Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Many people take for granted the comfort of having a solid place to call home. For the Andrews family, reality hit hard in August 2012 when the couple lost their home, their possessions, and one of their beloved dogs in a devastating fire.

One week after the tragedy, LeRoy and Mary Andrews started picking up the pieces by contacting Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County in the hopes of qualifying for the organization’s homeowner program. With the assistance of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency and a slew of committed volunteers, the construction process began.

“We had to do 500 hours of work, and we decided to just keep working,” Mary Andrews said. The couple eagerly went above and beyond the required workload, and their efforts did not go unnoticed. “The Andrews were here almost every day working alongside staff and volunteers,” said Habitat ReStore manager Kathryn Norbeck-Dayley. “Their commitment to their partnership with habitat is inspiring to other homeowners working on their own sweat equity hours.”

Little more than a year later on Aug. 20, the area’s 82nd home was dedicated to the Andrews family during a moving ceremony on Jarrell Ridge Road. The couple was brought to tears as they blessed the home and received the keys to their new life.

“It’s unbelievable after what happened. So many wonderful people in Clarksville helped,” Mary said. “They were totally dedicated.”

The new house was built on the same land the Andrews already owned, and where Mary has spent the majority of her life. According to Habitat Executive Director Shelby Logsdon, this situation is a rarity. “It was nice to be able to bring them home, where she (Mary) has always lived,” she said.

Following the dedication, the Andrews proudly opened the door for the community to take a tour. “We didn’t know the house was going to be this beautiful. It’s outstanding,” Mary said.

The Andrews will be officially moved in Thursday, Aug. 22. They plan to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. LeRoy is especially grateful to finally have the chance to make real meals in their brand-new, updated kitchen.

Visit Habitat for Humanity’s web site for more information about the program.