February 11, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
A groundbreaking celebration was held Sunday afternoon for the sixth Habitat for Humanity home in DeKalb County.
Committee and Board members of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County joined the new partner family, Jamie Nokes and her family Jayde Stanley, Tayvian Nokes, Desmond Nokes, and Justis Nokes for the brief ceremony at 204 Hayes Street.
“All Glory to God. I am just thankful for the Blessing. I know its something He has bestowed upon me. I am thankful for all the volunteers and for the Habitat organization. They are changing people’s lives and I am thankful I get to be one of those people and I look forward to eventually volunteering in the future and maybe serving on the board and doing all those things to pay for it. I am extremely blessed,” Nokes told WJLE.
During Sunday’s groundbreaking ceremony, Alex Woodward made welcoming remarks and introduced the partner family. Chris Moore of the Smithville Church of God gave the invocation and Jordan Atnip of the Smithville First Baptist Church read scripture from Psalm 145: 3-7; Matthew 5:13-14, and Matthew 7:24-29 The ministers then offered the Prayers of Blessing and led the gathering in the Responsive Reading based on Psalm 118:19-29 followed by the groundbreaking, the Lord’s Prayer, and finally a closing prayer.
The public is urged to support the construction of the home with donations.
“Habitat for Humanity wants you to help us Frame with God’s Word in our new house. For a $5 donation your favorite bible verse and name will be written on the frame work of our latest Habitat home. Our goal is to cover Jamie Nokes and her family with God’s message written throughout their house,” said Woodward.
“You may send your message and donation to Habitat for Humanity PO Box 369 Smithville, TN 37166, drop it by Wilson Bank & Trust Smithville office or contact us on Facebook @HFHDeKalbTN for other options,” he continued.
Woodward said construction work will begin as soon as possible.
“We have to do some general stuff that requires skilled labor but we are hoping probably by the middle of March to get volunteers in and start that part but we hope, depending on the weather, to have the foundation and footers done by the middle of March,” he said.
“The project will be completed by volunteers with the exceptions of the areas in which a licensed professional is required. Everyone is invited to help and jobs can be found for anyone. If you would like to volunteer, please email awoodward@wilsonbank.com and if you are skilled in a certain line of construction work please indicate that or you may call 615-215-8181 and leave a message for construction. Please include name, number, email address, and skill.
“We will also need volunteers to provide lunch on construction days, drinks, and snacks. Supplies are also needed such as hammers, tape measures, nail aprons, pencils and other building supplies are accepted. Monetary donations are needed as well to purchase construction materials. Supplies may be dropped off at Wilson Bank & Trust Smithville branch or mailed to Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb Co PO Box 750, Smithville, TN 37166,” said Woodward
“Additionally we encourage churches, employers, and other organizations to commit to a construction day, you may contact us at the email or phone number above. We appreciate your prayers and support for our upcoming project,” Woodward said.
About Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, TN.
Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County was formed in 2003. They have built five homes in the Smithville area and own property with plans to build future homes. Houses are constructed by volunteers and paid by donations from various fundraisers including the Fiddler 5K, Jackson Kayak Raffle, Golf Tournament, Yeti cooler raffle and the Chili cook off. The purpose of Habitat is to build houses and sell them at no profit and no interest to families who could not otherwise afford their own home. This Christian ministry is financed through private donations using volunteer labor and donated materials whenever possible.
Find us on Facebook @ HFHDeKalbTN to stay up-to-date on current events and construction updates.