Brentwood Home Page news reports
Brentwood-based Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County received the Agency of Distinction award from The Arc Tennessee during the Tennessee Disability MegaConference Awards Banquet and Dance held June 3 at the Nashville Airport Marriott.

Related stories: Brothers to benefit from 2011 Habitat High build Brothers at home thanks to Habitat High, March 13

Brothers Deontae and DeCarlos, both in their early twenties and with intellectual disabilities, desperately wanted to live in a house that was theirs; a house where DeCarlos who uses a wheelchair could wash dishes in the sink; and Deontae could mow the grass and have a basketball goal.  They grew up in a duplex in the Franklin Housing Authority and shortly after losing both their parents moved to an apartment. 

They asked about a Habitat house, which sounded like a lofty goal for these young men and certainly a lot of obstacles seemed to be in the way. But an application was made and the staff and volunteers at Habitat for Humanity never looked back. 

Seventeen months later, Deontae and DeCarlos closed on their home. The staff and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County never let anyone or anything stand in the way.  The brothers secured jobs so they could pay their mortgage: they both attended the homeowner classes and with the help of their support staff completed all the paperwork: and they both worked out their sweat equity.

The brothers' new home was built by high school students including ones from Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools. Theirs was the home selected as the 2011 Habitat High build.

It would never have been possible without Habitat for Humanity’s commitment to building affordable homes, developing strong communities, and providing life changing opportunities for hardworking families. 

Over the past few years numerous homes have been built in Williamson County for individuals with disabilities by Habitat but this was the first where both homeowners had intellectual disabilities.  Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County truly assisted with Deontae and DeCarlos’ ability to achieve the American dream of home ownership and fully participating in their community.

The Arc Tennessee [www.thearctn.org] is a non-profit, charitable organization that advocates for the rights and full participation of all people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.  Through its family-based network of members and chapters, it supports and empowers individuals and families; connects and informs individuals and families; improves support and service systems; influences public policy; increases public awareness and inspires inclusive communities.

Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is based at 7115 Bakers Bridge Ave., Brentwood. For more information, visit its website at www.habitatwilliamson.org.