Murfreesboro Post
MURFREESBORO WEATHER

Habitat for Humanity homeowners support project




Kristina Brown

Kristina Brown

Are you looking for useful ways to volunteer?  Do you want to invest in your community, but are unsure where your donations will do the most good?  Would you like to know more about the services non-profit organizations in your community provide?  Read on to discover how you can make a difference in Rutherford County.

October Focus: Habitat for Humanity

rchfh.org   |  (615) 890-5877  | 850 Mercury Blvd.

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization dedicated to the elimination of inadequate housing around the world. It was founded in 1976. 

The Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate began operation in 1989. It has built more than 160 new homes in our community.

Some folks believe Habitat gives away houses. This is false. The families in this program purchase their home with a no-interest mortgage and the house is sold at no profit. The homeowner is also required to work 300-400 sweat equity hours and attend a 30-week Homeowner’s Education class. 

The average cost of a Habitat home in Rutherford County is $80,000. That cost includes the land and construction of the home. Mortgages average 30 years with average monthly payments of $480. A portion of this payment is held in escrow to pay for property taxes and homeowner insurance. 

Families applying for Habitat housing must demonstrate need (living in substandard housing), ability to pay a small non-interest bearing note, and willingness to work sweat equity.

How Can You Help?

Cookin’ to Build is a great way to start. It’s a tasty fundraiser on the Murfreesboro Town Square, Saturday, Nov. 2, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes a hand-painted bowl, endless samples of chili, soup and stew as well as drinks and desserts. 

Volunteer opportunities are available at home builds and in the ReStore. For more information, please contact Megan Hutchings at megan@rchfh.org or call (615) 890-5877, ext. 106.  

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement store and donation center selling new and gently used furniture, appliances, home goods and building materials. ReStore sales cover administrative cost so that all donations to RCHFH can be used to build houses for low-income families. Check out the sale Saturday, Oct. 26 with 30 percent off donated items.

CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER   |  (615) 867-9000    | cacrutherford.org

The 9th Annual Child Advocacy Center Turkey Tee Off will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at Cedar Crest Golf Course. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Enjoy a Waffle House breakfast, 18 holes of golf and Slick Pig for lunch. Buy a mulligan, test your putting skills, and have a team picture taken. Register at www.cacrutherford.org. For more information, call (615) 867-9000.  

GREENHOUSE MINISTRIES | greenhousemin.org  | (615) 494-0499 | 309 S. Spring St.

Volunteer needed to assist with the Turkey Collection Drive on Friday, Nov. 22 and to help with the Mobile Food Pantry on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 7:30 a.m. until noon. Contact Ginny at volunteer@greenhousemin.org to participate.

Donations Needed:  Warm hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, coats, sweaters, hand/feet warmers, Christmas decorations, toys in good condition with all pieces included, macaroni and cheese, boxed potatoes, Hamburger Helper, jelly, canned fruit, canned vegetables, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shavers and deodorant. Please bring to the warehouse located at the back of the building on Academy Street, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

THE JOURNEY HOME   |  lovegodservepeople.org   |  (615) 809-2643  | 308 W. Castle St. 

Volunteers are needed Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27 to help with projects including readying a house for a family to move in (painting, etc.) and cleaning up the Community Garden space. Please contact Liz at (615) 236-6090 or email LKelly@LoveGodServePeople.org for more information.

MEALS ON WHEELS   |  (615) 895-1870   | mchra.com/meals-on-wheels-do-you-need-meals

What are you doing for lunch today? Why not deliver a hot, nutritious lunchtime meal to homebound Seniors?  The Mid-Cumberland Meals on Wheels Program is in need of volunteers to deliver meals to its homebound folks. Routes take between 30-90 minutes to deliver. Call Debbie Willis at (615) 895-1870 to help someone who might not be able to eat today without your help.

MINDFUL CARE ADULT DAY SERVICES  | (615) 542-4371    | mindful-care.org   

More than 3,000 people in Rutherford County are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, and most of them are being cared for at home. Mindful Care Adult Day Services can be a lifesaver for a weary caregiver.  

If you know of a family that is struggling with caregiving responsibilities, please tell it about Mindful Care. For more information about Mindful Care, visit www.mindful-care.org or call (615) 542-4371. Program openings are available, and the service is affordable. 

NOURISH FOOD BANK  |  nourishfoodbanks.org  | 1809 Memorial Blvd.  |  (615) 203-3693

Donations needed for the holidays: Instant potatoes, pie filling, canned green beans, canned corn, cream of mushroom soup, broth and canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.). Please drop off at 1809 Memorial Blvd., Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Contact Jennifer Bass at admin@nourishfoodbank.org for more information. Volunteers also needed.

READ TO SUCCEED  |  ReadToSucceed.org  |  (615) 738-READ

The 13th annual Celebrity Bee will take place Thursday, Nov. 7 at The Grove at Williamson Place. To learn about the celebrity spellers, see a list of live auction items, or purchase tickets, visit www.readtosucceed.org. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please email Jennifer Reid, at mediaevents@readtosucceed.org. Volunteers are needed for set up/break down and must be over the age of 21.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS ATLAS PROGRAM 

ATLAS is Rutherford County Schools’ homeless education program.  Several organizations provide food bags for these students each weekend. However, additional volunteers are needed to create food bags during the long winter holidays.  

Each food bag contains a variety of shelf-stable items that include fruit, lean proteins, and nutritious, kid-friendly foods. Students receive their food bag in a plastic Ziploc bag which is placed in their own book bag. A typical bag contains the following:

• 2 pop-top entrées, 7.5 oz. (chili, macaroni O’s, beef stew, lasagna, macaroni & cheese, or beans & franks)

• 1 individual box 100 percent fruit juice (apple, grape, etc.)

• 1 individual box shelf-stable milk (does not need refrigeration)

• 2 individual cereal bowls

• 2 peanut butter cracker packets or granola bars

Please do not include glass bottles as these may present a danger to student if it breaks.

If you would be willing to help, please contact Karen Meador at meadork@rcschools.net.

Contact Kristina Brown at kristinawbrown@gmail.com.

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