The dedication of a Habitat house at 8211 Bill Reed Road off Standifer Gap in Ooltewah was held Saturday.

The three-bedroom, 1 ½ bath home for Zach and Christy Hullender and their children, Bryson and Rayna, has been funded by First Baptist Church in Chattanooga in memory of Carroll and Mildred Fox, long-time First Baptist Habitat volunteers.

“Carroll Fox was a dedicated supporter of Habitat’s work in Chattanooga during its formative years,” said Pete Palmer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area. “His work on the jobsite and in building the organization laid a strong foundation that has helped touch the lives of hundreds of families. I’m sure that both he and Mildred would be delighted to see the home and meet the young couple who have been blessed by their generosity.”

Prior to the start of their new Habitat home, the Hullenders lived in a rundown trailer with serious mold problems and unsafe aluminum wiring that would catch fire. Their daughter was often burned by the space heaters the family had to use in the winter time. All four of them were forced to sleep in one room because of a hole in the ceiling of the only other bedroom, and the only toilet in the trailer was falling through the floor.

The Hullenders have always wanted to have something better for their children, but felt like they had no hope being so young and with the economy in turmoil, Habitat officials said. After hearing about Habitat for Humanity from Zachary’s mother, they applied to be a partner family and found hope that they would soon have a home of their own.

“My children are still very small, but I know they are going to love having a new home, to have a room all their own, a place big enough for them to play,” Christy said.

The family is excited to have their dream coming true, and wants others to also feel the joy of their own dreams being fulfilled. Christy plans to volunteer to help build another family’s home, so that she can make a difference in someone else’s life in the same way Habitat has done for her and her family.

“We are grateful for the support of First Baptist church has given in building this home in memory of the Foxes,” said Mr. Palmer. “It is a privilege to work with them to bless the Hullender family, and honor the memory of two people who touched so many through their support of Habitat here over the years.”