Westhaven Habitat Project

Eight years ago, Westhaven Foundation board member, Dana Hardy, had a vision that one day her beloved community would come together to sponsor a full Habitat home build. After years of hard work and perseverance, that dream has become a reality.

For the first time in Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) history, a neighborhood is fundraising $70,000 for an entire home build sponsorship. The Westhaven community has been a loyal partner of the HFHWM Women Build Program, securing upwards of $20,000 through individual fundraising initiatives each year.

“Little did I know that the decision to get involved with Habitat eight years ago would have such an impact on my life. “I am so grateful for the opportunity for us to come together,” shared Dana through choked-back tears. 

On Saturday, March 25, The Westhaven Foundation held a kickoff event to rally support for their “Build for the Bettis Family.”

Taking on a monetary leap of a $50,000 increase is a challenge that the entire community is ready to take on!

“It has been so meaningful for all of us on the Westhaven team to be afforded the opportunity to witness so many deserving families realize the dream of homeownership and to be affiliated with HFHWM, a wonderful organization composed of awesome human beings who feel like extended family.” shared Hardy.

Dana and her fellow members of The Westhaven Foundation have already secured product or monetary donations from Southern Land Company, California Closets, Franklin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Best Supply, L & H Flooring, and more.

Not only has the neighborhood committed to investing in the home with personal donations and volunteer labor, but they are planning to furnish the entire home for the six members of the Bettis Family.

D’Angelo and Tierra Bettis are the loving parents of four young children, Gabriella (7), Arianna (5), Mar’riana (3), and Josiah (1). The family sought safe and affordable homeownership through HFHWM after their apartment became inhabitable due to pests. Forced to move abruptly, the Bettis’ had to dispose of all belongings except for their clothing and move in with friends.

This home represents a new beginning for the Bettis family that wouldn’t be possible without HFHWM and the support of the Westhaven community.

“Habitat for Humanity’s ability to serve is built on partnerships. Thanks to corporate, church, civic, and neighborhood sponsors, like Westhaven, HFHWM has been able to help 290 families, who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for conventional loans, achieve their dreams of homeownership. From hosting fundraisers for our Women Build to donating furniture for new homeowners to swinging hammers on the build site, the Westhaven community has been one of our nonprofit’s strongest supporters. We can’t thank the community enough for their years of collaboration, hard work, and generosity,”

Over the next year, D’Angelo and Tierra will work alongside volunteers and sponsors to complete 280 hours of sweat equity building on their homes and other homes in the program. They will also complete budget coaching and homebuyer education to prepare for this next chapter of homeownership.

To support Westhaven’s Build for the Bettis Family, please visit hfhwm.org/WESTHAVEN.

https://hfhwm.org/2023/04/westhaven-build/