There is no debate that affordable housing is a major issue affecting millions of Americans. In Cookeville, we have also seen a significant rise in housing costs as well as a massive leap in interest rates. 

For more than 28 years, the Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity affiliate has made it their mission to serve families and individuals in need of affordable housing. With more than 90 houses built to date, UC Habitat has championed families who need a bit of extra help to acquire an affordable mortgage. 

“We look for applicants who have a need for better housing, are in unsafe living conditions, an overcrowded living situation or whose cost of living exceeds 30% of their income,” said Habitat’s Director of Homeowner Services, Lanette Hill. 

Applicants don’t simply fill out an application and move into a new home. “Our homeowners have to go through a financial peace program, have the ability to pay for their mortgage every month, not have high debts and pay their property taxes every year,” said Allison Smith, the Director of Development at Habitat.  

Stephanie Hawkins and her three daughters are the latest buyers of a Habitat home in Cookeville. The mother of three has worked hard to provide for her daughters while always juggling mutliple jobs. 

The high interest rates and other factors have made it difficult for her to qualify for a loan. Although she has applied for a Habitat home several times over the years, her hopes to move her children into a home became a reality in 2020 once she met the criteria for a qualified applicant.

“We have always lived in an apartment and the crime started to get very bad and I wanted to get my girls out of there,” said Stephanie. 

When she got the call that she qualified for Habitat’s Home Ownership Program in January of 2021, it was an answer to her prayers. “We were so excited when we got the call,” laughed Stephanie. “My girls screamed.”

Another factor that brings the labor costs of building a Habitat home down is community volunteers and donors.

Countless volunteers broke ground on Stephanie’s house in October of 2021 and she was overwhelmed with the amount of community members who showed up to lend a hand.

“I can’t even count how many people helped,” Stephanie said. “Church members, friends and all of my family members helped build the home which makes it that much more special.”

In September of 2022, Stephanie received the keys to her brand new Habitat home, built with love and hope.

“This was the first Christmas where my girls have ever lived in a home,” said Stephanie. “The first time they were able to get up on Christmas morning and be as loud as they wanted to be without getting complaints from apartment neighbors.”

Habitat for Humanity hosts several fundraising opportunites each year including a 5K race, The Dreambuilders Luncheon, and their signature event, Cooking on the Square. More than $125,000 was raised at the 2022 Cooking on the Square.

Another driver for fundraising is the new location for Habitat’s ReStore on Jefferson Ave. which has the poential to raise funds for three houses in 2023.

On top of their work building affordable housing for hopeful homowners, Habitat for Humanity also has a senior repair project called Aging in Place.

“Our goal is for senior citizens to remain in their homes as long as they possibly can,” said Allison.

When a senior homeowner qualifies for the program, Habitat can make repairs or accessibilty modifications to their home. For example, Habitat has completed roofing, HVAC and wheelchair ramps for qualified applicants.

There is no doubt that Habitat has afforded many people in Putnam and Overton County the ability to have a brighter future.

“Habitat has blessed my family,” said Stephanie. “I am proud of the work I’ve done to qualify so my girls and I have a house that is built with love and from God.”

To donate to the Aging in Place Program or Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity or for volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.uchabitat.org.

– written by Chelsea Dartez, photos by Emily Armstrong