Habitat is preparing to break ground on the city’s 300th Habitat Home, with the support of Publix Super Markets Charities.
"Publix has been an integral partner of Chattanooga’s Habitat for the last nine years and will be continuing our support through sponsorship of new construction," officials said.
The milestone groundbreaking will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m.
“Habitat knows firsthand how much our housing market has changed over the years, having completed its first home here in 1986 at a total cost of $36, 216.92,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly.
“List prices have increased by an order of magnitude since then, but so has our commitment to this community and to ensuring that everyone has a decent and affordable place to call home. As we mark this important achievement, let’s resolve to intensify the effort so that, together, we can put the benefits of homeownership in reach for even more people.”
Kimberly Reynolds of Publix Super Market Charities, said, “Publix is committed to the communities we serve and an investment in Habitat is one that always brings a strong return, not only for the individual family it honors, but for the neighborhood as well. We’re excited to continue our support and look forward to seeing fellow community members at an upcoming build.”
As plans are being made for the milestone build for Chattanooga, Habitat leaders noted that the 300th house will be constructed to honor the commitment of former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, for their world-wide impact and four decades of support for Habitat.
The Carters have been a part of over 4,300 homes that have been built with more than 100,000 volunteers in 14 countries. In 2019, the couple were part of the team that built 21 homes in Nashville.
Habitat President and CEO Jens Christensen said, “Habitat stretches across political boundaries in ways no one could imagine. Like President Carter, we believe that the personal benefits to Habitat volunteers always exceed the financial contributions, as well as time and effort on builds. We’ve found that the incentives last for years in the future and in some instances a lifetime.”
President Carter once said, “Like other Habitat volunteers, I have learned that our greatest blessings come when we are able to improve the lives of others, and this is especially true when those others are desperately poor or in need.”
Habitat is always seeking volunteers and supporters to assist in meeting the mission of the organization. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga, visit: www.HabiChatt.org.