Newsletter
winter 2007
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity dedicates 300th home
A home built by love
John Smartt wanted to do something special for his parents, John and Harriet Smartt, for their 60th wedding anniversary in 2003. He thought back to 2001 when he had volunteered to help build a Habitat house in California, in celebration of his client’s 50th wedding anniversary. He thought it was a good idea and something his parents would enjoy. John approached them with the idea more than one year before the big event.
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity’s milestone 300th home is located in the Lonsdale community.
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity (KHFH) dedicated its 300th home in Knox County on Sunday, Jan. 28. The house was built in partnership with Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. The homeowners are Letha Smith, Keith Hill, and Letha’s nephew Sabian Smith. The house is in the Lonsdale community. Mayor Haslam began the ceremony with a congratulations to the new home owners. Keith Hill spoke on behalf of his family and thanked everyone at Cedar Springs and Habitat for the hard work and dedication put into the building of their home. Hill said he has his tool belt ready and waiting for the construction of the Habitat house that will be built in March on the lot next to their home. Several of the family’s friends, Cedar Springs
(L to R) Homeowners Keith Hill and Letha Smith talk with Mayor Haslam after the dedication ceremony of their new home.
members, and KHFH staff attended the ceremony, as well as the pastor from Lomax Temple AME Zion, who allowed volunteers to use the church’s parking lot during the home’s construction. The 300th home completion is a major milestone for KHFH. There are 1,700 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the United States that build homes for families in need. KHFH has always been ranked as a high producing affiliate; however, this accomplishment is even more outstanding because there are only 12 affiliates in the country that have built more homes. Thank you Knoxville for your belief in the work we are doing and for showing we do care about our neighbors in need.
(Front row, 3rd from Right) Hariett and John Smartt, Sr. gather with family and friends to build a Habitat house in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary. Their son John is standing behind them.
His parents agreed to the build and the planning began. Invitations were sent to 950 people requesting that one of four things be done to honor the couple: build, supervise, celebrate or contribute. The responses to the invitation was more than they had expected. Over $25,000 in contributions were received, 20-40 workers were at the build site the first day and 15-25 for the other days of the build. In addition, 300 people attended a celebration meal at the Smartt’s church on the fourth day of the build. With participation and help from family and friends, the build was a success. It was a great way for everyone to come together to celebrate the couples’ anniversary while making a difference in the community. John said, “We are glad we did this. We would do it again.” If you are interested in a celebration build call Jenny McClure at 523-3539 x 113.
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Conversations with Kelle
2006-2007 Board of Directors President Richard Isaac President Elect Joe Petre Treasurer Karl Caughman Secretary Carol Eimers Past President Marty Brown Beth Anderson Ginger Baxter Mike Bolin Dr. Steven Brewington David Collins Ben Davidson Toni Duval Jan Evridge Linda Burton Francisco Marvin House Tina Lobins Greg McMillan Carol Petersen Donald Peterson Jim Piercey Dean Skadberg Frank Shanklin Traci Smith Danni Varlan Mariane Whittemore Senator Jamie Woodson Advisory Board Reverand Bill Barron Carol Evans Jim Frederick Dee Haslam Jeff Lee Joe Ledford Katherine Lewis Judy Luttrell David Martin Bill McKissick Sis Mitchell Alvin Nance Tom Pannell Kathy Parks Frank Rothermel David Sharp John Smartt, Jr. Chad Tindell Holly Warlick Bill West
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You can make a difference!
When I speak with people in our community some are surprised to learn that there are many ways, in addition to picking up a hammer, to support our mission. In this newsletter, some different channels of giving are highlighted and will hopefully serve as an inspiration for you. Volunteers and donors are a crucial part of our organization and without them our mission would not be possible. Volunteers work with our orgaKelle Shultz - Executive Director nization in various capacities. They volunteer at Knoxville Habitat for Humanity the Thrift Store, help with administrative duties at our office and teach an assortment of homeowner classes. Construction volunteers commit to work every Tuesday and Thursday or Saturday on an array of important tasks in our warehouse and at the home build sites. Volunteers also provide the leadership for this organization by serving on the Board of Directors or Advisory Board. In addition to volunteers, we are always in need of funding for the building of homes. Currently we are in the midst of raising funds for this year to match the Covenant Partners contribution for the 100 Homes of Hope campaign started last year. This is a three year goal championed by Ginger and Bill Baxter to provide housing for low-income families in Knox County. Our fundraising goal for this year is $925,000 and we are looking to you to help us. We need your support to meet our building commitments. A Covenant Partner in the 100 Homes of Hope campaign made a pledge to contribute approximately half the cost of building a house and all the volunteers for a 10 week Saturday building schedule. That sponsorship donation has not changed, but we did not anticipate Katrina and Rita. With these unforeseen disasters, our building costs have escalated and it just costs more to build a Habitat for Humanity home! Simply put, we need more money to buy construction materials. We are truly grateful for all of you that are committed to our mission in time and money, but there is much more work to be done. We need you! I am asking you to help us build for a neighbor in need and make a difference in our community. Join Knoxville Habitat for Humanity as a volunteer or donor as we make the dream of homeownership a reality for some hardworking families this year.
I have tried raising money by asking for it and by not asking for it. I always got more by asking for it.
Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity
Blitz builds excitement
Seven houses will be built in October Woods, the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity subdivision off Rutledge Pike in northeast Knox County, during the week of April 14-21. The last multiple house blitz completed by KHFH was over six years ago in September 2000 when 20 houses where built in the Easton Meadow subdivision. As a kick-off for the blitz, the seven partner families gathered together Feb. 8 for a dinner organized by the Family Partnership Committee. The dinner was planned to help the families to get to know one another and to establish a feeling of community with their new neighbors. Planning and organizing is well underway for the blitz. There will be many components working together to make it a success. Nine Covenant Partners are funding the houses and hundreds of volunteers will provide the labor. On the first Saturday of the blitz it is estimated that 600 volunteers could be present at the site. In addition to working on the houses, volunteers will also work in food, safety, and parking. Lunch and snacks will be provided for volunteers at the build site. We are currently looking for food donations. If you would like to donate food for blitz volunteers, call Jenny Kitts at 523-3539 x 114. When the blitz is complete seven thrilled families will be given the keys to a home they can call their very own!
Decorating cookies helps blitz partner families to get to know one another at the dinner held Feb. 8.
We are saddened by the loss of one of our dedicated Tuesday/Thursday volunteers. Roy Perkey, age 87, passed away Jan. 24. Roy volunteered in our warehouse for over two years. He also volunteered at several other ministries in the area and was an active member of First Baptist Powell. He will be missed.
In memory
thrift store
The Thrift Store will pick-up donations that you are unable to bring to the store. Pick-ups are scheduled by zip code. Mon./Tues./Fri. are West Knoxville, Wed. is East and South Knoxville, and Thurs. is North Knoxville. For pick-ups call 521-4909. Thrift Store AmeriCorp member Abigail Hampton is the new mom of a baby boy named Cy Warren. Cy was born Jan. 24.
Pick-up schedule
Congratulations
Partner families, who are part of the seven house blitz, enjoy decorating and eating cookies at the homeowner party Feb 8.
Volunteer receives grant for budget class
Craig Beyerle, KHFH volunteer budget tutor, has been awarded a national grant through the MetLife Foundation’s Volunteer Ventures Program. Beyerle, who is a financial services representative at MetLife, applied for the $1,000 grant in order to reprint the ledger notebooks he uses to teach his weekly homeowner budget class. If you are interested in becoming a budget tutor call Diana Wolfram at 523-3539 x101.
Craig Beyerle presents to Kelle Shultz a grant check he received from the MetLife Foundation. Also pictured is Steve Chancey, president of the West Knoxville Rotary Club.
Thrift Store employees and volunteers spread Christmas cheer when Santa and his elves came to the store on Dec. 19 and 20.
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2005-2006 Annual report
Statement of Activities
For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005
2006 Support
2006 $835,625 $763,975 $104,504 $147,531 $179,723 $2,742 $1,190,103 $34,381 $246,958 $3,505,542 $2,190,316 $117,452 $401,199 $2,708,967 2005 $175,000 $549,288 $150,034 $115,307 $126,939 -$1,123,225 $19,969 $222,748 $2,482,510 $2,136,379 $122,388 $376,749 $2,635,516
Program Services (81%) Management and General (15%) Other Income (9%) Thrift Store (7%) Special Events (5%) Grants (41%)
Support Grants Contributions Special Events (Net) Thrift Store (Net) Other Income Revenue Gain on Sale of Assets Transfer to Homeowners Income from Second Mortgages Mortgage Loan Discount Amortization Total Support & Revenue Expenses Program Services Fundraising Management and General Total Expenses
Contributions (38%)
2006 Expenses
Fundraising (4%)
Partner Family Information
Income
Ave annual household income: $21,378 Median household income: $20,623 High: $33,995 (<70% AMI) Low: $13,520 (~30% AMI)
Family Demographics
Families Served: 21 Family Members: 77 Children under age 6: 12 Children ages 6-18: 32
Average number per household: 3.7
70 families took part in the following classes:
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HUG (Habitat Urban Gardens): seven four-hour classes (28 hours) Realizing the American Dream: three eight-hour classes (24 hours) Making Your Money Work: four nine-hour classes (36 hours) Construction: two ten-hour classes (20 hours) Good Neighbor: one six-hour class (6 hours) Heart and Soul Interiors: six three-hour classes (18 hours) Preclose: three 1 ½-hour classes (4.5 hours) Special Classes: two three-hour classes (6 hours) Fi$cal Therapy Forum: five one-hour classes (240 hours) Total hours offered: 382.5 an average of 7.65 hours per week
Volunteers Number of volunteers: 1,773 Number of collective volunteer hours: 7,092
2005-2006 Covenant Partners
200,000th House - Habitat for Humanity International Home Federal Bank UT TOMBA Lawler Wood BB&T Westminster Presbyterian Church Emerson Process Management Rohm and Haas Knoxville Plant United Steel Workers, Local 90 Coldwell Bankers Wallace and Wallace Realtors Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors Christian Academy of Knoxville Christian Unity Build First Tennessee Bank UT Housing TVA Radio Systems The Harley Dunbar Memorial House Home Federal Merit Construction South College Johnson Architecture The Wakefield Corporation Shoffner Mechanical Atlas Electric St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church Kimberly Clark Whirlpool Women Build Knoxville Bar Association Cokesbury United Methodist Church The Sunrise Foundation Mesa Associates Pilot Corporation After God’s Heart
Covenant Partnership is a commitment to contribute approximately half the cost of building a house and all the volunteers for a ten week building schedule. We are always in need of organizations and companies to sponsor the building of homes. Lives are being changed and communities are being rebuilt because of the generosity of groups and individuals in our community. Please call Jenny McClure at 523-3539 x 113 for more information.
2005-2006 Partner Families
Tonya Harper & Koffi Kouassi Juanita Matthews Sandra Williams Jean Monroe Calvin & Angela Parr Wanda Curry Susan Clark Sheree Hamker Randy Guinn Chris & Nicole Cannon Rhyesa Tate Koya Bonioma Kheira Chehbeur Tracy Branner Ricky & Martha Verran Carolyn England Marvin & Tiffanie Matthews Pamela Rollins Kateena Davis Jennie Clemons Aurora & Ryan Prophet Lakenya Rodgers Amy Turner
KHFH partner family Tonya Harper and Koffi Kouassi, Habitat International’s 200,000th homeowners.
“It’s a dream of ours to have a house for our children. A place we can truly call home.”
-Tonya Harper, Habitat homeowner
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ways of Giving
Increase your generosity benefits
You can receive greater tax benefits through charitable giving of appreciated stock instead of making a cash or check donation. Many donors take advantage of this method by donating stock that was purchased at a lower price and has appreciated to a higher level. By donating appreciated stock, the contributor is able to use the deduction on his or her income tax return. This type of donation does take extra planning but will be a tax benefit to the donor. It may take some time to complete the transaction so you should plan accordingly, especially if it is near the end of the year and you would like to make your donation before the new year. Many equity markets are at all time highs making it a great time to use this strategy. If you are interested in donating appreciated stock to Knoxville Habitat for Humanity call Jenny Kitts at 523-3539 x 114.
How you can help in 2007
Donate
Every penny you give will go toward helping families in our community. If you would like to donate, you can use the form on the back of this newsletter.
Vehicle Donation
Your car donation can help a family build a house and the hope of a better life. Donate a car, truck, boat, RV or other vehicle to Habitat’s Cars for Homes vehicle donation program by calling 1-877-277-4344 or visit www.carsforhomes.org. You will need to specify that you would like to make the donation to Knoxville Habitat for Humanity.
Charity can help teach children
Child and teen spending is at an all time high. Billions of dollars a year are spent on junk food, clothing and toys. Some parents have growing concerns that their children will fail to learn the value of money, leading to financial problems later in their lives. Marketers are increasingly targeting teens and children to purchase their products leading to a bigger challenge for parents. There are several ways to help children gain a sense of social responsibility while teaching them the value of a dollar. One way is by assisting children in gathering outgrown clothing or toys to give to a local charity. Make it an event by taking the unneeded items to the charity together. It is important to let the child know that someone else will be able to use the items that they no longer need. The Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store would be happy to accept your donations. Encouraging children to save a portion of their allowance or earnings for a charity donation will also show them the importance of giving back to the community. Research conducted by American Express found that 62% of teens donate some of their own money to charity. If you would like a house bank for your child to help save for charity, e-mail your name and address to Andrea Jenkins at ajenkins@khfh. com.
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Family Services
• We are currently looking for volunteers who know how to power wash siding or want to learn how, and want to work with homeowners doing the same. • We need copies of “Ask the Family Handyman,” a home repair and improvement book published by Reader’s Digest in 1999, for our homeowner maintenance classes. Conact Diana Wolfram at 523-3539 x 101 if you can help. Knoxville Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store Shop at or donate to the Thrift Store. The Thrift Store has building materials and supplies, home remodeling items, furniture, housewares, clothing, electronics, books, appliances, linens and many other items. Call 521-4909 to donate.
Volunteer
There are many ways to volunteer with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. Find out more information and sign up to volunteer by visiting the volunteer page at www.knoxvillehabitatforhumanity.com or e-mail Trudy Akers at vol4hab@khfh.com.
You can help families in our community!
special Gifts
In MeMory of:
George Anderson Given by: Anne Carden Willbanks Gordon Bradford Given by: Michael & Barbara White Fred Young Mrs. Mary Jane Dewender Given by: Mary Nelle Robbins Siby Donahue Given by: Jane Longmire Giesler Charles Thomas Harvey’s 65th Birthday Given by: Nancy Ray Hyla Sue Turner Horne Given by: Kelle R. Shultz Dottie Willingham otto C. Koopp Given by: Helen S. Kopp James newman Given by: D.K. Speer Dorothy Wiles Given by: Teresa Levey Tim & Pearl Williams Given by: Gerry M. Williams A.f. Vanergriff Given by: Patricia A. & Jerry B. Wrinkle Tina Lobin’s Birthday Given by: Eric Soslowitz Zoe & Mason Messer Given by: Sarah Sheppeard Henry Miller Given by: Thomas E Dudney Joel & Linda Morris Given by: Karen Griffiths 50th Wedding Anniversary Mary Stuart & John neely Given by: Wm. Loch Neely Emily T. & Sam T. Tinsley Richard R. & Jean VanSickle Scott o’Barr Given by: Robert & Rebecca Lockey Mary Jane reeder Given by: Becky R. VanWie Mrs. Marlene Udell Given by: Bill & Eileen Rudd Mr. & Mrs. Lester J Vohns Given by: Nancy M. Rodgers The yeager family Given by: Linda L. Green
In Honor of:
Jane & Pat Armstrong Given by: Carolyn Newman The Barbers Given by: John & Harriet Smartt Mr. & Mrs. Lindsay W. Butler III Given by: John & Sandra Butler Mr. & Mrs. robert Butler Given by: John & Sandra Butler Jennings Cline Given by: David R. & Charlene B. Read Arvilee & Helen Grant Given by: John & Harriet Smartt The Knight family Given by: Linda L. Green
thank You
• Mobile Minis, Inc., portable storage containers • OWL Roofing, roof repairs • Perma Ceram of Knoxville & Tri-Cities, bathtub repair • PODS, portable storage containers • Radio Systems/ Pet Safe, radio fences and pet doors • Walker Printing, printing of newsletter Warehouse door project • Able Lock & Key, door locks and keys • M&W Architectural Products, door accessories • Merit Construction Company, labor to install door • W.S. Trimble, discount on door and frame Thrift Store The members of the University of Tennessee chapter of Alpha Tau Omega volunteered at the Thrift Store on Jan. 5 and 8. They painted the bathroom, helped shelve donations and moved furniture.
New Home Dedications Jan. - Feb.
Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Homeowners Letha Smith and Keith Hill Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church Central Baptist Church of Bearden Homeowners Luther and Penny Henderson
Future homeowner Vicki Jones (3rd from Left) and family members celebrate on Jan. 12 at TVA’s ground breaking ceremony for her home that will be located in the October Woods subdivision.
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NoN-profit orgaNizatioN U.S. poStage
P Box 27478 .O. Knoxville, TN 37927 www.knoxvillehabitatforhumanity.com
KNoxville, tN permit No. 552
paiD
retUrN ServiCe reQUeSteD
2209 N. Central
We are always in need of good quality items to sell in the Thrift Store. Your donations will help us to achieve our mission of providing decent, affordable housing for those in need. We have “great stuff at a great price for a great cause,” everything from building materials to clothes to housewares. Shop for what you need, while helping those in need. Store hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
for pick ups call: (865)521-4909
yes, I believe everyone deserves a decent place to live. Please use my gift to help build affordable homes for working, low income families in Knoxville!
Enclosed is my gift of:
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$40
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Print name on card:
Email:
Please clip this form and send along with your tax deductible gift to (check or credit card only): Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 27478, Knoxville, TN 37927