A new home for Natasha Smith and her three children was dedicated this week in ceremonies conducted by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Association of Realtors (CAR) at the home in Shepherd Park.

The home at 5820 Patrick Place was funded and built by the Realtors in cooperation with Habitat, a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian housing ministry helping provide simple, decent and affordable housing for who qualify. It was the second house built by Realtors in the Shepherd community, the first having been built last year.

The new home was dedicated as a “place where the children may grow, play and learn” and as “a place for rest, shelter and a place for laughter.”

The new Shepherd Park residence will be the home of Ms. Smith and her three daughters, Kayla, 12, a student at Chattanooga Middle School, Kiara, 11, and Kori, 10, both students at Battle Academy. Ms. Smith, who works at Blue Cross-Blue Shield, was joined by a number of her fellow workers and well-wishers for the ceremony. The children were in school at the time.

She thanked all those who helped her get the home for her and the girls and presented plaques of thanks to both Habitat and the Realtors. During the dedication it was noted that the home “has been made possible through many hours of volunteer work along with gifts of material and money.”

Jan Varnell, executive director of Habitat, thanked those who donated the funds and volunteered their time for the construction of the three-bedroom house and Katie Davis, Habitat volunteer coordinator, lead the Litany of Dedication. Jonathan Shatz, Habitat family services director, presented a new Bible to the family.

Dan Griess, CAR president, said last year when the Realtors launched the drive to raise the funds to build a Habitat house, about $50,000, they raised well over $100,000, enough for two homes and the start on a third. Realtors have indicated they plan to launch another drive to raise enough funds to build another house next year.

Mr. Griess said providing homes is “what Realtors are all about” and the Realtors are pleased to be able to “give back to the community” by providing Habitat homes.

Tina Burgin, a co-worker with Ms. Smith from Blue Cross-Blue Shield, read the scripture, Matthew 7: 34-35 about building a house founded on the rock. Paul A. McDaniel, pastor or Second Missionary Baptist Church, lead in the closing prayer of thanksgiving for the home as a gift from the people, “knowing that all things come from God.”

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, founded in 1986 and affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International, has built more than 170 new three- and four-bedroom houses.

Homeowners meet income guidelines, complete a series of homeownership classes and invest 300 hours of “sweat equity” building their homes and those of other Habitat families. They commit to a monthly payment of about $300, including taxes and insurance, for 15 to 25 years.

Natasha Smith, in front wearing an orange top, neets with friends, co-workers and well-wishers in her new home in the Shepherd Park community. Click on all our photos to enlarge.
- Photo2 by Irby Park