Robin Nolte unlocks the door to her new home, one of four dedicated Thursday by Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, Tenn., in Century Village.CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Keys to four new homes were handed over to their owners Thursday, compliments of their own work plus that of many volunteers from Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.
Robin Nolte, Garry Phanor, Steve Whitener and Nancy Meade celebrated their new homes during a community dinner at Century Village, Habitat's growing community in South Cleveland.
"I'll be home for Christmas,'' Nolte said.
Neighbors, friends and relatives of the four new home-owners joined in the celebration under a big tent. Rain drizzled outside the tent, but the smiles were sunny.
Phanor thanked the many volunteers from many organizations on behalf of the four families.
"We extend our appreciation and gratitude for helping to give us homes of our own,'' he said.
The year has been a trying one for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, its member organizations and volunteers.
While Thursday's dedications were for traditionally planned homes, volunteers and companies are still at work rebuilding tornado-destroyed homes in Bradley County.
"It's been a challenging year but a fulfilling year as we have been able to complete nine new homes, many repair projects and are currently building two homes for tornado survivors through the Long Term Recovery Organization,'' said Matt Carlson, Cleveland Habitat's executive director.