On Saturday, June 20, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson and Maury Counties (HFHWM) will make the American dream a reality for three hard-working single mothers. With the help of friends, family members, and well-wishers, the nonprofit will dedicate the last three homes in their Brandenburg Subdivision in Fairview. On June 26, the houses will be sold at cost and with zero-interest mortgages to the heads of households Jennifer Aric, LaRhonda Lee, and Tory Ferguson.
“Our spring build season is coming to a close, and it has been amazing to see the dedication from our volunteers,” explains HFHWM Volunteer Coordinator Emma Couch. “Over the last three months, 839 volunteers gave 5,873 hours to help build these homes. From the various congregations of our Faith Build and Brentwood United Methodist Church to the individual Women Build volunteers, these builds have brought together so many to help these families achieve homeownership.”
All three families were living in unsafe and/or overcrowded conditions with rents hundreds of dollars above the typical Habitat mortgage payment of $595.
“The need for affordable housing in Williamson County couldn’t be greater,” explains Habitat Williamson Director of Family Services Wayne Weaver. “In the last year, Williamson County’s median home price has risen 2.5% percent from $399,950 in January 2014 to $409,000 in January 2015. For many working individuals in our community like teachers, healthcare workers, city/county employees, and those in the service-sector, homeownership is not possible without Habitat.”
Such is the case for one of the build’s future homeowners, Jennifer Aric. Jennifer is a single mother with nine children. Seven of Jennifer’s children still live at home, including a son and daughter who each have a disability. Julia has epilepsy, and Isaiah has been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta (“brittle bone” disease). Isaiah uses a wheelchair, and his new home will include ADA modifications that will make everyday tasks easier and safer for him and his family. Jennifer has worked alongside hundreds of local women volunteers over the last nine weeks.
Since the beginning of my journey with Habitat, I have learned so much,” Aric notes. “April came, and the dream I had envisioned for my family became a reality. Here we are at the end phase and it is so surreal. I couldn’t have completed my journey without the help of all the amazing volunteers! Thank you for all your hard work and time! The Women Build has been a life changing experience.”
The $70,000 needed to complete each home was funded through a diverse group of community partners. The Spring Faith Build brought together the efforts of Christ United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Fourth Ave Church of Christ, Lowes Home Improvement, Middle Tennessee Electric Customer Cares, and Saint Andrew Lutheran Church. The second home was sponsored and built completely by Brentwood United Methodist Church. The last residence, the fifth annual Women Build home, was volunteer-built and sponsored by individual Women Build volunteers from all over the County. Two of the homes also received financing and/or funding from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency.
Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury is also holding their 5th Annual Hammers & High Heels fundraiser on Thursday, June 25 at Homestead Manor in Thompson’s Station. The goal is to raise the last half of the $70,000 needed for the Women Build home. The event is from 6:00 to 9:00pm and includes music from the local band Redhead Express; food catered by Puckett’s, Puckett’s Boathouse, Homestead Manor, Muletown Roasted Coffee, Triple Crown Bakery, and Papa C Pies; high-end auction items; and emcee Mrs. Tennessee America Cheryl Brehm. Tickets and more information can be found at www.habitatconcert.com
The dedication for all three homes will begin at 4pm in the Brandenburg Subdivision in Fairview. Members of the participating organizations, board, staff, homeowners, and volunteers will be in attendance. All supporters are welcome! Please contact Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County at 615-690-8090 if you need directions to the event.
For additional information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please contact Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
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