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Two Franklin Families to Own Dream Home Through Nissan and Habitat for Humanity Partnership
Two Franklin Families to Own Dream Home Through Nissan and Habitat for Humanity Partnership
Published 10-29-08
Submitted by Nissan North America
FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- For Franklin residents Georgi Hodge and her daughter, Martha Gilbreath, moving into their new Habitat for Humanity home will be a dream come true.The same is true for Thelma Harrison and her grandson, Chris, who are moving from a small mobile home to a three-bedroom home.
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Their homes are part of a $1 million partnership between Habitat and Nissan North America (Nasdaq: NSANY) announced earlier this year. The side-by-side homes were built at the same time during a six-week period beginning in September.
"Having a Habitat home is a true blessing for us. We would not have been able to buy a home in Franklin without the generosity of Nissan and the partnership with Habitat for Humanity," Gilbreath said.
The two families also will get to enjoy many "green living" features in their new homes. The new Habitat homes will feature eco-friendly amenities, which align with both Nissan's Green Program 2010 initiative to reduce its impact on the environment and Williamson County Habitat for Humanity's recent initiative to build Energy Star certified homes. These two homes are the first Habitat homes in Williamson County to receive Energy Star certification.
Each home is outfitted with low-flow faucets and showerheads, programmable thermostats, energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting and carpeting made with recycled materials.
Additionally, the home is landscaped with drought-resistant plants and shrubs that reduce the need for watering and is equipped with rain-collection barrels.
"Having a home of my own provides a solid foundation for my grandson, and restores my hope that he will be a homeowner when he becomes an adult," said Harrison.
In addition to sponsoring and building these two homes, Nissan also donated a new, 2008 Titan King Cab truck to Williamson County Habitat for Humanity. The truck, valued at over $35,000, will be used to further Habitat's mission of providing affordable homeownership to hardworking families in Williamson County, just south of Nashville.
"Nissan has been very good to us in 2008. Our goal of building 10 homes this year would not have happened had it not been for Nissan's generosity and community-minded attitude" said John Besser, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Williamson Co. The Hodge / Gilbreath and Harrison homes are the first Nissan-sponsored Habitat homes built in Franklin. Nissan's $1 million partnership with Habitat for Humanity International includes house sponsorships, the donation of Nissan trucks and products and support of Habitat's disaster-relief initiatives.
"The new Craftsman-style homes have been well received by the city of Franklin and are setting the tone for other opportunities in our community," said Gregg Elliott, Construction Manager for Habitat for Humanity of Williamson Co.
More than 350 Nissan employees and executives in Franklin donated time to building the Hodge / Gilbreath and Harrison homes, which are two of eight Nissan-sponsored houses built in conjunction with Habitat affiliates in Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona. Additionally, Nissan employees will volunteer their time to help construct five houses with Habitat for Humanity in California, Georgia, Illinois and Arizona.
"It's been a privilege and honor for Nissan to participate in the Hodge / Gilbreath and Harrison Habitat build," said Alan Buddendeck, vice president, corporate communications, for Nissan North America. "This was an opportunity for Nissan to demonstrate our commitment to the Franklin community and to the environment."
About Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County
Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County ("HFHWC") was chartered in 1992 and is a full affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, HFHWC is an ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to building and selling homes at cost in partnership with working families in Williamson County. In 2007, HFHWC launched "Building New Traditions," a four-year, affordable homeownership initiative to build 46 new, traditionally-styled homes that complement the historic character and community requirements of Williamson County and its citizens. For additional information, please contact Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County at
(615) 690-8090 or visit www.habitatwilliamson.org
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built nearly 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infiniti.com
