Tag Archives: www.habichatt.org

Chattanooga Families to Get Homes Thanks to Stimulus

28 Apr

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga is among area affordable housing organizations who are working on housing projects supported by the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)


From The Chattanooga Times Free Press …

More than $2.3 million in federal stimulus money was funneled through the city Tuesday night [April 27, 2010] as City Council members voted to help alleviate housing woes in Chattanooga’s worst neighborhoods.

“We have projects ready to go,” said Beverly Johnson, administrator for the city’s Department of Public Works and Community Development. “These aren’t pie in the sky.”

The council voted unanimously to approve five resolutions allocating the money. Councilwoman Deborah Scott abstained from one vote because she serves on the board of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise.

The money is supposed to help stabilize neighborhoods suffering from foreclosures and vacant lots, Ms. Johnson said. She said the city has six projects for which the money will be allocated.

The money will be used to help develop eight new, affordably priced, energy-efficient homes in Bushtown; construct or renovate 10 homes in the Glenwood/Orchard Knob neighborhood; provide a minimum of eight hours of homebuyer education for up to 40 eligible families; develop four affordable houses for homeless persons; build seven homes for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga; and buy foreclosed homes, mostly in Brainerd, records show.

WHERE THE MONEY WENT

The city allocated $2.3 million in federal stimulus money over the last two weeks. The projects include:

* $350,000: Money for Bushtown neighborhood project

* $900,000: Money for Glenwood/Orchard Knob neighborhood project

* $10,000: Funds for homebuyer education

* $142,000: Development of four homes for homeless

* $500,000: Amount of money for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, Inc.

* $652,000: Money allocated for buying foreclosed homes

Source: Department of Neighborhood Service and Community Development

Jesse Wiles, a consultant with APD Urban Planning and Management, said the money also helped raise private dollars.

“The funds will be used in such a way that it will leverage other funds,” he said.

Private investors also threw in $2.9 million, records show. Ms. Johnson said a second round of stimulus money — $600,000 — will be funded in coming weeks.

Councilman Peter Murphy, who represents Bushtown, Glenwood and Orchard Knob, said Tuesday that the money is helping revitalize old, “wonderful” neighborhoods that need some help.

“It’s helping to open further investment by responsible investors,” he said.

Pete Palmer, executive director for Habitat Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, said because of the “sluggish” economy it has been hard to raise money for community needs. He said there are now 12 families on a waiting list for homes.

“It’s perfect timing,” he said of the money.

Volkswagen Builds Community: The Pallet Project

6 Apr

Hamilton County Highway Department, Habitat ReStore, Volkswagen, Architectural Surfaces,  and Create Here  Collaborate on Pallet Recycling Project.

The Volkswagen Pallet Project is a neighborly Volkswagen initiative to provide the Chattanooga community with ongoing access to large quantities of oversized pallet lumber. As a follow-up to last month’s highly successful launch, the second distribution will take place April 17-18.

The Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga plant—currently under construction at Enterprise South—is in the midst of stocking its buildings with large-scale equipment for building, assembling and painting cars. This equipment is being delivered to the Chattanooga Volkswagen site on huge pallets, made entirely of good quality lumber that has strong potential for reuse.

In most cases, shipping materials such as these would either be scrapped, recycled or simply thrown away. But our new automotive neighbors have opted instead to offer them to Chattanooga artists, non-profits and community projects at no cost.

During the first distribution days, generosity, teamwork, and tremendous community spirit abounded as a group of roughly thirty Chattanoogans gathered the wood they needed to build everything from sheds and planter boxes to furniture and fine art. Throughout both Saturday and Sunday, the wood recipients braved sweat, splinters and sunburns—working together to break down and haul off every one of the 50+ pallets.

For April’s distribution days, Hamilton County Highway Department is donating trucking services, Architectural Surfaces is allowing use of their parking lot, and CreateHere and the Habitat Restore are co-organizing, with the ReStore providing tools, volunteers, and additional give-away items.

“It was inspiring to be a part of the first pick up days—to see the variety of creative approaches that were taken to break down each pallet, and the teamwork that was necessary to do so,” says CreateHere organizer Alison Burke. “It was, without a doubt, one of the most tangible demonstrations of community that I’ve witnessed—and I’m very excited to see it happening again.”

“Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga is thrilled to begin a collaboration on waste reduction services since it is one of the core values guiding our ReStore.  We have already been fortunate enough to have some of the Volkswagen team volunteer with us on one of our worksites.  We look forward to partnering with them on future projects!” says Tina Shaw-Cox, director of ReStore operations.

“Our slogan ‘Green City, Green Plant, Green Car’ is more than just words to Volkswagen. We try to incorporate environmentally friendly tactics into all that we do, so that Volkswagen is healthy for Chattanooga’s natural and economic environment,” said Dieter Schleifer, Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations Manager of Plant Infrastructure. “Volkswagen is very grateful for the assistance of all the organizations involved in this project and we look forward to other environmentally-friendly collaborations in the future,” he added.

The second Volkswagen Pallet Project will take place from 10 am – 3 pm on Saturday, April 17 and 12 – 3 pm on Sunday, April 18. Some tools will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. This event is free and open to anyone willing to work for their lumber.

For more information:

Please contact Alison Burke at vwpallets@gmail.com.

About The Organizations Involved:

  • Architectural Surfaces specializes in custom architectural woodwork, cabinetry, solid surfaces, store fixtures, countertops and more. They are actively involved in construction project across the Southeastern United States with products and services that exceed industry standards. They are dedicated to working closely with architects, general contractors, and all of their clients throughout the construction process to ensure satisfaction.
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a store that accepts donations of new and gently used items from individuals and businesses in the community, and sells those items to the public at a reduced cost, usually 50-70 percent of the original retail value. All proceeds go toward building Habitat homes with the local Habitat affiliate. Opened in 2004, the Restore seeks to help in the building of more affordable homes, help the environment through the recycle and reuse of saleable building materials, and help other homeowners by providing new and used home improvement materials at affordable prices to people of all income levels.
  • Hamilton County’s Highway Department focuses on maintain 880 miles of Hamilton County surface treatment, hot mix paved roads, and bridges to a level that is safe to the traveling public. County vehicles and equipment maintenance, traffic shop, landscaping and parts from stockroom are also provided as separate activities.
  • Volkswagen Group of America, Chattanooga Operations LLC will invest $1 billion in the local economy for the Chattanooga plant and create 2,000 direct jobs in the region. According to independent studies, the new Volkswagen plant is expected to generate $12 billion in income growth and an additional 9,500 jobs over the life of the project. The Chattanooga plant will build a new midsize sedan specially designed for the North American market. Approximately 30 percent of these cars will be powered by Volkswagen’s TDI Clean Diesel Technology.
  • CreateHere is a non-profit based in Chattanooga, formed in 2007 as an experiment in harnessing the economic potential of creative individuals. Their programs have cultivated and engaged innovators, attracting and retaining some of the city’s brightest minds. Their workspace on Chattanooga’s burgeoning Southside is a meeting place for a diverse community of creative agents.

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.

“

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!”

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.

Carroll & Mildred Fox Memorial House Complete

25 Feb

Since October 2009, members of First Baptist Church (Chattanooga) have been at work on a Habitat for Humanity Home for Zachary and Christy Hullender and their children in memory of the late Carroll and Mildred Fox.  Their work is now complete – the home was dedicated February 20.

Lawson Fox and Shauna (Fox) Oden, with Christy and Zach Hullender at the house dedication.

“Carroll Fox was a dedicated supporter of Habitat’s work in Chattanooga during its formative years,” says Pete Palmer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area.   “His work on the jobsite and in building the organization laid a strong foundation that has helped touch the lives of hundreds of families. I’m sure that both he and Mildred would be delighted to see the home and meet the young couple who have been blessed by their generosity.”

Ben Gross with First Baptist Church passes the keys to their new home to Christy Hullender as her husband Zach and child look on.

Prior to the start of their new Habitat home, the Hullenders lived in a rundown trailer with serious mold problems, and unsafe aluminum wiring that would catch fire.  Their daughter was often burned by the space heaters the family had to use in the winter time.   All four of them were forced to sleep in one room because of a hole in the ceiling of the only other bedroom, and the only toilet in the trailer was falling through the floor.

The Hullenders have always wanted to have something better for their

Volunteers and guests visit prior to the dedication of the home which stands on the spot where the Hullender's trailer once stood.

children, but felt like they had no hope being so young and with the economy in turmoil.   After hearing about Habitat for Humanity from Zachary’s mother, they applied to be a partner family and found hope that they would soon have a home of their own.

“My children are still very small, but I know they are going to love having a new home, to have a room all their own, a place big enough for them to play,” Christy says.  The family is excited to have their dream coming true, and wants others to also feel the joy of their own dreams being fulfilled. Christy plans to volunteer to help build another family’s home, so that she can make a difference in someone else’s life in the same way Habitat has done for her and her family.

“We are grateful for the support of First Baptist church in building this home in memory of the Foxes,” says Palmer.  “It is a privilege to work with them to bless the Hullender family, and honor the memory of two people who touched so many through their support of Habitat here over the years.”

In the Running for “Be More” Award …

25 Jan

Habitat for Humanity of  Greater Chattanooga is in the running for the People’s Choice award in WTCI’s inaugural Be More Awards!

Through online voting, local citizens  will decide which organization, from a pool of nominees chosen by a panel of community judges, they feel most exemplifies the spirit of the community.

Online voting will continue through February 15 .   Point your web browser to http://wtcitv.org/events/be-more/vote to cast your vote in support of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.

Chattanooga Habitat Connected to Haiti Through International Partnership

14 Jan

While Chattanooga is far from Haiti, the thoughts of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s staff turn to those impacted by the devastation – across Haiti 120 families live in homes built thanks to a partnership between Habitat affiliates here and there.

“Each year, every Habitat affiliate in the world shares a portion of its resources with a sister affiliate in another country.   This approach is a tremendous blessing to those working in poverty stricken areas where no local funds are available to fuel  the cycle of building homes with donated funds, and with mortgage repayments to drive future construction,” says Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.   We have chosen Habitat for Humanity of Haiti as our partner, and have supported their efforts for many years.”

“We have no way to know at this point how Habitat’s homeowners in Haiti have fared in this tragedy, but it is already clear that an already difficult housing situation has now become a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions,” Palmer says.  “In any situation of this nature, rebuilding follows rescue and recovery operations and continues for many years.”

There are several ways that Tennessee Valley residents can support rebuilding efforts in Haiti according to Palmer:

  • Habitat for Humanity International is gathering funds for rebuilding efforts – area residents can give through www.habitat.org to support those efforts.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga will collect funds and forward to the international effort for those who prefer to give locally – donations may be sent to HFH of Greater Chattanooga, 1201 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408 – please note that they are for Haiti.
  • Continued support of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s work will also support Haiti as well.   “We share a percentage of the unrestricted funding we receive each year with the Haiti affiliate extending the impact of our community’s generosity beyond our immediate area,” says Palmer.

Don and Diane Barnes Receive Lifetime Achievement Award!

18 Dec

Don and Diane Barnes have received Habitat for Humanity International’s 2009 national Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding efforts to make simple, decent, affordable housing a reality for everyone.

After participating in several mission trips with their church, Hixson First Baptist, Don and Diane participated  in a Habitat build with area Baptist congregations.  Soon after  Diane began working with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga to encourage women to build through its first  Women Build house.  After Don retired from Dupont, they served as full-time site leaders, working daily alongside Habitat’s construction staff, and those first two homes turned into many more.

Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga (left) with Don Barnes (2nd from left) Diane Barnes (3rd from left), Erika Pope, (right) whose home is being built in the Barnes’ honor, and Sumner McCallie, Habitat’s board president (2nd from right).

“Over the years Don and Diane have put in countless hours in helping community volunteers build Habitat homes,” said Pete Palmer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga.  “Their attention to quality and excellence have set an example for staff and for volunteers – over their many years of service they have lived out their faith in a practical way, by building homes for our partner families with the attention to quality that all of us desire in our own homes.”

“Don and Diane have been a major part of the work of the Chattanooga Habitat family,” Palmer said.  “We are grateful for their contributions, and are excited to see them receive recognition for their dedicated service.  As a token of our gratitude, our next building coming up in January will be dedicated in their honor!”

Habitat for Humanity International recognized four volunteers with the 2009 national Lifetime Achievement Award. Every year thousands of volunteers serve as builders, fundraisers, advocates and more to further Habitat’s mission of eliminating poverty housing from the face of the earth.

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

Community Foundation Grant Provides Forklift

23 Nov

Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, accepting donations at Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a breeze.  Prior to having the forklift large donations had to be unloaded by the hands of staff and volunteers.  The Habitat ReStore is a discount community store specializing in building materials and home furnishings.

Jason Hjelseth moves materials using the forklift secured through a Community Foundation Grant

Recently, the ReStore received 12 pallets of stain weighing more than 20,000 pounds. “With the new forklift, unloading the stain took less than a half hour,” said Tina Shaw-Cox, Director of ReStore Operations at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. “Being able to handle larger donations quickly and safely helps us be more effective at generating funds to support the construction of more Habitat homes for families in need of affordable housing.”

The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga gives individuals and businesses the chance to come together, combining their giving, creating a large and powerful pool of assets that work to improve all aspects of our community.  More information is available at www.cfgc.org.

Chris Horne Memorial House Build Underway!

19 Nov

Michelle Moore, future owner of the Chris Horne Memorial was on-hand for the kick-off. With Michelle are her brother and her daughter.

Making a difference in the world, enjoying the outdoors and teaching children about nature were important to Chris Horne.   This  morning, his family and friends came together to kickoff construction of a Habitat for Humanity home in his memory for Michelle Moore and her children.

Chris was born in Durham, N.C., but moved around a lot, growing up mostly in northern Virginia. He graduated from William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., with a degree in biology. He taught in Alexandria, Va., from 1995-1997, before moving to Jackson Hole, Wyo., to enroll in a one-year master’s program teaching field-based education methods.

He met Mandy Hullander, only daughter of Bill and Linda Hullander, of Chattanooga, TN, while at Jackson Hole.  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.  While on a trip to Baja in November 2007, Chris and Mandy were involved in a car crash, which claimed his life.

“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. “

Thanks to the support of 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 , Wally’s Restaurant and many others,  construct is poised to begin on a simple , decent, and affordable home for Michelle Moore and her two children over the next several months.

Bill Hullander, right, workers from Hullco Exteriors, and Hafitat constrution staff lay out walls for the home.

“It amazes me to think that people are going to take time out of their busy lives to help build my house,” say Michelle.  “I never knew people like that before Habitat.”  Michelle has struggled with insect infestations and landlords who would not fix problems in the unit she could barely afford.  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.”

Habitat has provided Michelle with much more than just an opportunity to receive a home-the required homeowner

Workers from Hullco Exteriors steady the first wall of the Chris Horne Memorial house about one hour after the start of construction this morning.

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.”

Michelle is working hard to complete the 300 sweat equity hours that are required before she can close and move into her new home.   “Working full time and being a single mom makes putting in 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.”

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