From left, new homeowner Tempestt Jordan, daughter Nikiah (6), Tenasa McGhee holding Tempestt’s daughter Kada (1), and Dave Butler
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area announced that it will receive $31,000 in grant funding from Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee to assist in the building of two new homes in Chattanooga.
The funding comes as part of a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee housing Development Agency. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area and its sister organizations throughout the state will apply the grant toward the construction of 30 new homes for qualified first-time homeowners.
In Chattanooga, the funds will be used to support building efforts for Vanester Steele’s home located on Kirkland Avenue while the remaining funds will be used in the home for Tempestt Jordan’s family on Hoyt Street.
Local Habitat President and CEO Dave Butler said, “THDA has been a strong supporter of Habitat for many years and these latest grants show once again their high level of commitment not only to Habitat on a statewide level, but on a local more personal level. The funds we are receiving will assist in transforming the future of two Chattanooga families and we’re very grateful for the support.”
THDA allocates the funds to Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee with local Habitat chapters being encouraged to apply for $15,500 per home build. When construction is complete in June 2020, more than 100 children and adults will be living in affordable, energy-efficient homes built in part from this funding.
“THDA is a strong statewide partner helping us make homeownership a reality for more Tennesseans,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee. “This grant provides us with a solid foundation to spur our larger fundraising efforts, which will reach over $4 million from individuals, churches, foundations and businesses to complete these builds.”
Funding for the grant came from the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund which receives no state tax dollars but is instead funded by revenue from THDA’s mortgage loan program. Since 2006, THDA has provided more than $75 million in THTF grants.
“We share Habitat’s mission and its passion for creating new homeownership opportunities for Tennessee families, so it’s a very natural partnership,” said THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perry. “We’re always confident that Habitat is going to put our funding to good use, and I’m sure more than few THDA staffers will be among the volunteers at build sites across the state.”
In addition to supporting Habitat for Humanity with grant funding, THDA also provides zero-interest home loans to qualified Habitat homeowners. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage that, in turn, helps fund future Habitat builds.
From left, Tenasa McGhee, new homeowner Vanester Steele and Dave Butler