Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga is hosting a double dedication ceremony to celebrate two new homeowners, Betty Hurd and Vanester Steele, who are moving into Habitat houses across the street from one another on Saturday.
The ceremony, set for 10 a.m. Saturday at 3415 Kirkland Ave. in Alton Park, will commemorate families completing the process of homeownership. It is designed to be 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 in many ways like a graduation," Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga development director Dominique Brandt said. "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 Vanester, Betty, and their families and friends."
Mayor Andy Berke and City Council Chairman Erskine Oglesby will be at the ceremony to help celebrate.
"As these two families begin living in their new homes, we are reminded about the importance of building strong neighborhoods for the future," Berke said in a release. "Thanks to Habitat, the Hurd and Steele families will always share the day they became neighbors. Their presence will add to the fabric of this neighborhood and, in turn, will strengthen the community we all share."
Sponsors for the home of Vanester Steele include the Women Build Breakfast, Chick-Fil-A Brainerd Village, Maclellan Foundation, City of Chattanooga, with help from Women Build Teams from Pratt Home Builders, The Punky Brewsters, Team Hope, Team Cory, and Team HBA. Sponsors for the home of Betty Hurd include The Clarence E. Harris Foundation and City of Chattanooga.
All are invited to join the celebration as Betty and Vanester become first-time homeowners. A reception will follow the ceremony.