History of Habitat for Humanity in Dickson County, Tennessee

The Dickson County Ministerial Fellowship started the affiliate known as Dickson County Habitat for Humanity in 1994. The first house was built in 1996. Over the next 10 years, volunteers built twelve houses and renovated one home, resulting in a total of 13 families served by the end of 2006.

In order to better serve more families and build more homes, Dickson County Habitat for Humanity merged with Nashville area Habitat for Humanity in July 2007 and became Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity, Dickson Division. Additional staff came on board and secured office and classroom space. The positive effects of the merger were felt immediately throughout the community. The broad base of volunteers and sponsors cultivated by both affiliates stepped forward with support and enthusiasm.

The first home build of the combined affiliates was completed in just nine days in November 2007, supervised by Nashville Area Habitat construction staff and with the help of more than 150 Dickson County volunteers, including those who supplied breakfast and lunch for everyone on the build site. The homeowner had been selected by Dickson County Habitat for Humanity. After a year of waiting and months of studying in HomeWORKS classes, she earned the right to purchase her Habitat home. All families whose homes are built after the merger follow Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity policies and requirements.

In 2008, the Dickson Division built two more homes in Maple Valley Subdivision, where the agency had purchased five lots. The Dickson Division hopes to be able to build three homes in 2009. The future looks bright for the Dickson Division as the community continues to become more aware of the need for decent, affordable housing and the support for Habitat continues to grow.