From Partner Family to Homeowner: A Thanksgiving Blessing
Oct 06, 2023
Thanksgiving is less than 2 months away, and many of us are already thinking about carving the turkey, cheering for our favorite football team, and of course, everything that we're grateful for. But for the Tarrance family, different thoughts weigh on their minds this Thanksgiving-- celebrating homeownership.

Yesterday, family, friends, and CCHFH supporters gathered to celebrate with the Tarrance family. Elmyra Tarrance worked diligently, with the support of her family, to make her dream of homeownership a reality, and we are so proud to have been a part of this life-changing experience.

Elmyra didn't always know if the dream of homeownership would become a reality. She, like many aging Americans, faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, including living on a fixed income and a lack of affordable housing options. Inspired by her daughter who became a Habitat homeowner some twenty years ago, she never gave up on her dream and in 2021, she was approved.

With the help of CCHFH and family and friends she made along the way, Elmyra began her tedious journey of completing sweat equity. She spent many hours working at her home, volunteering at other nonprofit agencies, and working to develop a budget and savings plan through a partnership with Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). After many months of hard work and dedication, she finally achieved her dream of homeownership and is now the proud owner of a beautifully renovated home, where she and her family can celebrate her dream becoming a reality-- showing the world just how thankful they truly are.

As we approach the holiday season, we are thrilled to give the gift of home. Elmyra's story is a reminder that anything, including homeownership, is possible with hard work, persistence, and the support of others.

Becoming a Habitat homeowner is not a solo journey and requires support from the community, so how you can help? CCHFH continues to work hard to provide safe and affordable housing to families in need. If you're interested in supporting this important work, there are many ways to get involved. You can donate, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word about CCHFH's mission.

Extra Day, Extra Blessings: Groundbreaking Turns a Leap Year into Leap of Faith

By Alina Lackey • 29 Feb, 2024
We are delighted to honor Tarie Mallard and her son, Cornelius as they set off on their path to becoming homeowners. Tarie, a dedicated mother and security officer, displayed remarkable resilience when confronted with difficult situations. Despite encountering electrical issues, mold challenges, and escalating rent costs, she remained steadfast in her determination to create a safe and stable home for her son. With unyielding determination and commitment, Tarie pursued our Habitat for Humanity homeownership program. Her persistence and diligence bore fruit in September 2023 when her family were approved. Ever since, Tarie and Cornelius, along with their loved ones, have invested more than 100 hours of hard work to transform their vision into a tangible achievement. Today, they celebrated a monumental milestone: the groundbreaking ceremony for their future home. Witnessing this moment unfold, surrounded by loved ones, Habitat staff and Board president, Jake Matthews, and Robert Smith and his wife Kathryn, was a testament to the power of community and steadfast determination. Many thanks to Alabama Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Support Office and their distribution of ARPA funds and all of the supporters of the Robert Smith Square Foot Challenge. Through their efforts, we will be able to complete 20 projects over the next two years changing the lives of families in our community for generations to come. Join us in congratulating Tarie and her family as they take this exciting step towards a brighter future!

Making a Difference: Grace Episcopal Church & You, Building Brighter Futures for Families

By Alina Lackey • 07 Feb, 2024
A heartfelt thank you to Grace Episcopal Church! Their unwavering support, including Father Wally's personal delivery of a $9,150 donation from their Lobsterfest proceeds, is truly inspiring. For 25 years, Grace Church has hosted this incredible event, raising over $200,000 to support our mission of building affordable homes. Their continued generosity will help us "Raise the Roof" for even more families in 2024 and beyond! Last year, with the help of Grace Church and supporters like you, we raised over $112,000. However, rising building costs mean there's more work to do. This year, our goal is $150,000, and we need your help to reach it! Join Grace Church and countless others in building a brighter future for families. Donate today: https://givebutter.com/CCHFHRaisetheRoof24 . Your support directly impacts lives. By donating, you help us provide stable, affordable housing for families in our community. Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. Let's work together to make that a reality.
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