Habitat of Cleveland's first ever Community Foundation Build will break ground on May 15 at 11 a.m. The build, made possible by Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County’s $75,000 donation, is scheduled to go through June 12.
The Community Foundation Build will provide a home for the family of Vincente and Aurelia Rodriguez. The couple, who moved to the US from Puerto Rico in 1984, has been married almost 49 years. They have three daughters, two sons, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
"A bright ray of hope has now dawned for the couple," organizers said. "After being accepted into the Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Program, the Rodriguez’s will have something better than a high-rent apartment. They will soon have a home of their own with a very affordable, low cost mortgage."
Mr. Rodriguez said their home will be like a therapy for him and his wife. They will be able to be outside more often, walk around, enjoy the sunshine and yes, garden – right in their own yard. They are thankful for the Habitat program and for all the people who help make it what it is. They are thankful to God that He has brought them together with the Habitat team and has blessed them with an opportunity to own their own home.
The Rodriguez family is very interested in learning about how their house is constructed and volunteering to help build it. They look forward to enjoying their new home and being a blessing to the community around them, the couple said.
To join the Community Foundation Build team and schedule a time to bring your volunteer group, contact LaManda Bowers at 423-476-6947, ext. 202, lbowers@habitatofcleveland.org or visit habitatofcleveland.org/community-foundation-build.
The groundbreaking is part of a ceremony for five Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland homes this year in the Victory Cove subdivision. Due to COVID-19 and the restrictions on gatherings, the ceremony can be seen on Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland’s Facebook Live at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Media is welcome to attend at 1217 Franitza Way SW, Cleveland, Tn. 37312.