Since 1986, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga has been building and repairing homes to make sure the clients they serve have decent places to live. Throughout their history they’ve partnered with individuals and organizations that share their vision; however, a partnership with Parkridge Medical Center is one that will be "transformational" in the Orchard Knob community.
"Thanks to support from the hospital, up to 30 homes in the Orchard Knob Neighborhood Association will be repaired and renovated to make homes safer and healthier for homeowners," officials said.
The first home to receive work is owned by Zandra Strickland on East 5th Street. Ms. Strickland is deaf and has a bathroom with floors that have deteriorated over time.
Habitat workers will be at her home to replace the floors and will replace her existing toilet with one that is taller and ADA compliant, making it safer for her. Most recently, Habitat re-roofed the home and added gutters making it leak-proof and providing it with a better curbside appearance. Working with the Orchard Knob Neighborhood Association and the United Way, it was determined that Ms. Strickland’s home project showed great need and was a natural fit for the Initiative’s first project, officials said.
Habitat President and CEO David Butler noted the gratitude they have for the relationship with Parkridge Medical Center. “The work we are doing in Orchard Knob would not have been possible without Parkridge. Tom Ozburn has a vision for helping his neighbors and is putting the resources of the hospital to work to successfully launch this effort. We appreciate the relationship with Parkridge and are excited to work with so many well-deserving homeowners like Zandra Strickland.”
Mr. Ozburn said, “The Orchard Knob Collaborative is about being good stewards of our community. Through this initiative, we are marrying our mission as both a healthcare provider and a good neighbor. The partnership with Habitat and the United Way allows us to reach beyond the scope of traditional healthcare and proactively address factors, such as housing conditions, that can significantly affect one’s health. We are thankful for our partners who have come together and cultivated a vision for a sustainable effort that will help the Orchard Knob community thrive.”