KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Knoxville woman has the keys to her new home. She teamed up to build a new home with volunteers from Habitat for Humanity.
Women in the program can learn new skills and help families build strength and self-reliance.
"There's nothing more empowering than empowering others," Ashley Cate Vogel, who is on the board of directors of the Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, said. "And that's what women build us about. Stereotypically speaking, usually, we are making a home but not many of us have the chance to build a home."
Vogel said building the home was so gratifying.
"My favorite is the first day," she said. "Because that's really where you know, every day is hard. But that's where you see, I guess the most progression. I've done everything from setting the trusses on a roof to painting and siding. There's a little bit for everybody."
Each year, the program builds a home for a mother and her family.
"Studies have shown that when people own their own home, that their health improves, right, their work, life improves, and their mental health also improves," Alison Ragsdale, the development manager for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, said.
This year's homeowner was Abigail, a nurse, and her daughter, Chloe, was so excited to move in. Abigail and Chloe both currently live with Abigail's grandparents.
"So happy," Chloe said. "Because I get to have my own room."
Abigail will get a 30-year, interest-free mortgage that won't exceed 30% of her income. She also has to complete 300 hours of sweat equity.
"Sweat equity is the time that they put in they take finance classes, they take home repair classes, and they also actually work on the build site," Ragsdale said.
Construction on the home started May 2023.