Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 30 years of building houses for local families in need.
UC Habitat Executive Director Jeremy Byrd said many Habitat for Humanity affiliates that are volunteer-led struggle to remain active in their communities. Byrd said reaching 30 years as an affiliate is quite the accomplishment.
“Just seeing how god has blessed Upper Cumberland Habitat over these 30 years to the point that we are able to build at the capacity that we can build and to serve our community the way that we can serve it is a tremendous blessing,” Byrd said.
UC Habitat has built houses in DeKalb, Overton, Putnam, and White County. Byrd said one of the major achievements UC Habitat has had over the past 30 years is nearing the completion of building 100 houses.
“We have built several of those in our West End place neighborhood, that of course, was the vision of Mrs. Pam Ely when she was the executive director here,” Byrd said. “And so we got two new homes being constructed over there as I speak, and we have a repair program that’s been relaunched and is touching lives in our communities, so we have been very fortunate to be able to make a positive impact in the Upper Cumberland.”
Byrd said there are many reasons why there is a big need for UC Habitat in the Upper Cumberland Region. Byrd said one of those reasons is affordable housing.
“There’s just not a lot of affordable beginner housing that’s being created for families to purchase,” Byrd said. “And so our work is very important, as rent prices continue to increase, the price of homes being bought and sold continues to increase, Habitat is one of the only organizations in our area that is meeting that need for families to have safe, stable, affordable housing here in the Upper Cumberland.”
Byrd said UC Habitat’s goal is not necessarily just building houses.
“Our goal is to help make a positive influence and to change people’s lives,” Byrd said. “Not even just individuals, but their families. Many of the people that we help, they may be the first homeowners in their family in generations or maybe ever. And so I think we are making a positive impact as there are so many studies that talk about how important that is.”
Byrd said across the state, there are about 34 Habitat for Humanity Affiliates. Byrd said UC Habitat is just as active in the Upper Cumberland as the rest of the affiliates in their respective communities.
