While middle Tennessee continues to grow, making affordable housing feel out of reach for many, Habitat for Humanity stands as a lighthouse, providing a pathway to homeownership for families and individuals across Wilson, Davidson, Dickson, Cheatham, and Robertson counties. By fostering partnerships with local organizations and volunteers, Habitat not only constructs homes but also builds a sense of community and belonging. Here’s an inside look at how Habitat for Humanity works for both recipients and volunteers.
Surprising Facts About Habitat for Humanity
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Homebuyer Participation: Future homeowners must contribute "sweat equity" by helping build their own homes or those of others. This requirement fosters a strong sense of ownership and community. Although Habitat homes are not free, homeowners purchase their homes at appraised value with a 0% APR mortgage loan.
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Focus on Sustainable Practices: Habitat for Humanity emphasizes sustainability by promoting eco-friendly building practices, such as energy-efficient designs, which create homes that are affordable and environmentally responsible.
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ReStore Impact: The proceeds from Habitat's ReStores fund local builds and offer a diverse range of items beyond just home improvement supplies. Shoppers can find unique treasures like vintage furniture and artwork. Additionally, the ReStore promotes environmental sustainability by diverting reusable materials from landfills.
For Prospective Homeowners
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville opens the door to homeownership through a structured process designed to empower and educate potential homeowners.
Application Process: Families and individuals apply during specific application windows, demonstrating their housing needs, ability to afford homeownership, and willingness to partner with Habitat.
Eligibility Criteria: Interested applicants can find detailed information about eligibility criteria on Habitat's website at habitatnashville.org/apply.
Home Construction: Once approved, future homeowners actively participate in building their homes alongside community sponsors and volunteers. This hands-on involvement fosters pride and ownership in their new homes.
Habitat Academy: Future homeowners attend classes on financial literacy, home maintenance, and other relevant topics, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful homeownership.
For Sponsors and Volunteers
The impact of Habitat for Humanity extends beyond the families it serves; it also offers meaningful opportunities for sponsors and volunteers to engage with their communities.
Opportunities for Build Site Sponsorship: Businesses, civic groups, churches, and individuals can sponsor the construction costs of homes in Wilson County. Two homes are set to be built in Fall 2025, with around 16 build days available for sponsorship. Each sponsorship day costs $8,750 and includes 20 volunteer slots, allowing sponsors to work directly alongside future homeowners in the building process.
Additional Opportunities to Help: Volunteers can contribute in various ways, from constructing homes on build sites to assisting in the Habitat ReStore, which sells donated new and gently used items at reduced prices. The proceeds from the ReStore support Habitat's community-building efforts.
Skill Development: Volunteers often learn valuable construction skills, teamwork, and project management while working alongside experienced builders and fellow volunteers, making each build day a rich learning experience.
Community Engagement: Volunteering with Habitat fosters a sense of community and connection as participants work towards a common goal—providing affordable homeownership opportunities for families and individuals.
Impact: Sponsors and volunteers witness the direct impact of their efforts as they help construct homes. Many have the opportunity to meet the families who will live in the homes they’ve built, creating meaningful relationships, lasting memories, and team-building experiences.
New ReStore Open in Lebanon
In a significant expansion of its mission, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville opened a new ReStore in Wilson County on July 16. Located at 200 Granville Drive in Lebanon, in the former Lebanon Outlet Mall, this new ReStore features 25,000 square feet of retail space dedicated to selling new and gently used household items, office supplies, and building materials at reduced prices.
This ReStore serves not only as a retail center but also as a donation hub, operating Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The proceeds from the ReStore directly support Habitat's affordable homeownership program while promoting environmental sustainability by diverting materials from landfills. With this initiative, Habitat for Humanity continues its mission to build homes, communities, and hope in Wilson County.
Holiday Donations
As the holiday season approaches, locals looking to declutter can easily donate to the ReStore.
ReStore Donations: Individuals can donate by calling 615-964-6599 or emailing restorewilson@habitatnashville.org. They can send photos of items they wish to donate and schedule a pickup. A complete list of accepted items can be found at habitatnashville.org/restore.
Monetary Donations: For those interested in making financial contributions, individuals and organizations can text-to-give by texting WilsonHabitat to 44321 or visiting habitatnashville.org/make-a-financial-gift.
Get Involved
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Wilson County ReStore is now open, featuring a selection of new and gently used items for sale. You can find it at 200 Granville Drive, just off Exit 238 on I-40. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more about the organization, Habitat for Humanity offers a unique opportunity to engage in community-building efforts that transform lives and neighborhoods. Join in and help build homes, communities, and hope for those in need.
Every nail and beam tells a story of hope, community, and the power of togetherness.