Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga will ceremonially break ground on the first-ever United Way Home at 3431 Kirkland Ave. at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18.
In partnership with the City of Chattanooga, the future home, which is being built for Jasmine McCann and her two children, is the first-ever home designated as a United Way home by Habitat. Ms. McCann has been in the Habitat program since late 2019 and works as the frontline manager at Food City in St. Elmo. She will be living in her new home with her 19-year-old daughter, currently studying nursing at Chattanooga State, and 17-year-old son, who attends Lookout Valley High School.
“I am honored to be chosen as the owner of the first-ever United Way Home. It takes a village to build and own a home, and thanks to Habitat and United Way, my village grows every day,” she said.
Habitat became a newly-funded United Way of Greater Chattanooga (UWGC) partner last year due to the open, competitive, and inclusive grant process where any 501(c)(3) can apply for funding. $75,000 from the Impact Fund was awarded to drive transformational change in the community.
“At United Way, we believe providing long-term stability can be a catalyst for transforming lives in our community,” said Lesley Scearce, president and CEO. “This exciting partnership with Habitat for Humanity is driving this mission forward by providing Jasmine and her family a place they can call home. Creating and sustaining these pathways to long-term stability is a huge part of what helps our community thrive. I can’t wait to help hand over the keys later this year!”
Habitat provides affordable homeownership opportunities for hardworking families in the greater Chattanooga area. Homeowners contribute sweat equity hours building their homes and take classes to learn the ins-and-outs homeownership.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, guests are invited to meet the homeowners, tour the property, and learn more about the plans for the home.