CLARKSVILLE, TN − Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County TN held a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, September 7, 2024 as they begin a new home build in Clarksville. This newest home will be built for David, Tasha and Trinity Shipp. The Shipp family has exemplified the meaning of partnership, working diligently as volunteers in the Habitat Restore and becoming vital parts of the Habitat community.
The home is being built by Edward C. Burchett Construction. Other partners for this home build include Lewis Bumpus Backhoe, Trane Co., A.O. Smith, Elizabeth’s Worship, Modern Heating and Cooling, MW/MB Roofing, the City of Clarksville, and Travis Electrical. Hilldale United Methodist Church (HUMC), who has a 25 year history with Habitat, fully funded the home build as part of its Heart of Hilldale: 70 Year Celebration.
The Rev. Jefferson Furtado, pastor of HUMC, spoke of the church’s commitment to the project. “When you join a United Methodist Church, you promise to do so with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. … And this is a way that God is being glorified through a multitude of partners to make this dream a reality.”
Guests and speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included members of the Habitat Board of Directors, Hilldale United Methodist Church, the Clarksville community, and local elected officials, including County Mayor Wes Golden, County Commissioner Rashidah Leverett, City Councilperson Brian Zacharias, and City Councilperson Joe Shakeenab. Several of these officials spoke to the crowd gathered.
Councilperson Zacharias said, “Today we begin building not just walls, but hope and security for the Shipp family. … Today is a day of new beginnings. You’re not just gaining a house, but gaining a community that believes in you and your future.”
With construction underway, this home will provide affordable housing to the Shipp family for years to come.
Habitat for Humanity MCTN has completed more than 100 homes in the last 30 years, with more than 50 build sites donated by the City of Clarksville. For more information on how individuals, churches, and local companies can join the effort, call (931) 645-4222 or email info@habitatmctn.org
