Shown, from left to right, are Nicole Brown, Shirley and Sherry Pitter
photo by Habitat of Greater Chattanooga
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga’s recent Women Build brunch raised $120,000. The local affiliate has big plans for the funds with an aggressive build schedule of additional Habitat homes for the Chattanooga area in the coming months. Construction costs for Habitat homes continue to escalate with the cost of a home costing approximately $160,000 to complete.
The 2024 Women Build homeowners are Shirley and Sherry Pitner. The mother/daughter duo have had many challenges over the years with Sherry’s ongoing health challenges that began at the age of 10 with a kidney replacement. Over the years, Sherry received two more replacement kidneys and today, she is finally enjoying good health. The Pitners have completed Habitat’s educational programs, sweat equity requirements, and will soon break ground on their very own home. When they move, they will have a 0% 30-year mortgage allowing equity to be built and more importantly, financial security for the first time ever.
Habitat board chair Patrick Daugherty said, “Habitat’s mission for Chattanooga is to bring together people to build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is to have a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This year’s Women Build Brunch committee not only made a difference for the Pitners but also for the community we all share.”
This year’s event was chaired by Cynthia Dale. She said, “It was such an honor to work with the Habitat team on this event. They are incredibly dedicated to building homes that homeowners can take pride in owning. Getting to know the Pitners has been a real blessing. It was wonderful to see so many in the community turn out to support this special event.”
“At Habitat, we know that every dollar raised is critical. That’s why our events have simple decorations and cost efficiencies built into the mix. It’s one of many ways that Habitat maximizes investments made by our contributors,” said Habitat President and CEO Jens Christensen. “We have a great deal of work to do and very aggressive schedules. This means that every dollar raised is crucial. Habitat is playing a key role by providing affordable housing in Chattanooga and we are grateful for the support of a very giving community.”