CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Earlier this year Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County celebrated 30 years of serving low-income families by partnering with them to build decent, affordable housing.

Since the organization began its work in 1992, 110 homes have been built, and Executive Director Rob Selkow said there are three more houses in progress that they hope to dedicate early in 2023.

Habitat houses on Richardson St. were built with support of the Clarksville Department of Neighborhood & Community Service. (Contributed Photo)

A new round of applications will be opening in the near future, and Selkow encouraged people wanting to apply for the next class and find out more about becoming a Habitat homeowner to visit www.habitatmctn.org.

How Habitat works

To qualify, families must demonstrate the need for housing, meet the income requirements, and sign a partnership agreement that spells out their responsibilities.

Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County focuses on helping people with low or extremely low income. “What we’re talking about here is people that make as little as $9 or $10 an hour. They can actually qualify to own a home through Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County,” Selkow said.

Future Habitat homeowners perform sweat equity on their own homes, and in the Habitat ReStore which re-sells donated furniture, appliances & home goods. (Contributed Photo)

Selkow attributed the success of the program to its many volunteers and families working in partnership. “Applicants have skin in the game. They contribute hundreds of volunteer hours, we call it sweat equity. They must also complete financial literacy, homeowner education, and have the ability to pay an affordable mortgage. This is a hand-up, not a hand-out,” Selkow said.

They keep the cost of building a home down through donated labor, many donated materials, and a zero-interest loan. “For people in low or extreme low income, there is no path to home ownership apart from Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County,” Selkow said.

Habitat ReStore

The Habitat ReStore is another important part of the organization. The ReStore, located at the Habitat for Humanity office on Madison Street, accepts gently used items like building supplies, furniture, appliances, housewares and home décor.

The ReStore resells donated items, and the revenue from that goes back into the organization’s home building. Also sharing support for the community, many of the volunteers at ReStore are students working to get the Tennessee Promise scholarship or community service credit, as well as participants in the Veteran Treatment Court.

Habitat ReStore volunteers like Vivian & Mike Clements upcycle used items for resale to the public. (Contributed Photo)

Something Selkow said he would like to see grow in 2023 is their Habitat Community Room which is a spot for nonprofits that need a space for activities. “Habitat is about building community, and we want the ReStore to be a resource for people in the community and partner with as many nonprofits as we can,” Selkow said.

Recently, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee celebrated the building of its 5,000th house in the state. The house was built here in Clarksville. Selkow said it was a major milestone for Habitat statewide.

Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County is at 404 Madison St. and is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. To learn more, visit habitatmctn.org, email info@habitatmctn.org, or call 931-645-4222. You can also follow Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County on Facebook.

Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is an ongoing Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.

HOW TO HELP: For more information on local charities, go to #ClarksvilleStrong.