Local Leaders Join Family to Build Affordable Home During Knoxville Habitat CEO Build
At least one in eight Tennessee households spends over half of their income on housing, and the number of Knoxville families who are cost-burdened by the rapidly growing housing costs continues to rise. This lack of attainable housing can leave local workers in healthcare, education and a variety of service industries unable to afford to live in the communities they serve.
The Knoxville Habitat CEO Build, presented by Bank of America, is an opportunity to raise awareness of the growing need for available workforce and affordable housing in our region.
“Bank of America is honored to partner with Habitat for Humanity and so many community leaders to help address the affordable housing crisis in Knoxville,” said Terry Cline, Bank of America Knoxville Market President. “We know that people cannot climb the economic ladder and find financial security without access to safe and affordable housing, and we are dedicated to leading the effort to combat the growing problem in Knoxville and around the world.”
Bank of America has been a longtime supporter of Knoxville Habitat’s homeownership program, including the organization’s homeownership education program that every future homeowner family must complete as they build and purchase their home. This educational program includes one year of weekly budgeting classes, home maintenance and gardening.
The 2022 Knoxville Habitat CEO Build home is being built with future Knoxville Habitat homeowners Lillian,* who works in food service, and warehouse manager, Rodney.* Together, the couple have raised three children, with two still living at home.
In 2021, Lillian experienced sudden health issues that led to a life-saving surgery. As well as her health challenges, they have faced living challenges in the rental they occupy. After difficult years that have both challenged their family and brought them closer together, Lillian and Rodney decided they wanted to find a way to purchase their forever home. The family looks forward to a more stable and brighter future in their new, affordable home.
“It is a blessing I can’t even put into words,” says Lillian. “I’m so excited.”
Through the support of Bank of America along with additional Knoxville-area business leaders and sponsors, Lillian and Rodney’s family will now experience the stability that comes with affordable homeownership.
The 2022 Knoxville Habitat CEO Build is taking place in Ellen’s Glen, a new neighborhood situated in a quiet, peaceful area of East Knoxville that will include 35 single-story homes, sidewalks and underground utilities.
*Due to the privacy of our family partners, first names only have been used.