James Knoxville Habitat Homeowner As a United States Army veteran, James served to protect our country. After his discharge, he worked for years as a lineman and in the oil industry but began experiencing a string of illnesses that resulted in various struggles and eventually homelessness. James was determined to turn his life around.…
Ernie Walser ReStore Associate-Appliances Ernie, an Army veteran, is an important part of the Knoxville Habitat family, serving on our Restore staff. It is obvious that giving back to his others is very important to Ernie, as seen through his military service and continued dedication to the Habitat mission. After recently celebrating his seventh…
Tim Butler ReStore Volunteer and Construction Crew Leader Tim commits his time to the mission of Knoxville Habitat two days a week, every week, by serving in both the ReStore and out on the build site. For the past 13 years, Tim has devoted his Saturdays to volunteering as a construction crew leader. In…
Barabwiriza and Pamphila are the proud parents of seven children that have overcome so much to be where they are today. Their story starts in the African country of Burundi. This land-locked country is known for its history of violent civil wars and conflicts that have displaced hundreds of thousands of citizens. Barabwiriza and Pamphila…
Johnnie and Tiffany are the proud parents of four sons, all full of personality and energy. The oldest of the children living at home, Julius (9), is the family jokester and constantly keeps everyone entertained. Eli (3) is the most laid back of the bunch, while Ace (1) is “the boss” of the family and…
Gloria is a driven single mother that is devoted to her family. She works two jobs to help support her daughter, TiShayla, and 14-month old cousin, Kenira. They enjoy eating dinner as a family and taking trips to local parks. Education is extremely important in Gloria’s household. She has worked for 19 years as a…
Monica prides herself on being a mother above all else. She says, “As a mom my job never ends, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.” Her two children, Elijah (8) and Vanesha (17), could not be more excited about the idea of living in their own home. While Elijah and Vanesha have lived…
Alneshia is a devoted mother of two boys, Jadarius (17) and Adrian (7). After hearing about Knoxville Habitat for Humanity from a friend, she quickly decided that this would be the perfect opportunity for her to provide a brighter future for her sons. Having a home “to take care of and appreciate” will mean the…
Candida’s close-knit family of seven has a great attitude towards life, despite a past of incredible hardships. After fleeing their home country of Burundi due to wars and constant danger, they were relocated to a refugee camp in Tanzania. The family suffered from housing insecurity all their lives, until they were granted asylum in the…
Tiarra is a full-time Certified Nursing Assistant and single mother raising eleven-year-old Donnaisha and seven-year-old Reianna. Little Reianna is a tomboy that is interested in running track, while Donnaisha is a “girly-girl” that loves cute clothes, painting her nails and hanging out with friends. Tiarra is working hard to be able to build a home…