Today, Sunday, March 6, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) will dedicate its 16th Habitat High home to Shateka McCord and her two children, Taniya (10) and Tyris (7). Built and sponsored by local high schools through the Habitat High program, this new, energy-efficient residence is located on Wendy Blvd in Columbia behind Spring Hill High School.
Over the last five weekends, Shateka has worked alongside over 300 students from Brentwood, Centennial, Currey Ingram Academy, Franklin, Independence, Ravenwood, and Summit High Schools.
The $70,000 needed for the build was funded through several projects undertaken by the Habitat High clubs at each school and through the generous donations of community sponsors First Farmers & Merchants Bank and Lasko Products, and through a matching grant from State Farm. The home also received financing and/or funding from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. After the dedication, Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury will sell the home to McCord at cost and with a zero-interest mortgage
“With this being my first year as the Habitat High sponsor I wasn’t sure what to expect,” explains Centennial Biology Teacher Brittany Rhinehart. “I was blown away with the level of willingness and work ethic the students showed. They selflessly spent two days at the beginning of February in some very cold weather. I was continually inspired by how open the kids were to trying new skills and how excited they were to get to work on the houses. To see the whole house come together and know we were a part of that is truly an unbelievable experience. It is something I hope they will take with them in the future and inspire them to be more involved in giving back to their community.”
While this was the first Habitat High for Rhinehart, many of the students were returning for their third or fourth year. Mackenzie McGrath serves as the school’s chapter co-president, and this is her third build. She believes that Habitat High is a “one-of-a-kind” high school club, and notes, “I am extremely proud to be a part of it. Being able to do our part as teenagers and raise more than $70,000 as a county is truly heartwarming. I love being a part of Habitat for Humanity, and I highly recommend participating in or starting a Habitat High club at your high school.”
McCord was born and raised in Franklin. She attended Franklin High School and is a child care provider for a local daycare center. Currently Shateka lives with her mother and her two children, Taniya (10) and Tyris (7), who share a bedroom. “One of the biggest benefits of this blessing is that I will be allowed to live in a stress-free environment. My children have no place to play and they share a bedroom,” she explains. “I just want them to have their own rooms and an actual yard to play in.”
Ms. McCord would like to return to college when she is settled. She graduated from Remington College in 2008 with a medical assistant’s diploma and a nurse assistant certification. She would like to continue working on her education and build on the opportunity that Habitat is affording her. “I want my sponsors to know that I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, and this program has given me so much hope for the future.”
The dedication for the McCord home will begin at 4pm. Members of the participating high schools, board, staff, homeowners, and sponsors will be in attendance. All are welcome! Please contact Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury 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 HFHWM at 615-690-8090 or visit www.hfhwm.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Williamson and Maury Counties
For 22 years, Habitat for Humanity of Williamson and Maury Counties (HFHWM) has partnered with local churches, businesses, foundations, and the public sector to provide 200 Williamson and Maury County families with the opportunity to purchase their own homes. Home construction and neighborhood development is funded through tax-deductible financial contributions and in-kind donations from local businesses, churches, civic organizations, and individuals, as well as through profits generated from the affiliate’s ReStore. These contributions, along with the labor of sponsor employees, church members, high school students, and other volunteers, enable HFHWM to build and sell homes to families who qualify.
After a thorough qualification process, applicants are selected based on three criteria: the need for housing, the ability to pay the mortgage, and the willingness to partner. HFHWM partner families must earn at least 200 hours of “sweat equity” by completing a homebuyer’s education program and working on their home and the homes of others. HFHWM sells the homes at no profit and provides a zero-interest mortgage loan, which make payments affordable. For more information about our homeownership program, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.hfhwm.org.
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