Habitat and community partners provide Andersonville family a home
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Representatives from Clayton Appalachia, representatives from ORNL’s Team Battelle, HFHAC Executive Director Charlotte Bowers, and the McCarter Family.
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From left: Brenda Wolf, Casey Daugherty and Matt Belcher from Claton Appalachia with Jeff Shelton and John Powell representing ORNL’s Team Battelle.
Together with Clayton Appalachia and Team Battelle, Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County celebrated with an Andersonville family in dedicating their new house.
Clayton Appalachia, a division of Clayton Homes, donated the three bedroom, two bath modular home to Habitat through its Clayton Cares program.
The house was built by students at Anderson County High School with materials and training provided by Clayton Homes.
The multigenerational McCarter family lived in a single trailer on their property. Their previous living conditions were not only unsafe, but failed to meet the family’s needs.
At the ceremony, Habitat Executive Director Charlotte Bowers presented the family with a Bible, and construction volunteer and Habitat supporter Jim Bailey led the group in prayer.
Pearlie McCarter expressed her gratitude to the group, saying: “This is the most blessed day of my life.”
The family members said they cannot wait to gather in their new home to celebrate the holidays.
This build would not have been possible without the help of Clayton Appalachia and Team Battelle.
Representatives Matt Belcher, Casey Daugherty and Brenda Wolf from Clayton Appalachia were on site at the dedication to recognize their contributions to the project. ORNL’s John Powell and Jeff Shelton attended the event, representing Team Battelle, whose employees contributed funds and installed the home’s driveway, HVAC, and porches. Lavonda Lambert attended from Regions Bank in Norris, whose branch facilitated the family’s required budgeting classes.
Also in attendance was Jeannie Yonkee from Covenant Life Church of Clinton.
Habitat’s homeownership program gives qualifying families “A Hand Up, Not a Handout.” The McCarters have worked diligently to complete their required sweat equity hours, and will pay a 0% interest mortgage on their home.
Habitat is an ecumenical ministry that builds, repairs, and rehabilitates simple, decent, and affordable homes with participating families; working with diverse individuals, organizations and faith communities to serve others. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.
For more information on the Habitat homeownership program, call the local office at 865-482-7713, and speak to Laura Christenbury, director of homeowner services, or email her at laura@hfhac.org.
To learn about the many Habitat volunteer opportunities, donating or becoming a sponsor, contact Charlotte Bowers, executive director, at the same number, or by email at charlotte@hfhac.org.