HUD Joins to Recognize Habitat for Humanity Tennessee 35 Year Anniversary Celebration

(L-R) Colleen Dudley Executive Director, Habitat For Humanity of TN, Damon Allen Sr. VP & Community Investment Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank, Donna Golden Director Government Grants and Lending, Habitat For Humanity International, Ralph Perry Executive Director, Tennessee Housing Development Agency, Mark Cate, Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Bill Haslam, Edward Ellis HUD Field of Director, and Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International.

Colleen Dudley Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee addressing the audience

On Thursday, October 24, 2013 Ed Ellis, Field Office Director for the Knoxville HUD Office, and Acting FOD for the Nashville Office, attended the "35 Years in Tennessee Celebration for Habitat for Humanity" (http://habitattn.org/). The celebration was held at the Tennessee's Governor's Residence. Along with Ellis, attending from the Nashville Field Office were Single Family Specialist Cleotra Lofton, and Shivona Brownlow from FPM. In addition, representatives from the 50 affiliates, from across the state attended.

Since its inception 35 years ago Habitat has built over 3,800 homes, and repaired more than 800 homes in the state. Additionally, during the celebration it was noted that the work of the 50 state-wide affiliates generates more than $55 million in economic activity annually. Special recognition was given to the Tennessee Housing Development Agency; the Federal Home Loan Bank; Habitat for Humanity International and to HUD.

The guest speaker was Jonathan Reckford (www.habitat.org/ceo), CEO for Habitat for Humanity International. Representing Governor Bill Haslam was Chief of Staff Mark Cate (www.tn.gov/governor/cabinet/#mark-cate), who spoke on the importance of affordable housing and the partnership between the state and the housing providers.

Ellis received the recognition award on behalf of HUD, and commented, "HUD values our partnership with Habitat, the state, cities in providing more opportunities for homeownership. In today's world of budget cuts, the partnership between the private/public sectors and the Faith Base Community is critical."

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