Publix Super Markets Charities donated a $5,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland to help build a home and bring hope to one more family in Bradley County.
Officials said, "This generous donation continues the foundation’s commitment to meeting the basic needs of the communities it serves through transitional support, client service programs and financial support for housing. They are a long-time local partner with Habitat and have helped build many homes in Bradley County."
“We are committed to the well-being of our communities,” said President of Publix Super Markets Charities Carol Jenkins Barnett. “Our foundation is continuing my father’s legacy of supporting the communities Publix serves and providing hope to those in need.”
The $5,000 grant will be added to the sponsorship provided by the Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County to cover any additional construction costs to complete the home of Vicente and Aurelia Rodriguez. This build is named the Community Foundation Build and is located in the Victory Cove subdivision in Cleveland. The Rodriguez couple, who moved to the U.S. 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 through these donations to fund their home," officials 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, “Our home will be like a therapy for me and my wife. We will be able to be outside more often, walk around, enjoy the sunshine and, yes, garden – right in our own yard. We are thankful for the Habitat program and for all the people who help make it what it is. We are thankful to God that He has brought us together with the Habitat team and has blessed us with an opportunity to own our own home.”
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.