Habitat for Humanity celebrated its 4,000th house built in Tennessee with host affiliate Habitat for Humanity of Williamson and Maury Counties in Franklin for Harold Allen, a local Vietnam Veteran on Friday morning.
The wall raising ceremony featured Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, Habitat for Humanity Williamson Executive Director Becket Moore, Habitat for Humanity Tennessee Executive Director Colleen Dudley and others, who all raised one founding wall together to start the building process.
Allen, a native of Franklin, graduated with the last segregated senior class from Natchez High School, which became Franklin High. His grandmother raised Allen along with his three sisters and one brother. Neither his parents, nor his grandparents, were homeowners. However, Allen has always held onto the American Dream of homeownership.
“You’re a fine man and you’ve represented us well,” said Anderson, “This is the least we can do.”
Life after active duty has been difficult for Allen. He has two artificial hips, has endured three strokes, and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Nonetheless, he focuses on his blessings and never lets his challenges affect his efforts to give back. Allen enjoys helping local charities and is also active at Limestone Missionary Baptist Church in Franklin.
Allen has big plans for his new home. He envisions planting flowers and vegetables in his future garden and spending time with his adult children. He wants it to be a haven of peace and a place where friends and family can share in his joy.
“Thank you for fulfilling my dream of owning a home. I thank God for sending an angel,” said Allen in a statement. “You have really touched my heart – not only for sponsoring my home, but for all of the other families that are blessed with the homes that you build.”
The home dedication of Allen’s completed home will be celebrated on Veterans Day, November 11th at 1:00 pm.
