Melissa Miller and her son Elijah
Wilma Crockett
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga celebrated a double dedication ceremony in honor of new homeowners, Melissa Miller and Wilma Crockett.
Habitat for Humanity’s dedication ceremonies commemorate a family completing the process of homeownership. It is a celebration that marks the completion of sweat equity hours and educational efforts in order to buy the homes, as well as an opportunity for all volunteers and sponsors who worked on or contributed toward the homes to view the finished results.
“Home dedications are like a graduation,” said Habitat CEO Jens Christensen. “These new homeowners put in hundreds of hours of hard work to get here. As they become homeowners, they do so well-prepared for the responsibility and challenges they will face in the future. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate with Melissa, Wilma, and their families and friends.”
Ms. Miller is the owner of the 2023 Faith Build home. A Chattanooga native, she grew up in public housing, has been renting, and will now be the first in her family to own her own home through the homeownership with Habitat. She has strived to provide her son, Elijah, with a better life and show him that hard work pays off. Ms. Miller said, “I want my son to feel the strength, stability, and self-reliance that comes with homeownership. When we live in and own our own home, we can make our own rules and determine our own future. I can’t wait to hear my son proudly say, ‘This is our home!’”
Ms. Crockett is the owner of the 2023 Women Build home and was honored at the 2023 Women Build Breakfast. Ms. Crockett is a mom of four and Chattanooga native who has worked at her job for over four decades. She is also a grandmother of 22 and is looking forward to the many family gatherings that will take place at her new home. She said, "It means so much that I was chosen for the Women Build home and that my dreams of homeownership are becoming reality. I appreciate the kindness and encouragement shown to me throughout this process and I can’t wait to wake up in my own home.”
“As these two families begin their lives in their new homes, we are reminded about the importance of building strong communities for the future,” said Mr. Christensen. “The Miller and Crockett families will always share the day they became neighbors. Their presence will add to the fabric of this neighborhood and in turn, will strengthen their community.”
The 2023 Women Build presenting sponsors were Real Estate Partners & Hamico. The Faith Build home was sponsored by McKee Foods and many local churches.