On Saturday, March 1, Mayor Karl Dean joined Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity in recognizing the great things that happen when public and private funders come together for a common purpose. In this case, they came together to provide truly affordable homeownership to hard-working, low-income families in Nashville.

At a ceremony Saturday morning, Mayor Dean commended Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity, Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) and the many private donors who funded the land purchase and development for Timberwood, the agency's second all-Habitat model affordable housing community. Without the land to build on, Nashville Area Habitat and its 11,000+ volunteers would have no place to build homes for Nashville families in need.

To acquire and develop the land for Timberwood, the agency had to raise $4.2 million before beginning construction.

In January, Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity received notice that the board of MDHA approved the agency for a $1,250,000 grant. This funding, coupled with the generous contributions of thousands of individuals and private organizations, will make the dream of homeownership possible for 375 family members by 2010. At the ceremony, Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity president and CEO Chris McCarthy recognized MDHA executive director Phil Ryan and Mayor Dean for their partnership and support.

Among those recognized at the ceremony were:

• Pam and Phil Pfeffer, who were the recipients of the Habitat Humanitarian Award, an award presented to the organization or individual that has demonstrated remarkable vision and leadership through philanthropic support and distinguished volunteer service.
• Organizers of the annual Unity Build accepted The Spirit of Habitat Award, presented each year to the faith organization partner that has established a valuable and long-standing covenant with NAHFH.
• Representatives from Deloitte accepted The Golden Hammer Award, presented each year to the corporate sponsor and volunteer group that has shown exceptional commitment to helping further the mission of NAHFH.

Saturday also marked the first day of the first build season for Timberwood. Between March 1 and April 20, volunteers and partner families will build 16 homes in this budding neighborhood. One home was completed in February by the agency's supervisors on site (SOS) as a training opportunity and to provide a home for tours through the end of 2008.