Habitat for Humanity dedicates fifth home
Habitat for Humanity officers, volunteers, local politicians and supporters got together last weekend for the dedication of the fifth home completed by the organization in Warren County.
The home is the result of the combined efforts of local churches, a significant number of volunteers from all walks of life and various businesses in the area who donated both materials and labor. The home was built on land donated by the city of McMinnville which had taken possession of the lot due to unpaid back taxes.
“It’s a positive thing,” said McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport, “We had a piece of property here the city owned that was not productive. Now we have a piece of property that’s going to be on the tax roles. This has been a volunteer effort and the volunteers put in a lot of their time into obtaining the materials to build it, and actually putting the building together. Also, we’ve helped a worthy family.”
The family is John and Graciela Almaguer and their children Juan, Gracielita, Eduardo, and Leobardo.
“It’s been a very, very good project to build this house,” said Habitat president Randy Garrison. “As any project starts, you start with a piece of property, and I’d like to thank the city of McMinnville for donating this property, and other properties here in town.”
Garrison then turned the proceedings over to Kay Ramsey who introduced the family who will call the newly finished dwelling home.
“Graciela and John live here in our community,” said Ramsey, “He works at Tennessee Trees, and they are tremendous people. He has been here and he has truly partnered with us to build this home.”
Father Jim Bretl of St. Catherines then presided over a moving dedication. Those present expressed a sense of completion as they toured the home on Estridge Street, once again proud of the feeling of community and cooperation the home represents.
“It’s been a community effort,” Ramsey said in conclusion, “We couldn’t have done it without all of you.”