Community Chest Spotlight: Housing Sewanee
New house being built in Sherwood Springs.
The 2021-22 Sewanee Community Chest (SCC) Fund Drive is underway. Sponsored by the Sewanee Civic Association, the SCC raises money yearly for local charitable organizations serving the area. This year’s goal of $102,291 will help 20 organizations that have requested basic needs funding for quality of life, community aid, children’s programs, and those who are beyond Sewanee but still serve our entire community.
This week, we shine the spotlight on Housing Sewanee.
Housing Sewanee Inc., (HSI) is a nonprofit organization modeled after Habitat for Humanity. Since 1993, HSI has built one house a year for an area family in need. These families include the elderly, the sick, the physically or mentally disabled, and grandparents raising their grandchildren.
HSI accepts applicants and selects recipients based on need and ability to sustain a no-interest mortgage. Recipients are expected to help with the building of their house when possible. Many times, their neighbors and families pitch in to help. Most houses are built for approximately $50,000. HSI provides the capital and volunteer labor to get the house built. When the house is finished, the owners begin to pay a monthly mortgage fee.
HSI’s newest project is in Sherwood Springs. HSI has begun the work needed for a small development on the six-acre Sherwood Road property it recently bought. The development will consist of up to eight units incorporating sustainable, low-energy building design and techniques in a small neighborhood that will encourage social interaction.
HSI is requesting $10,000 from the Community Chest to help with general operating support and project-based support for community aid, children and quality of life funding areas. This organization does receive other funding from individuals, and concession sales. HSI does not have paid employees but relies on community volunteers.
Since 1908, the goal of the Sewanee Community Chest has been to help citizens by funding the community. Through Community Chest donations, local organizations provide for basic needs such as books, food, recreational spaces, elder care, children’s educational needs and more. The Sewanee Community Chest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375.
