posted November 18, 2009
Making a difference in the world, enjoying the outdoors and teaching children about nature were important to Chris Horne. Thursday morning, his family and friends will come together to build a Habitat for Humanity home in his memory for Michelle Moore and her children.
Mr. Horne was born in Durham, N.C., but moved around a lot, growing up mostly in northern Virginia. He graduated from William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va., with a degree in biology. He taught in Alexandria, Va., from 1995-1997, before moving to Jackson Hole, Wy. to enroll in a one-year master’s program teaching field-based education methods.
He met Mandy Hullander, only daughter of Bill and Linda Hullander, of Chattanooga, while at Jackson Hole. Chris stayed in Jackson Hole for seven years, before briefly returning to graduate school at Antioch New England Graduate School in New Hampshire, where he earned his master’s degree in conservation biology.
In 2007 Mr. Horne accepted a position as principal of the Summit Charter School in Cashiers, N.C. Ms. Hullander and Mr. Horne were married in June 2007.
While on a trip to Baja in November 2007, Mr. and Mrs. Horne were involved in a car crash, which claimed his life.
"I approached Habitat with this idea to not only honor my late brother-in-law but to help a family in need and give our employees a chance to participate and give back as well,” said Matt Hullander. “Chris would be proud and is for sure missed."
Thanks to the support of Alside Incorporated, Associated Roofing & Insulation, C.B. Electric, Drain Right Guttering, Elegant Accents, Excel Contracting, Howard Outdoors, Hullco Exteriors, J.B. Millworks, James Wilson Crane Company, Key’s Carpet Center, Lansing Building Products, Mike Bible Carpet, Shane Foley, Scott Orr, Sun Windows, Sunrise Windows, Ted Fugunt Heat & Air, Wally’s Restaurant and many others, construction will take place on a simple, decent, and affordable home for Michelle Moore and her two children over the next several months.
"It amazes me to think that people are going to take time out of their busy lives to help build my house,” said Ms. Moore. “I never knew people like that before Habitat." Ms. Moore has struggled with insect infestations and landlords who would not fix problems in the unit she could barely afford. Her children lacked a safe and decent place to play. "After my car was broken into for the second time, I knew I had to find a better home for my family."
Habitat has provided Ms. Moore with much more than just an opportunity to receive a home-the required homeowner education classes have taught her valuable life lessons. "Like most people, I was spending money unwisely. The money management classes have taught me so much."
Ms. Moore is working hard to complete the 300 sweat equity hours that are required before she can close and move into her new home. "Working full time and being a single mom makes putting in hours difficult, but I know it is well worth the hard work. My daughters constantly talk about their new home. They want everything to be pink."
More than providing a home for her daughters, Ms. Moore will also be able to help her mom care for three of her nieces for whom she has custody. "My mom is a recent survivor of lung cancer. I can't wait to have a place where they can all come relax and be happy."
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