Tag Archives: www.transformchattanooga.org

A Day at Habitat – Partner Family

6 Jul

Aisha Morgan has become an inspiration to her family and friends. When Aisha was two years old, her father passed away leaving her mother to take care of Aisha, her sister, and her great-grandmother. Aisha’s mother worked very hard to provide for the family and gave them the best she could. It was hard, but Aisha said they did fine with what they had.

Aisha is now trying to do the same thing for her two girls, Jaenaria (8) and Kiyla (3). Aisha works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at LifeCare Centers of America of Hixson. By working hard and giving her children the best she can, she is setting an example for them. Aisha wants to show her children that anything is possible and to follow their dreams.

As an active member of Sharon Pentecostal Church of God, Aisha works with the youth to encourage them to stay in the church. Aisha organizing a praise dance team and sings in the choir at to connect with the youth and promote their involvement in the church. Aisha is motivating her church family to do better though the work that she does inside and outside the church.

Crew from State Farm working on Aisha's home.

The neighborhood that Aisha and her girls were living in was an unsafe environment, so she decided to apply for a Habitat for Humanity house. Aisha wants to give her children better opportunities and their new Habitat house will provide those for them. Their house is in a safe neighborhood so the children are able to play outside without having to be nervous, and it is bigger than their old place so there will be more room for their family to grow.

What Aisha is most excited about with her new home is the better environment for her and her family. She is glad that her girls will be safe. Aisha is also looking forward to the new opportunities that her children will have. “When I get older and am not able to do for the kids, they will have something to hold on to, a house,” said Aisha. Jaenaria and Kiyla are thrilled to have a place that they can call home with their own rooms, more space, and a better playing area.

Aisha said, “I am blessed to have this opportunity to get this new house.” She is glad for the Habitat for Humanity program, which provides homes for unprivileged families. “I am pleased with how they [Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area] help families have a better place to live and more opportunities,” said Aisha.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating to families like Aisha’s please contact Dawn Hjelseth or go to our website. Also read about family Pat.

A Day at Habitat – Events

22 Jun

This past weekend was a very busy for the Habitat crew. On Saturday the 18th we had a ground breaking for Amy and Aisha.

 Aisha’s ground breaking.

 

We also had a Fish Fry cooked for us by  Pat! We had a lot of great volunteers helping out as well. We had groups from New Blue Construction and Vision Hospitality Group giving up their time to help us out.

On Sunday, Father’s Day, we had our Lego Build Competition. We had a great turnout with about 76 teams competing and at least another 50 who just wanted to play. We had teams of all ages build the most creative thing they could think of.

We had some really cool ideas like space ships, boats, cars, houses and lots more. After everyone was done we had to sit down and pick the winner. Luck contestant # 45,  Jacob Slatton, won our grand prize of a giant set of Legos.

 This is Jacob’s tree house that he built with his father.

 

We had a lot of fun at this event, and we hope to do it again. Habitat was able to raise over $600 to put towards our general fund that helps our families.

If you want to be a part of more of our events or volunteer visit our website or contact Dawn Hjelseth

 

A Day at Habitat – First time Volunteer

15 Jun

Daniel McNair is building friendships in Chattanooga through volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. Daniel is a member of Chattanooga Friends and they came to volunteer at the job site Friday June 3.

This was Daniel’s first time ever volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, but he said he will do it again. While on the triplex job site, Daniel helped paint, carried heavy items, installed door stops, and laid down plastic to protect the carpet.

“The crew here on the site is great,” said Daniel, referring to our construction crew leaders. “Lee and Brandon are awesome and fun.” Since this was Daniel’s first time, he was surprised with how organized everything was and how fast everything goes.

Daniel also brought his brother along to work on the triplex, and they both really enjoyed themselves. They both also participated in the 2010 Chattanooga Mud Run and they look forward to doing it again this year. The Mud Run is August 20th and registration is open. For more information visit the website.

If you would like to help volunteer building a house please contact Dawn Hjelseth at dstoike@habichatt.org. Also visit our website to find more information about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area. our projects, and how to donate.

Also, if you want to know more about A Day at Habitat read about Maria and Connie.

Yo Gabba Gabba Show Benefits Habitat

30 Jul

DJ Lance Rock is a magician-musician. He brings a mysterious boom-box that carefully protects his special toy creatures. He breathes life into his toys with the magical words, “Yo Gabba Gabba!.” He loves to interact with his friends from above and sometimes beams in to teach everybody a DJ Lance-dance.

Brobee, the little one green, is sometime reluctant to try new things. Music makes Brobee happy and helps give him the confidence to smile, dance and wave his long arms in the air. He loves balloons.

Foofa, the pink flower bubble is a giggly, happy girl that loves flowers and all things cute and cuddly. She loves to dance and dream about unicorns. She is very sensitive to the needs of her friends and others in Gabbaland.

Come see these favorites plus the rest of the cast! Purchase your tickets today for Yo Gabba Gabba on Tuesday October 19th at  2:00pm & 7:00pm at Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga – $1 from each ticket benefits Habitat for Humanity of
Greater Chattanooga!

Click here to see more and purchase tickets!

Car Donations Help Build Homes

1 Jun

Do you have an older car, truck, van, trailer, RV or boat taking up valuable space in your yard?

Your car donation will support Habitat for Humanity’s local and global mission of eliminating poverty housing and homelessness and save you the time and energy of finding a buyer.  By donating a car to our vehicle donation program, you can help Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga build houses in partnership with families in need of a hand up, not a hand out.

It is quick and easy to donate cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, construction equipment and other vehicles ~ running or not!  Plus, you may be eligible for a tax deduction.  (Consult your tax advisor or the IRS for details.)

To donate a car, truck, boat or RV to Cars for Homes™ – Habitat’s official car donation program, call (877) 277-4344 toll free or visit www.carsforhomes.org and let us take care of the rest.  It’s a convenient way to support Habitat for Humanity of  Greater Chattanooga and create more space in your driveway!

A-1 Surplus Wins ReStore Donation Drive

5 May

David Stoner of A-1 Salvage recieves his gift card from Tina Shaw Cox - ReStore Director

A-1 Surplus is the winner of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga ReStore’s 3rd Annual Spring Donation Drive sponsored by the Hixson Lowe’s.  David Stoner, owner of A-1 Surplus, donated over 17 pallets worth of brand new ceramic tile to the ReStore.

“Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga ReStore is thrilled to begin working with A-1 Surplus.  It’s folks like David and others who allow us to serve the community on a daily basis.  We look forward to working with them for upcoming projects” says Tina Shaw-Cox, ReStore Director with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. “During the drive we took in 7 full truck loads of assorted new and recycled building materials and home supplies.  Thanks to community generosity, the ReStore is stocked full of new and useful products.”

“We have been very fortunate to have a start up business in this economy and to have had such a good customer clientele.  It is a real pleasure to work with a great organization like Habitat for Humanity” says A-1 Surplus owner David Stoner.

The Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga ReStores takes in new and recycled building materials and home goods and sells them to the public at 50-75% off retail costs.  In most cases, these building materials and home goods would be  discarded.  The ReStore provides a resource for individuals, remodelers, contractors, and local companies to donate their items at no cost and receive a tax-deductible donation receipt as well.  Revenue from the ReStore’s sales helps Habitat meet operational costs and supports the construction of homes for low-income families.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s ReStore is located at 1201 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408.  Their hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 9 am- 4pm.  The store can be reached at (423)-634-1004.

2nd Annual Sustainable Giving Sustainable Living Dinner Garners $45,000 in Support of Habitat’s Work

28 Apr

More than 300 friends of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga recently gathered last Thursday night at the Mill on the Southside for the 2nd Annual Sustainable Giving Sustainable Living Dinner and raised $ 45,000 in support of Habitat’s homeownership program.

McCallie Guitar Ensemble provided dinner music.

Guests enjoyed music by the McCallie Guitar Ensemble and a dinner catered by Sodexho Dining Services.  Long-time volunteer Diane Barnes, who along with her husband Don was honored last year with a life-time achievement award from Habitat for Humanity International set the tone for the evening by sharing her passion for investing in people’s lives through homebuilding.

A scroll representing how many homes Don and Diane Barnes have helped build was unrolled as their service was recognized.

An auction then followed with board members, homeowners and staff sharing different facets of Habitat’s work and its impact.  Erika Pope whose home is currently under construction brought home the emotion of longing for homeownership, when she talked of her son’s life-long dream of having his own room and a family dog.  His dream will soon come true thanks to her Habitat home which is currently under construction.

Habitat homewner (right) Erika Pope, her son and other guests enjoyed dinner catered by Sodexho Dining Services.

As each auction level was reached, details were added to a digital representation of a house on a screen, thanks to graphics generously created by Artech.  DV Communications support through audio and visual equipment greatly enhanced the evening.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Wilkinson Group, all our event expenses were covered, so that 100% of the funds raised at the dinner, go to support Habitat’s work,” said Sumner McCallie, president of Habitat’s board.  “We are so grateful to everyone who came out to support Habitat’s work in this community.  Thanks to them Habitat will be able to change the lives of more families and ultimately our community.”

Diane Barnes spoke eloquently regarding the importance of building relationships when partnering with families in need of homes.

The lead sponsor for the event was the Wilkinson Companies – Pinnacle Condominiums.  Other sponsors included:  A& A Outdoor Maintenance, ABC Supply, Charlie Belcher, Dave and Erin Labelle Photography, DV Communications, Hayward Bolt and Supply, Ramsey Dethero, Sumner McCallie, and Thompson Rogers and Williams, PLLC.   Twenty five other individuals, organizations and businesses hosted tables.


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.

Urban League “Green” Students Help Build Habitat Home

28 Apr

From www.chattanoogan.com ….

After weeks of studying manuals and taking exams, the men and women of Urban League of Greater Chattanooga Green Construction and Weatherization Program will put their handy skills to work.

The Urban League’s “green” students will join Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga to help build a home for a deserving family on Wednesday and Thursday, April 28 and 29, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at 5704 Alabama Ave., Chattanooga.

“Working with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga reinforces one of Urban League’s main goals that every American lives in a safe, decent, affordable and energy efficient housing,” said Warren E. Logan Jr., president and CEO of Urban League. “It will require a constant network of partners and members of the community working together to improve our city’s infrastructure and environmental initiatives.”
The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga Green Construction and Weatherization Program is a ten-week program that teaches the fundamentals of green environment, green construction practices and green building rating systems. Upon completion of the course, students graduate with three nationally recognized certifications: Lane Control & Flagging, OSHA 10 and Green Advantage.

To qualify, individuals must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED and must be bondable.

“As a group this is our second Habitat for Humanity home construction project. The purpose of the collaboration is to apply classroom knowledge and green practices with hands-on training while making a difference in the community,” said Brandon Bacon, construction trainer.

“We are very excited to have the Urban League ‘green’ students join us on our construction site. Without the generosity of volunteers, Habitat for Humanity would not be able to sell the houses to deserving families at such a low cost,” said Dawn Hjelseth, director of volunteers.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization that has been building simple, decent and affordable homes in Chattanooga. Since 1986, 224 homes were built by Habitat for Humanity and countless volunteers. Volunteers have an opportunity to learn about substandard housing issues, construction and teamwork.

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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