Habitat CEO Dave Butler and Family Service Manager Cheryl Marsh accept U. S. flags from Noah and Rory Dumitru on behalf of the Chief John Ross Chapter
The Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR, celebrated eight years as a partner with Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Chattanooga Area. During those eight years, the Chief John Ross Chapter has provided an American flag for each house constructed by Habitat volunteers.
Regent Jessica Dumitru recognized the impact of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter as “truly changing lives and changing our Chattanooga community.” She said, “Habitat Chattanooga, a non-profit organization, works in partnership with community volunteers to build simple, beautifully-designed and affordable homes. Habitat families work diligently to qualify for homes by completing financial management workshops, contributing personal labor on their individual homes and other homes in the program and then purchase their home with an affordable mortgage. Working to achieve family goals is the American Dream being fulfilled and that’s what we celebrate as DAR members.”
Habitat for Humanity for the Greater Chattanooga Area has built more than 276 homes in partnership with families. Families are approved by the volunteer Board of Directors based on their need, the ability to pay a zero percent interest-free mortgage and a willingness to partner with the Habitat organization. Family spend approximately 300 hours investing “sweat equity” as a part of the program. Funding comes from individuals, faith and civic organizations, corporations and foundations in addition to grant application awards. In addition, the two area Habitat ReStores help fund operational expenses.
“It is an honor for the members of the Chief John Ross Chapter to support the Habitat mission," said CJR member Linda Moss Mines. "As a long-time volunteer and former board chair, I’ve seen the difference that home ownership makes in the lives of families. Stability for a family translates into better grades for students, pride in home ownership for parents and families that become engaged in their communities. As DAR members, we are volunteers who believe in the value of education and working together for community improvement. Habitat’s staff acts daily with compassion and commitment as they mentor participants in the program. Our donation of an American Flag, although small in comparison to construction, signifies our belief in Habitat’s mission. What a blessing to work alongside such a team of leaders and volunteers.”
For more information about Habitat, call 756-0507. To join with the Chief John Ross Chapter, NSDAR in their service to the community email localhistorycounts@gmail.com.