Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Recognized as a “Top 45” U.S. Affiliate for Third Year

Knoxville Habitat for Humanity CEO joined leaders from across the country to discuss new and innovative ways to address affordable housing ownership opportunities.

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Knoxville home prices are about 25% higher than this time last year, with the median home price now nearing $300,000. The rapid rise in housing costs is pricing many out of the housing market. An estimated one out of every three Knoxvillians is now concerned about affordable housing, and the number of first-time homebuyers is dropping to all-time lows. This lack of attainable housing can leave critical workers, such as healthcare workers and teachers, unable to afford living in the communities where they serve.

Affordable housing concerns are not limited to Knox County, and communities across the United States are looking for new ways to address this growing challenge. Habitat for Humanity has long been a leader in producing and advocating for affordable housing, and the Top 45 Habitat Affiliates across the nation meet each year to discuss innovative and strategic measures that are working in local communities to address the affordable housing crisis.

The Top 45 Affiliates are chosen each year, among more than 1,000 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the U.S., based on each affiliate’s new home production. For the third consecutive year, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity has been chosen as one of these top affiliate organizations.

At their recent annual meeting in Clearwater, Florida, Habitat for Humanity International President and CEO Jonathan Reckford thanked the group for their leadership and innovation, noting that never before has the Habitat for Humanity movement and mission been more important.

“Knoxville Habitat for Humanity is honored to once again be a part of these important discussions,” said Knoxville Habitat President and CEO Kelle Shultz. “I’m happy to not only have shared the successes we’ve had building affordable homes in Knox County, but I also bring back more ideas to allow us to serve even more families than before.”

Knoxville Habitat is currently completing infrastructure development of Ellen’s Glen, a new neighborhood which will begin construction early this year.

 

*Source: Freddie Mac House Price Index