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Bipartisanship Brings Volunteers to Habitat Build

      Mayor

      Indya Kincannon
      [email protected]
      (865) 215-2040

      400 Main St., Room 691
      Knoxville, TN 37902

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      Bipartisan Build Brings City, County to Habitat Project

      Posted: 06/21/2024
      Sweating in the hot sun on a construction site is a unifying experience.

      Bipartisan Build

      That's just part of the premise of Habitat for Humanity Knoxville's Bipartisan Build campaign to engage volunteers from all sides of the political spectrum for a community project happening now in East Knox County.

      City and County leaders, including Mayor Indya Kincannon, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, and former mayors Madeline Rogero and Mike Ragsdale, announced the nonpartisan collaboration at a press conference on May 13, 2024. 


      A few brave City staff members participated in the Blitz Day of Habitat's Bipartisan Build on Friday, June 7, 2024, joining veteran Habitat build leaders and volunteers from Knox County's Community Development department, as well as Mayor Jacobs and former Mayor Mike Ragsdale. Mayor Kincannon will participate in the final "Legacy Build" in July to put vinyl siding on the house. Find opportunities to volunteer for Habitat -- on a build or at their ReStore -- at KnoxvilleHabitatForHumanity.com/. 

       City staff voluneers

      Representing the City on June 7, from top, clockwise: Knoxville Fire Chief Stan Sharp; Police and Advisory Review Committee Executive Director Jered Croom; PARC Community Manager Josie Russell; Social Media Manager Paige Travis; and Parks and Recreation Director Sheryl Ely.


       Ely with homeowner

      Parks and Recreation Director Sheryl Ely (right) greets the owner of the home, Breanna, who was the first volunteer for every task on site during Blitz Day. Her excitement about building and owning a home of her own was obvious through her smile and occasional grateful tears.  


      First wall up

      One of the great aspects of volunteering on a Habitat build is that team leaders will train you on site to accomplish a variety of simple skills with tools like hammers, saws, levels and sledgehammers -- regardless of whether you have used these tools ever in your life! Some volunteers are quicker or more accurate, but everyone's contributions are valuable and move the team toward the end goal: a new home for a family.  

      Pep talk at sunrise

      Thanks to all the City staff who volunteered for Blitz Day and will pitch in later this summer. Stay hydrated! 
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