Two Habitat for Humanity Homes Dedicated This Sunday

The Williamson County Habitat for Humanity is dedicating two new homes in Fairview Tennessee this Sunday, October 20th. At 2p.m., the generous, hard-working charity will be joining special sponsors as they dedicate their 137th and 138th homes.

The afflilate’s fourth Women Build home will be dedicated to Tracie Johnson and her four children: Destiny, Hope, Joseph, and Jacob. Tracie and her children worked each weekend alongside volunteers from local civic groups, sponsor organizations, and churches. These women are so extremely dedicated and have such a passion for what they did that 229 individuals came out as Women Build volunteers.

And one simply cannot just “volunteer,” in order to perform in the task, individuals must raise at least $250 towards the cost of the house and work at least one day on the site.

This is the third year in a row the Rotary Clubs of Williamson County have built along the side of Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County (HFHWC). Cool Springs Rotary member Brian Wilcox explains what keeps all five clubs engaged in this each year.

“Rotary appreciates how Habitat provides a structured and well-organized opportunity for volunteers of all skill levels. Volunteer use their own hands to help a neighbor with a hand up, thereby making our community stronger. We are excited to come back each year and be part of the Habitat experience.”

Tracie is looking forward to a stable house and new place she can call home for her family, “I can’t think of the words to express how thankful I am for all of the wonderful women and sponsors who are giving me the chance to give my kids something that seemed unattainable for a long time.”

Tracie Johnson's new home!
Tracie Johnson’s new home!

She has had a long year of health issues, including multiple surgeries, and many financial struggles. The new home will include a zero-interest mortgage for the family and a chance at more financial stability.

Not only will Tracie have a new home, but a new neighbor!

Right across the street, the other home will be dedicated to Kelvin and Kelly Bell. They have four young children: Tresavious, Karizma, Zakiyah, and Keeno. The couple works full time at Cool Café and NHC. The Bell’s were always the first to their building site, and the last to leave.

“We really looked forward to it,” explains Kelly. “Every weekend was like Christmas. We couldn’t wait to get out and build on our home and couldn’t believe that all these volunteers came out to help build. They didn’t even know us, and here they were bettering our family. It was amazing.”

Kelvin & Kelly Bell
Kelvin & Kelly Bell

Kelvin Bell’s eager and proud light came through when he started speaking about his new home, “When you put the nails in the wood, you know the house is being built right. You know your home is going to be safe. Our new house is going to be 100 times healthier than the house we have now. We are excited about our new home, but it is really for our kids. They deserve a great place to grow up in. They have never had a neighborhood – a safe place to play, but they will now.”

Sponsored and volunteer-built by First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, the Bell’s home was also put together by Harpeth Presbyterian Church, Nashville Presbytery, Mapco (BP), and VGT.

The Nashville Presbytery chooses each year to be part of the Habitat ministry, and Pastor Kip Rush from Brenthaven Presbyterian Church explains it’s to share all of the blessings.

“Since 1992, Nashville Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has given $10,000 a year to Habitat for Humanity in the surrounding counties. This is the second year that we have had the privilege to work with Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County. It is always a blessing to share our gifts with families and friends, as we join together to help build. We have been blessed by the Bell family and share in their excitement as their dream comes true. Habitat has made a difference in their lives and the Bells have made a difference in ours. Can there be a better reason to serve?”

Additional funding for the home was provided by sponsors Fourth Ave Church of Christ, Darrell Waltrip Automotive, NIC, Alpha Technology, and the Rotary Clubs of Williamson County; The Hammers and High Heels silent auction, which raised $14,000; and the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) Housing Trust Fund Grant, which awarded $1.4 million to Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee (HFHT) to help build 65 homes across the state.

The dedication will begin at 2 p.m. for both homes on Brandenburg Cove in Fairview on Sunday. All supporters are welcome!

For additional information or to get involved as a donor, volunteer, or partner family, please contact Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County at 615-690-8090 or visit www.habitatwilliamson.org