On Tuesday, December 19th, CCHFH supporters, family, and friends facing the bitter winds of winter, were warmed by the heartfelt gratitude of a new partner family. As the sun peeked over the horizon, onlookers witnessed a milestone in our mission to build a community where everyone has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing – the momentous groundbreaking ceremony for our 160th home and safe haven for the Mallory family.

Meet Tanisha Mallory, a woman whose grit and resilience shine brightly. Working in the field of food nutrition, she nourishes not just bodies, but dreams. Beside her, beamed her daughter, a bright-eyed elementary school student with her fiery heart set on becoming a choreographer. Their journey, however, hasn't always been easy. In 2021, their hopes for homeownership were met with a hurdle – a denial that could have dampened their dreams. But Tanisha persisted and with unwavering determination, she faced the challenge head-on, making necessary changes and demonstrating a tenacity that spoke volumes about her desire to build a better future for herself and her daughter.

And two years later, she and her daughter stood, shovels poised and filled to the brim with thankfulness, ready to break ground on their future. Witnessing the Mallory family, looking toward the future, was a testament to the transformative power of a safe and stable home.

Gratitude, however, isn't a solitary sentiment. Tanisha (center), on the brink of tears, noted that this milestone would not have happened without the support of partners like the City of Anniston and its distribution of HOME funds to build affordable housing in partnership with agencies like CCHFH and surrounding cities. Executive Director Amanda Pinson (right) also offered a special word of thanks to the Howell family, whose generous land donation provided the foundation for this dream and will shape a brighter future for the Mallory family for generations to come.

Every brick laid, every roof raised, will be a collective effort – a symphony of compassion, dedication, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a decent place to call home. So, as we celebrate the Mallory family's groundbreaking, let it be a reminder that hope, nurtured by the support of our community, can blossom into beautiful realities.

The Mallory family's story is a testament to the power of believing in second chances, in the indomitable human spirit, and in the power of communities coming together.

Do you want to help this family build their future and their home? Learn about becoming a volunteer .