CROSSVILLE —
One local family will be home for the holidays this year thanks to the efforts of volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity hosted a dedication ceremony for the 53rd Habitat house built in the Holiday Hills subdivision. Josh and Elizabeth Wright and their two small children, 20-month-old Hunter and eight-month-old Haylee, will celebrate a new chapter in their life along with the blessing of Christmas.
Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a Christian housing ministry. The board of directors is comprised of about 13 volunteers representing many talents and interests. Volunteers are recruited from the community and work side by side with families on many aspects of the new home’s construction.
“It is part of our ongoing mission to provide decent affordable homes for deserving families in our community. We are blessed to be able to serve the community in this way,” said Executive Director Melinda Weigle.
The Wright family have completed over 500 hours of “sweat equity,” helping to build the home, a basic requirement of Habitat for Humanity. They also attended classes on home ownership and financial responsibility. The house will be purchased with a zero-percent mortgage, repaid over a period of 20 years, illustrating Habitat for Humanity’s objective to give families a “hand up” into affordable housing. The home will remain affordable for the family through the use energy-efficient construction.
The transformation of this house to a home was completed with the help of many volunteer partners and individuals. Prior to the official passing of the keys, Habitat family partners to the Wright family, spoke about the long, gratifying journey they accompanied them on, as well as the pride that ensued from being involved with such a genuine, God-loving family.
“It’s Christmas, and it is just so appropriate to see this wonderful thing happening,” said family partner Shaune Pugh.
Family partner Bill Ruth shared his excitement in the dedication of this home. “This family has made the partnering experience such a blessing for me. Their love for their children and their complete dedication to make this house their home was unbelievable”.
The Wright family could not have been happier with the experience of this house building and closing of a chapter in their lives.
“Having our own home would not have been possible without the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program and all of the volunteers who made this house the beautiful home that it is. This is a true gift from the Lord. We will honor Him in all that we do,” said homeowner Elizabeth Wright.
New homeowner Josh Wright said final thanks as the dedication came to a close.
“I just want to thank God, first of all,” said Josh. “I want to thank everyone from the Habitat organization, all of the volunteers and their dedication and conviction to leave their lives behind to help build this house. Our lives are forever changed by this moment.”
For more information on the Habitat homebuilding partnership program or for information on how to help, visit www.cumberlandhabitat.com or call 484-4565. Anyone can donate, shop or volunteer at their ReStore to help raise funds for future Habitat homes. The ReStore is at 329 McLarty Lane in Crossville.
Lifestyles
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The Wright family — Haylee, Elizabeth, Josh and Hunter — celebrated a new chapter in their life over the holidays.
Wright family celebrates holidays in new home
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