Nayah Trotman applied to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner in the spring of 2023 and is now in the final stretch on her path to homeownership. The excitement is building as she prepares to celebrate Christmas in her new home—a milestone that represents much more than just a holiday, but a culmination of her hard work and perseverance.
It’s been a long and rewarding journey for Nayah. From attending numerous homeowner education classes to spending countless days on the construction site, her dedication has inspired not only Habitat volunteers but also fellow homebuyers. Many have pitched in along the way, creating a sense of community that is at the heart of Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
As part of Habitat’s model, homeowners like Nayah work alongside volunteers to build their own homes, learning invaluable skills while investing their time and energy. In the end, they pay an affordable mortgage that allows them to achieve the dream of homeownership without the overwhelming burden of traditional housing costs.
This spirit of dedication and hard work is one of the reasons Trent and Dana Knott’s family chose to sponsor Nayah’s home, honoring the memory of Dana’s father, Dotson Guinn, who passed away in 2023. Dotson, known for his commitment to helping others, would have appreciated Nayah’s perseverance and the transformative power of a stable home.
“We hope this inspires other sponsors to provide a hand-up to hardworking folks like Nayah,” said Trent, expressing his family’s belief in Habitat’s mission to empower individuals and families through homeownership.
Dotson Guinn and daughter Dana Knott Guinn (left) Habitat home under construction (top), sign displaying the contributing tradesmen and companies who have donated time to the Dotson Guinn Memorial Build.
Related Content: Dotson Guinn: A Legacy of Service
Nayah’s path to homeownership has been supported by a community of volunteers, donors, and tradespeople who have come together to contribute hundreds of hours. Their collective efforts have helped turn her dream of a stable, affordable home into a reality—a testament to the power of community and the lasting impact of Habitat’s work.
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County is honored to recognize Dotson Guinn through this memorial build, continuing his legacy of fostering hope, opportunity, and community in Clarksville. This home is not just a gift to Nayah, but a tribute to the values Dotson held dear—values that live on through the kindness and generosity of others.
