PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2024
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity to share in $500,000 THDA grant – Funds will help build two homes locally
Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville Habitat for Humanity today announced it will receive $46,500 in grant funding by Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee to build two (2) new homes in Knox County
The funding comes as part of a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). Knoxville Habitat for Humanity and its sister organizations throughout the state will apply the grant toward the construction of 20 new homes for qualified first-time homebuyers.
“We are deeply grateful for THDA’s continued partnership and generous support, which enables us not just to build homes, but to foster community and hope. This recent funding of $46,500 will directly contribute to the construction of two (2) new homes in Knox County. These homes represent not just shelter, but stable foundations from which families can grow and thrive.” said Anna Engelstad, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Interim CEO/COO
THDA allocates the funds to Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee, and local Habitat affiliates could apply for $23,250 per home build. When construction is complete in June 2024, more than 70 children and adults will be living in affordable, energy-efficient homes built in part from this funding.
“THDA is a strong statewide partner helping us make homeownership a reality for more Tennesseans,” said Colleen Dudley, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee. “This grant provides us with a solid foundation to spur our larger fundraising efforts, which will reach over $4 million from individuals, churches, foundations and businesses to complete these builds.”
Funding for the grant came from the Tennessee Housing Trust Fund (THTF) which receives no state tax dollars but is instead funded by revenue from THDA’s mortgage loan program. Since 2006, THDA has provided more than $117.3 million in THTF grants.
“Habitat for Humanity continues to make a positive impact in communities across Tennessee by providing affordable housing opportunities to hard-working families and helping them realize the dream of homeownership,” said THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey. “We at THDA share that goal and are pleased to continue providing grant funds that will assist Habitat affiliates across the state.”
In addition to supporting Habitat for Humanity with grant funding, THDA also provides zero-interest home loans to qualified Habitat homeowners. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage that, in turn, helps fund future Habitat builds.
Habitat for Humanity is propelled by a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat for Humanity began in Tennessee in 1978 when Appalachia Habitat was created serving Scott and Morgan counties. The Christian housing organization has grown over the past 45 years to include 37 affiliates that serve over 60 counties. Tennessee is ranked the 4th largest builder of Habitat for Humanity homes in the country. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit HabitatTN.org.
ABOUT KNOXVILLE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY:
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, a proud affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, has been transforming lives and communities in Knoxville since 1985. As an ecumenical Christian housing organization, we unite people across all beliefs to build affordable, decent homes in partnership with those in need. Through volunteer labor, tax-deductible donations, and the dedication of future homeowners contributing “sweat equity,” we make the dream of homeownership a reality. Our no-interest mortgages empower families financially, fostering community strength and stability. To date, Knoxville Habitat has built nearly 650 homes, improving the lives of over 1500 residents, and contributing significantly to local property taxes. We are committed to continued growth, planning future developments to meet the pressing need for affordable housing in our community.
For more information on Knoxville Habitat for Humanity visit www.knoxvillehabitat.com
ABOUT TENNESSEE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AGENCY:
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) is Tennessee’s housing finance agency, created by the General Assembly in 1973. THDA was created to promote the production of more affordable new housing units for very low-, low- and moderate-income individuals and families in the state, to promote the preservation and rehabilitation of existing housing units for such persons, and to bring greater stability to the residential construction industry and related industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new housing units. For more information, visit THDA.org.
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