Stories

In the heart of challenges, Edna Thomas found the strength to rewrite her story and build a future filled with hope and home. As Habitat for Humanity, we witnessed Edna's inspiring journey unfold, a tale of resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of dreams.

Facing the aftermath of a recent divorce, Edna grappled with the weight of financial strain and the daunting task of repairing her credit. More than half of her paycheck vanished into the demands of rent, leaving little room for the dreams she held dear – particularly, the dream of becoming a homeowner.

The turning point came when Edna stumbled upon an ad in the local paper for Habitat for Humanity. In 2022, she took the brave step of joining our program, where she found not just a pathway to homeownership but a community that believed in her dreams as much as she did.

Determined and undeterred, Edna dedicated herself to the Habitat program. Through hard work, perseverance, and collaboration with our volunteers, she became a symbol of the incredible strength that resides within each individual.

As the seasons changed, so did Edna's life. In November of 2023, her dream of homeownership became a reality. With keys in hand, she stepped into a new chapter of her life, a homeowner through the Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Program.

For Edna's daughter, this new home was a canvas waiting to be filled with the warmth of their love and the joy of shared memories. The dream of decorating their own house for Christmas, once a whimsical idea, became a beautiful reality.

Edna Thomas's journey reflects the heart of Habitat for Humanity's mission – to empower individuals to overcome challenges and build a foundation for a brighter future. Her story is an inspiration, reminding us all that, through dedication and community support, dreams can indeed come true. As Habitat for Humanity, we celebrate Edna's triumph and eagerly anticipate more stories of hope and home in the making.

Today, amidst tears of joy and hearts overflowing with gratitude, we witnessed an extraordinary milestone unfold. Habitat proudly hosted its very first home dedication in our vibrant new neighborhood. This moment marks the culmination of countless dreams, unwavering dedication, and an incredible community coming together to build a brighter future.

In this humble abode, walls now whisper tales of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit. Each brick laid and every nail driven served as a testament to the power of unity and compassion. As we gather here, we honor the unwavering belief that every person deserves a safe and stable place to call home.

This joyous occasion reminds us that our shared efforts extend far beyond constructing physical structures; we are creating a sanctuary where families can thrive, children can laugh, and dreams can take flight. It's a testament to the fact that a single act of kindness can ripple through generations, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of humanity.

To the incredible community who rallied together, embracing the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, thank you. Your unwavering support, unwavering hope, and unwavering love have transformed this neighborhood into a sanctuary of belonging and warmth.

As we celebrate this monumental achievement, let us remember that the work has only just begun. Let us continue to lend our hearts, hands, and voices to uplift those in need, knowing that the impact we create today will shape countless tomorrows.

Join us as we embark on this incredible journey, weaving stories of compassion, strength, and resilience into the very fabric of our community. Together, we will continue building homes, building lives, and building a world where everyone can experience the joy of calling a place their own.

A special thank you to Black Tie Floral Design & Events, LLC for the beautiful wreath you provided for this family and their new home.

The Dup Family

For our partner family, Gok Dup and Nahyok Yam, adjusting one’s mindset is what keeps them grounded in their faith. This Sumner  county family of 8, have experienced many trials during their 15-year marriage and rely on their faith in God to provide them with the positive mindset they both have. Born in South Sudan, they met in Egypt in 2001, where they dreamed of raising a  family in the United States. In 2005 they married in India where they raised their two oldest daughters, Yiedul and Buk. In 2008 their prayers were answered when Gok was given the opportunity to fulfil the family’s dream of moving to the US, however this journey had to be done alone. After raising Yiedul and Buk by herself, Nahyok and her daughters joyfully came to the US in 2011 joining their dad in Davidson County. 

While living in Davidson county, Gok helped a close friend build a Habitat for Humanity Home and was encouraged to apply for his family. However, the dream of owning their own home was put on hold when their third daughter, Begao was diagnosed with leukemia.  Mounting medical bills and increasing rent in Davidson County, created the need to move to Gallatin, TN in 2018. While settling into Sumner County, they received the greatest blessing, when Begao was found to be in remission. 

Grateful for the return to good health of their daughter, Gok and Nahyok began to seek help for their youngest, a boy, Kuedel. Last year, the Dup family was told that their son Kuedel has Autism. He is  now receiving multiple therapies, but with school being an uncertainty, the concern of regression grieves Gok and Nahyok. 

April of this year, Nahyok, an essential frontline worker, was one of the multiple COVID cases at the Tyson Chicken plant in Goodlettsville. When asked about the diagnosis, Nahyok responded that she is “grateful to return to full health and [that their unborn  baby] is healthy too”. 

Carol Sue

Habitat for Humanity of Sumner county gave me the opportunity to build a place I now call home. I built my own home alongside volunteers and I pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat has given me the strength, stability and independence to build a better life for myself and my children.

Change starts right here in our own community. Everyone needs a foundation to build a future. Every home is a building block. Every home improvement gives children a better chance for a stronger future. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about the volunteers who helped build my home. They came in rain and in triple digit temps! They came with smiles on their faces. My house is not just my house, but a house filled with hundreds of hands. We will forever be connected.

Thank you Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County for helping my family build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

Willie Brown

Willie Brown (J.R.), a 70 year old Veteran born and raised in Nashville, moved into his forever home in Gallatin TN 8 years ago. A lover of everything music, he meets friends on Monday nights at his house to play Jazz, Blues and a little bit of Rock & Roll. “Music is food for the soul” says Willie.

With a bucket and broom holding the ceiling up, several tarps covering the roof to protect from rain, Willie doesn’t know if his roof can endure the spring showers. As a 30 year diabetic, Willie has struggled to get around after a bad foot infection. With continued spa therapy Willie continues to improve his mobility.

When asked what it would mean for Habitat for Humanity of Sumner County to come in and help repair some of the damage he said “It would give me some peace of mind, knowing that my roof may not fall in while I’m sleeping."