NOTE FROM OUR CEO, BECKET MOORE |
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If it were the start to a “normal” year, I would be writing this newsletter article to tell you how great the past year was for our Habitat affiliate and our plans for 2021, but as we know, life is taken day by day right now, and definitive plans are hard to make. Instead, I find myself feeling more sentimental and philosophical as I reflect on 2020 and look to the new year.
Last year brought hardship and tragedy, and I wager that very few of us escaped the pain of the pandemic, the tensions in society, the division in politics, and the weakening of our economy. It was, and still is, easy to react by looking inward at our own set of challenges and difficulties, even if we have very few. But along with the difficulties we’ve had to navigate, I believe the last year has taught us to focus on finding more understanding, acceptance, and peace in our lives.
Working where I do, I am fortunate. Habitat’s mission is about bringing hope and peace to those who may have been struggling for stability far longer than this pandemic. Every dedication is a chance to witness the life-changing security an affordable home brings to a family who worked so hard to purchase it. There are tears and laughter from the partner family, but often, the emotions are just as intense from those who gave their time and money to build the home. The givers feel just as blessed as the receivers.
As we look outward in our actions and forward in our deeds, may you have a blessed 2021. Thank you for being part of our Habitat family and for your patience as we work to continue our mission in the safest ways possible.
I will end befittingly on the last lines of the distinguished poem “On the Pulse of Morning” by Maya Angelou.
Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes, into
Your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good Morning.
In partnership,
Becket Moore
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GOODALL HOMES SPONSORS A WHOLE HOME |
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Video: Goodall Homes and Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury
Surprise Family in Need with New Home
On Saturday, January 9, we had the pleasure of dedicating a new home in our Willow Crest neighborhood to Karen Cobb and her two daughters. Goodall Homes, together with their vendor partners, donated all the materials and labor to construct the beautiful, three-bedroom home in just four months. Goodall Homes also generously furnished the whole home and purchased housewarming gifts for the family.
Karen Cobb has had several back surgeries and struggles with mobility issues. She adopted her daughter, Ashlyn Grace, as a newborn and has been fostering her other daughter since 2019. She applied to HFHWM in hopes of buying a safe, affordable home where she could raise her girls and foster more children. Karen completed the Habitat homeownership program, which included budget coaching, homeownership education classes, and 200 hours of sweat equity, over a year ago and has been waiting patiently to move into a new home.
“Our new house is the perfect forever home where I will raise my girls and any other children who come into my care," Karen told us. "We are so blessed. God is good, and I am beyond grateful for Habitat for Humanity and Goodall Homes.”
Karen closes on her home next week.
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HFHWM WELCOMES NEW DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT |
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Julie Franklin was born in her favorite city, Washington, D.C., and grew up in Maryland. While in high school, she joined a local church where discovered her love for music and passion for serving the community. She took a full-time position with the church where she met her husband, Jonathan, and further cultivated her community service skills. The couple has been married for the past three years with their cat, Francis, to keep them company.
To pursue their call to serve, Julie and her husband took a leap of faith and moved to Franklin, TN only a few months ago. She is very excited to work with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury to continue her passion of empowering her community. On the weekends, Julie and her husband visit museums, write music, and find their favorite places to eat as they make Tennessee their new home.
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30% OFF EVERYTHING AT THE RESTORE |
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Stop by the ReStore tomorrow JANUARY 29 for our 30% off store-wide sale! We have an array of gently used and new home improvement items such as furniture, home accessories, lighting, building materials, and appliances - at deeply discounted prices.
Stay up-to-date on what is new at the ReStore by joining its dedicated Facebook page and/or Instagram page! We post pictures of merchandise weekly, as well as details on special sales.
Also, remember that we are always in need of donations of gently-used furniture and other household items. For fast, free pickups, please call the ReStore at 615-690-8094.
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CRITICAL HOME REPAIR PROGRAM |
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Did you know that our affiliate offers a Critical Home Repair Program to provide major, necessary repairs at a discounted rates for qualifying, low-income homeowners? Our goal is to keep those in need safe, warm, and from being displaced from their homes. While Habitat brings the expertise and tools to complete the projects, community partnerships fund the repairs for those in need.
Want to sponsor a critical repair?
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HAMMERS & HIGH HEELS - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED |
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Looking for a fun way to put your management, design, and fundraising skills to work while serving the Habitat mission? Join our Hammers & High Heels Committee and help us plan our largest fundraiser of the year! Members meet once a month via Zoom to plan the event in partnership with Habitat staff.
Contact Harmony Trevino at htrevino@hfhwm.org or at 615-550-5614 to learn more about this special volunteer opportunity.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! |
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Thanks to our amazing donors like you, $17,030 was raised during our end-of-the-year campaign. That is a fourth of a home build! Thank you to everyone who gave so generously these last few months.
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2021 HAMMERS & HIGH HEELS - SAVE THE DATE |
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Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, our Women Build fundraiser, Hammers & High Heels, will look a bit different this year.
On Thursday, May 20 we will host a virtual event from the Factory at Franklin complete with an amazing silent auction and singer-songwriters. What won't change is our goal of raising $70,000 for the “bricks and sticks” of the Women Build home, which covers everything from the foundation to the kitchen sink.
Stay tuned for more information and ticket sales.
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Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury
615-690-8090 | 615-690-8097
info@hfhwm.org
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See what's happening on our social sites: |
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