A milestone for affordable homeownership in Knox County: A family of five will purchase and move into the first home in Ellen’s Glen, a new neighborhood where 35 homebuyers and their families will call home.

On Wednesday, October 5, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, FirstBank and friends gathered to dedicate the very first home in the Ellen’s Glen neighborhood with the future homebuyer family.

“Home dedications give us the opportunity to celebrate all the hard work that went into building an affordable home,” says Knoxville Habitat President and CEO, Kelle Shultz. “We are so excited for to gather with friends in this beautiful neighborhood and share in the joy with this wonderful family as they embark on their new journey of homeownership.”

FirstBank is the Covenant Partner (house sponsor) of the first Ellen’s Glen home that will belong to future homeowners Cierra, her husband Tobius and their three children. As Covenant Partner, FirstBank has provided funding and volunteers to build the home. This partnership is part of their larger Sustaining Partnership that includes other sponsorships over a two-year period.

“FirstBank is invested in this community, and they work diligently to serve Knoxville and the families who call this area home,” Shultz shares. “Their commitment to building affordable housing, providing support for veteran families and being a voice for change in Knoxville is inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership.”

This dedication marks the beginning of many more to come, as Knoxville Habitat continues to build alongside families in this development. Ellen’s Glen will provide strength, stability, and self-reliance to 35 Knox County families who will soon call this neighborhood home.

Ellen’s Glen, named in honor of Knoxville Habitat founder Ellen “Sis” Roddy Mitchell, includes sidewalks, underground utilities and 3, 4 and 5-bedroom homes with single-car garages. In 1985, Mitchell said “yes” to helping families build and purchase affordable homes by founding the Knoxville affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. Now, over 35 years later, Knoxville Habitat has partnered with over 700 families and continues to build upon Mitchell’s legacy through homes built in her honor.

The Ellen’s Glen neighborhood is funded in part by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and Knox County Community Development (HUD funding administered through Knox County).

For more information on ways to support Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, visit KnoxvilleHabitat.com or call 865-523-3539.