill prepared to provide for her family alone.

Bob Reid and other Rivermont Presbyterian volunteers begin work on the Takfiny family's new home.

Once again, Mary found herself in a predicament where she feared for the well-being of her children – their first home in America was in a housing project.

She was not prepared for her new environment. There was disrespect from neighbors, fights, drug selling and even shootings.  “I didn’t know English,” explains Mary. “It was difficult to communicate; it led to several problems with some of the residents. We were very worried.”  Mary missed her husband and felt she needed his protection, but realized she was the only person her children had in this country.  Mary decided that her family’s plight in Sudan was much worse than anything she could experience or imagine in America, and set about to make a good life for all of her children, which now included Makur, born in June 2005.

Mary studied hard to learn English and get a job.  Being loquacious and friendly she soon made friends.  She soaked up all of the information she could and soon learned about the Housing Choice Voucher Program.  She applied to participate in the program and was able to move her family to a better environment.

Mary never forgot the husband she left behind.  She yearned for him to join his family and meet the son he had never seen.  She worked with Bridge Refugee Services and faithfully followed their instructions until Santo arrived in October, 2006.

Santo, a very quiet and easy-going person, the opposite of his outgoing and talkative wife, eased into his new surroundings and found work.  Shortly after his arrival Mary became pregnant with the couple’s youngest child, Marwell.

The Takfiny Family

Santo met several people while working at American Plastics, but one stood out because of his broad smile and kind manner. The fact he was a fellow Sudanese made things even better.  Santo and Baja Dalla became fast friends.  It is through Baja (Habitat partner family for the 2008 Southside Community House) that Santo learned about Habitat for Humanity and the possibility of owning a home.

Mary and Santo freely admit life continues to be a struggle with five children, (Aleza, the oldest has moved away and started her on family), cultural differences, tough economic times, a language barrier and a blended family.  “We try to make the most of the blessings we have every day; I thank God,” Mary says. “He has saved the lives of all my children, my husband and me and now he is going to bless us with a home of our own.”

“Rivermont Presbyterian Church has faithfully supported Habitat’s work here for many years,” says Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.  “This is the 15th house funded by their congregation, not to mention all the homes that their volunteers have helped build through weekly service.  We are truly grateful for their partnership in support of Mary and Santo and their children, and for their willingness to commit their time and resources to bless others!”

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ReStore’s 3rd Annual Spring Donation Drive

15 Mar

With Spring just around the corner, its time to make room in that garage or workshop!  Donate usable windows, hardware, lumber, appliances, cabinetry, tools, paint, furniture, and doors to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s ReStore from March 27 to April 17 and have a chance to win  a $500 Lowe’s Gift Card – for the largest donation of materials.

Proceeds from the ReStore benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s efforts to build simple, decent, affordable and safe homes in partnerships with low-income families.

Donations will be accepted:

  • 9  a.m. to 2 p.m., Wed -Sat. at the ReStore at 1201 East Main Street, Chattanooga.
  • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays only – March 27 to April 17 at the Hixson, TN Lowe’s.

Questions?  Call the ReStore at 634-1004.

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Barnes Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

9 Mar

Friends, Habitat homeowners, board members and staff gathered recently at the McCallie School to recognize the extraordinary contributions of Don and Diane Barnes to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s home building program.  The Barnes have worked as full-time volunteer construction site supervisors for more than 14 years!

Don Barnes (left) and Diane Barnes (middle) receive the 2009 HFHI Life Time Achievement Award Plaque from Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.

After heavy hors d’œuvres Sumner McCallie, Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga introduced several people who spoke about how Don and Diane’s service has impacted their lives.    A plaque from Habitat for Humanity International was presented to the couple in recognition of their selection as winners of the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their work in making affordable housing available for those who need it.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a scroll containing the names of the 144 partner families and the funding partners the Barnes have worked with.  As the scroll was unrolled, it eventually encircled the entire room, dramatically capturing the impact that two individuals can have through service.

Sumner McCallie, Board President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga begins unrolling a scroll with the names of the 218 families whose homes Don Barnes (center) and Diane Barnes (right) have helped build over the years.

“The Barnes have invested their time in building homes for families, and in helping thousands of volunteers see Habitat’s work, not just as an exercise in building a house, but in creating a home and a future for a family,” says Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.  “Don and Diane are people of strong faith and conviction – they build as if they are building unto God – they set a high standard – we are truly blessed to have them as partners in our work.”

Habitat board members, staff, homeowners and friends of Diane and Don Barnes help hold up a scroll with the names of the 144 families whose homes they have helped build.

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