CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland continues on track with its home-building schedule while a search committee moves forward to select a new executive director for the organization.
Habitat families, sponsors, donors and volunteers packed a recent ceremony dedicating four new homes in the Southgate Hill subdivision, located on South Lee Highway.
Of the four homes, two were made possible through Habitat’s Women Build initiative, which seeks to engage women “who want to build homes, build friendships, strengthen communities and also learn construction skills,” said Desireé Coln, marketing and special events coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland.
The program, which is in its second year for Cleveland’s Habitat, is growing, she said. Last year, the program was responsible for one home being built.
More than 400 women – many of them business owners and educators – participated in Women Build this year as members of 40 teams composed of 10 women each, Coln said.
“We love this event because it helps build awareness for the organization by bringing these awesome ladies on site,” she said. “They are building with their own two hands and taking that message to the community.”
New Habitat homeowner Christy Baker also praised Women Build sponsors and volunteers while reading a gratitude-filled letter just outside the front door of her new house.
“You came as volunteers, but you are leaving as friends,” Baker said. “We know our home is truly built of love because of all you guys.”
Candice Smith, another new Habitat homeowner in the Southgate Hills subdivision, said Habitat sponsors, volunteers and donors “just don’t realize how very special they are.”
“You have filled a void that makes our family completely whole with a place we can call home,” she said.
The four families who attained home ownership through Habitat were required to complete 300-400 hours of “sweat equity” by volunteering at build sites, Habitat ReStores or community events, Coln said.
In other business, Habitat officials are evaluating about 20 resumes as part of their search for a new executive director, said Bernadette Douglas, secretary on the organization’s board of directors.
“We’re figuring out who we’re going to interview,” Douglas said. “Our goal is to have somebody no later than Sept. 1.”
Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland began its executive director search in May, about a month after the resignations of Matt Carlson, who served in the position for 13 years, and J. Michael Watkins, who served as operations director.
Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland has said little about their departures.
“We have agreed as a board to not discuss this matter in public,” Habitat board President Jeff Morelock has said.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.