This past weekend, Teachers Unlimited, a group of dedicated teachers who wanted to make a difference not just in the classroom, but on the worksite, joined the inspiring Women Build fundraising and build event. Led by Calhoun Cleburne Habitat for Humanity Board Member, Joy Wright, these selfless educators traded textbooks for hammers to lend their skills to constructing safe and affordable housing for the recipients of these two homes. "I am delighted to support Calhoun Cleburne Habitat for Humanity, both as a community member and board member," Wright shared. "Our mission to build homes, communities, and hope is a wonderful goal." Their hard work and enthusiasm will not only help two families in need of safe, decent and affordable housing, but also showcases the incredible strength and diverse talents of women in our community. These homes are being built in partnership with Alabama Associations of Habitat for Humanity Affiliates through their allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Thanks and their support for Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout Alabama, we are able to continue our mission and provide improve the quality of life for families in our community.

Calhoun Cleburne Habitat for Humanity swung into action this past weekend, kicking off our exciting Women Build initiative with a symbolic wall raising. This new build and fundraising event carries the weight of not just one, but two dreams – those of the Allen and Davis families, who will soon call this quiet community home. The wall raising ceremony marks a crucial milestone in the construction journey. It is a powerful symbol of progress, signifying the transition from a foundation of hope to a tangible structure that will soon become a home and for the Allen and Davis families. As the walls rose, the significance of what such a life-changing journey this will be for these families became clear-- a future bright with stability and security. More than just bricks and mortar, this home represents a sanctuary for their children to grow and a place where their dreams can flourish. Let's raise the walls of hope together! Visit the here for more information on how to get involved and be a part of something truly special.

On May 2nd, CCHFH had the pleasure of breaking ground on two homes for the Allen and Davis families-- marking the exciting launch of our inaugural Women Build initiative to empower women to not only donate to our mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing, but to actively build homes alongside the families. The groundbreaking ceremony was a beautiful display of community spirit and a palpable reminder of our commitment to building a brighter future. Joined by their family and friends, both families expressed their gratitude for making their dream a reality. TaZsaya Allen, one of the two partner families who was approved as a recipient a Women Build home, stated, "I'm thankful for this program and how it will break generational curses that will change my life and my children's lives for generations to come", which is a testament to the longstanding impact affordable housing has on not just communities, but the lives of community members. For the Allen and Davis families, this groundbreaking ceremony was not just about turning over dirt; it was a tangible symbol of hope. It signified the start of a new chapter in their lives, a chapter filled with stability, security, and the joy of homeownership. Even though the groundbreaking over, the work is just beginning. Over the next few months, volunteers and sponsors will be hard at work hammering, painting, and so much more to change the lives of these families for generations to come. Together, let's build not just houses, but hope for the Allen and Davis families, and for our entire community!

What is Women Build? Women Build is a national movement spearheaded by Habitat for Humanity that empowers women from all walks of life to actively contribute to building safe and affordable housing for families in need through construction and fundraising efforts and CCHFH encourages you to join the movement. Women Build is more than just a construction project – it's a community effort. Women( and men ) who are looking to make a real difference, can support us five ways: Register a Team: Gather your friends, colleagues, or family members and form a team to contribute to the build and challenge each other to raise a minimum of $2000. Volunteer as an Individual: Even if you don't have a team, you can still lend a hand on the worksite and raise a minimum of $250 to support the project. Donate: Can't join us on the worksite, but still want to show your support? Make a donation. Every contribution, big or small, brings two deserving families closer to their dream home. Sponsor a team or house: Empower the next generation of leaders by covering the full $2000 fundraising minimum so a team of eight 16 to 22 year olds can join build a better future for others. Spread the word: Share this with your family and friends to encourage them to join the movement! The kick-off Wall Raising event is June 8th, so register your team today.

We are delighted to honor Tarie Mallard and her son, Cornelius as they set off on their path to becoming homeowners. Tarie, a dedicated mother and security officer, displayed remarkable resilience when confronted with difficult situations. Despite encountering electrical issues, mold challenges, and escalating rent costs, she remained steadfast in her determination to create a safe and stable home for her son. With unyielding determination and commitment, Tarie pursued our Habitat for Humanity homeownership program. Her persistence and diligence bore fruit in September 2023 when her family were approved. Ever since, Tarie and Cornelius, along with their loved ones, have invested more than 100 hours of hard work to transform their vision into a tangible achievement. Today, they celebrated a monumental milestone: the groundbreaking ceremony for their future home. Witnessing this moment unfold, surrounded by loved ones, Habitat staff and Board president, Jake Matthews, and Robert Smith and his wife Kathryn, was a testament to the power of community and steadfast determination. Many thanks to Alabama Habitat for Humanity Affiliate Support Office and their distribution of ARPA funds and all of the supporters of the Robert Smith Square Foot Challenge. Through their efforts, we will be able to complete 20 projects over the next two years changing the lives of families in our community for generations to come. Join us in congratulating Tarie and her family as they take this exciting step towards a brighter future!

A heartfelt thank you to Grace Episcopal Church! Their unwavering support, including Father Wally's personal delivery of a $9,150 donation from their Lobsterfest proceeds, is truly inspiring. For 25 years, Grace Church has hosted this incredible event, raising over $200,000 to support our mission of building affordable homes. Their continued generosity will help us "Raise the Roof" for even more families in 2024 and beyond! Last year, with the help of Grace Church and supporters like you, we raised over $112,000. However, rising building costs mean there's more work to do. This year, our goal is $150,000, and we need your help to reach it! Join Grace Church and countless others in building a brighter future for families. Donate today: https://givebutter.com/CCHFHRaisetheRoof24 . Your support directly impacts lives. By donating, you help us provide stable, affordable housing for families in our community. Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. Let's work together to make that a reality.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, a formidable proponent for Civil Rights, recognized that racial justice also encompassed a highly disregarded justice for housing. And, in the nearly 60 years since his passing, sadly, Black Americans are still vying to experience "the real promises of democracy" through homeownership and economic freedom. The homeownership rate in the United States has been steadily increasing over the past decade, reaching 65.5% in 2021, up from 64.7% in 2011. However, a report released in March 2023 by the National Association of Realtors® revealed that the rate of Black homeownership has not kept pace with the growth seen in other racial groups. In fact, people of color endure significant buying challenges during and even after their home purchase, such as higher interest rates and redlining. With challenges still on the rise, we are committed more than ever to Dr. King's vision for everyone, regardless of race, to have access to "decent, safe, and sanitary housing"--a vision that has echoed deeply in our own mission for nearly 31 years. To honor Dr. King's life and legacy, Habitat supporters and volunteers gathered in Weaver, AL with the Mallory Family for our MLK Day of Service. Some 20 plus volunteers braved the cold to build the house frame and "raise the wall", a ceremonious event marking the beginning of construction of this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. Tanisha Mallory, who was approved in September, smiled from ear to ear seeing her dream become a reality. She and her daughter, Takiyah, are currently living in an overcrowded situation and are eagerly counting the days until they can have a place to call their own. Overcrowding, defined as more than two people living in the same bedroom or multiple families living in one residence, can have serious affects on mental health, stress levels, relationships, and sleep, but in a Habitat home, families experience enhanced academic success, improved health, increased financial independence, and a sense of stability and security that many families struggle to attain. So, on today, and everyday, we challenge you to consider the impact of genuine service and one of life's most pressing questions--" what are you doing for others?" Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) acknowledges systemic injustices which continually shape policies and practices that intentionally threaten access to affordable housing for Black Americans. Because of that, we are committed to advancing Black homeownership and we invite you to join us in amplifying both Dr. King's and HFHI's vision. Just like those volunteers who braved the cold, you,too, can make a difference: Donate : Every dollar fuels Habitat's mission, building more homes and transforming lives like Tanisha's. Volunteer : Donate your time and skills, no matter how big or small. Every hand adds a brick to the foundation of hope. Raise awareness : Spread the word about Habitat's work and the ongoing struggle for housing justice. Advocate : Speak up for equitable access to housing and challenge outdated policies that perpetuate disparities. To those who answered the call to make a difference, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Many thanks to the City of Anniston for their generous distribution of HOME funds, the Howell family for their support as land sponsors, and our breakfast sponsor Jack's in Lenlock. This day would not have been possible without you. What will you do to answer Dr. King's call for service? Help us build a community where every dream finds a home.

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 .

This Giving Tuesday we are honoring the living legacy of Robert Smith. No stranger to Habitat or hard work, Robert has committed himself to supporting our efforts for over two decades. From the worksite to the boardroom and everything in between, Robert has helped shape our affiliate into one of which we can be proud, so we are honoring him with a Square Foot Challenge. Robert has served in numerous capacities, including a Board member, the volunteer Executive Director, Partner Family support for several families during the Jimmy Carter Work Project, and as the Brush with Kindness Coordinator-- helping us complete over two dozen Brush with Kindness projects including leading the charge for rebuilding “Haley’s House”, a one-room structure that was destroyed during the deadly tornado in April 2021. The direct cost of a square foot in our program is $85 dollars, but every donation, no matter the size, helps make a difference. Here are some reasons why donating to the Square Foot Challenge is important : 1. It is a tangible way to help families achieve their dream of homeownership. 2. It helps to create strong communities. 3. It provides families with a safe and stable place to live. 4. It gives families the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their children. 5. It is a way to honor the living legacy of Robert Smith, a longtime supporter of CCHFH. Robert has selflessly laid the foundation for building brighter futures for families in need, so from Giving Tuesday until February 01, 2024, show him your support by donating here .