Watauga County Habitat for Humanity

In the world we live in, there are people struggling to get a roof over their head. The Habitat for Humanity tries to alleviate this issue. But, they face problems of their own – being unable to help everyone that needs it.

“It’s tough knowing we cannot meet the needs for everyone in this community,” Allison Jennings, Director of Development for the Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, said. “When we open up for applications, we get many more than house we are able to build. That is the hardest thing for me, and it’s because of funding.”

If they had more funding, she believes they could hire part-time employees who can handle home repairs that people need.

“We have a home repair program called, ‘A Brush with Kindness,’” Jennings said. “If a house needs repair, like painting, we offer to help. Generous support of the North Carolina Community Foundation, and Blood, Sweat and Gears have helped tremendously. They’ve provided us with the resources to really launch the repair program. It gives us a chance to partner with people who already own a home, but need an uplift.”

While the home repair program is new for the Habitat for Humanity, it is not what defines the organization. Take a moment and consider what comes to your mind when you picture them: building homes for those who need it.

Nestled in Northwest North Carolina, Watauga County has many families in need. During a 2 month period, Jennings said they receive countless applications from people in need for a home.

Jennings said it costs $120,000 to build a typical home. They currently do not have the ability to double that in one year, forcing them to limit it to one house, and family, at a time.

“Because our funding is so low, we cannot accept more than one family,” she said. “We have goals of accepting two to three projects a year. That’s the greatest feeling in the world, to call that family and let them know we’re going to start building their house next month.”

There are two major requirements for an application into the home buying program. The first being the ability to pay a zero interest mortgage. “Sweat equity”, as Jennings called it, is what the families must be willing to put in during construction.

After the two month application process, the Family Selection Committee reviews them and begins the interview process. Due to North Carolina Mortgage Lending Laws, any family not accepted into the program, must reapply every year, with hopes of acceptance.

For the family that it chosen the fun really begins. Families are asked to put in 250 hours of sweat equity into the building process. You could say they are actually putting in the blood, sweat, and tears into their home.

“It usually takes us 9 months to build a house,” Jennings said. “We work two days a week, weather permitting, with all volunteers. At the end of the 9 month period, the family is able to own a home for the first time ever. “

Proposed layout for GreenWood Community housing.

The most recent family, the Bradshaws, will move into their home this fall, shortly after the school year begins. Jennings said living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, they wouldn’t have adequate heat where they live now. It also offers them a sense of security.

“The kids will be able to walk to school, because we have our own Habitat neighborhood near the [Green Valley Elementary School], which is pre-K to eighth grade,” she said. “For 10 years, parents will know where their kids are going to school every day. They’ll be able to walk to school, and we have a good relationship with them.”

The HFH community, called GreenWood Neighborhood, is seeing the finishing touches on the fifth house. The belief is the property can fully hold 20-22 homes. Jennings said they’re ready to get onto the next one.

As far as the interior of the house goes, it is up to the family to furnish it. However, Jennings stated the community continually comes together to help when a family moves into their home. One gentleman worked for a furniture company, and has furnished several homes as a gift. Mast General Store gives a gift for the kitchen, at every house opening.

Appalachian State University, Chancellor Sheri Everts gave a gift basket at the most recent dedication, which happened in June, Jennings said.

“The community often comes together to help with any need the homeowner may have,” she said. “We want homeowners to have a good start in owning a home. We want them to be able to own the home and be able to get started off right.”

While talking with her, you can sense Ms. Jennings is always concerned about funding, but she remains positive about the future. One story she shares, explains why she does it.

Allison Jennings, Director of Development

"At the end of the 9 month period, the family is able to own a home for the first time ever. “ - Jennings

Eating at a restaurant she frequents, Jennings became friends with one of the waitresses.

The waitress, Laure, noticed a Habitat for Humanity sticker Jennings was wearing, telling her that it was the first home she lived in when she moved to the United States.

Escaping from Rwanda, during the genocide, Laure’s mother, who was pregnant with her, three aunts and grandfather got in touch with the HFH in Tennessee. That would be the home Laure grew up in.

While one may think, she would be the first to go to college, Jennings stated that wasn’t the case. Laure told her that her aunts went to, Duke University, Wake Forest University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. If it wasn’t for Habitat for Humanity, Jennings was told, they wouldn’t have been given that opportunity.

“That’s what keeps me going,” she said. “When I sit and meet someone and really start digging and talking, it’s amazing how many people have been affected by us and what it’s done to stop generational poverty and bring people out of a really bad situation.”

Interior of the Watauga County ReStore

Moments like that, are what keep the entire staff going; on a mission to find ways to increase funding. Outside of fundraisers, there is the HFH ReStore, which sells furniture and other products donated by the community.

Jennings said all people have to do is call if they have household goods or appliances, they wish to donate.. Someone from the ReStore will gladly come and pick them up. Anything sold goes directly to funding their mission of building houses, and your basic maintenance costs.

While the Watauga County Habitat for Humanity’s focus is the community it resides in, they do look outside of their area. Jennings said they will send a tithe to a different country every year, making sure it’s enough to build a house.

Our focus is here in Watauga County, but we do realize our commitment to the greater world,” Jennings said. “Honestly, living in these times, we firmly believe and stick to the commitment that everyone should have a safe, and decent, place to live. That’s really what we’re all about.”

If anyone wishes to help the Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, Jennings said anyone is welcome to volunteer, or make a monetary donation.