Home Builders Association of Southern Tennessee (HBAST) and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga will officially kick off construction Tuesday afternoon of the first Habitat House here funded and built by the HBAST.
Festivities are planned at the location of the new house at 5869 Bunch Street in the Shepherd Park neighborhood starting at 1:30 p.m.
John Lamb, resource manager for Habitat, said the house is being built as a result of donations of time, service, materials and funds by HBAST and is the first Habitat house to be built in Chattanooga by the association.
Julian Bell III, HBAST executive officer, said the foundation for the home has been completed with all material and labor donated by a member and builders will start framing construction following the kickoff ceremony.
“We have a large number of our member companies and individuals donating material and labor as well as money,” said Mr. Bell. “We are completely funding and building the home.”
Since 1986, Habitat has helped more than 175 Chattanooga families enjoy the benefits of homeownership, said Mr. Lamb. Habitat’s zero interest loans and its homeowner education programs give its partner families a hand up, not a handout, he added.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga is affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International.
The Shepherd Park community being built by Habitat and its partners is located off Shepherd Road a short distance from Highway 153. There are signs indicating the Habitat community.