Bob Dean is our longest-serving Board Member. Bob has served Habitat since 1996. He has seen Habitat move through many different seasons, home builds, staff and board member changes. He remains optimistic and hopeful for the future of Habitat, as the need for affordable and safe housing is more a need today than any time over the last 30 years.
This interview was conducted by Leah Pugh.
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest TN is excited to celebrate 30 years of providing homes to qualifying families this year! In honor of this celebration, we would like to sit down and discuss the history of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest TN with one of the longest-serving board members, Mr. Bob Dean. I asked him to share the history of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest TN and the importance it has in this area.
“Habitat in Dyersburg-Dyer County began with an idea of the rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Reverend Joe Porter. My wife, Eleanor, and I have been members of St. Mary’s for well over half a century. In 1993, the articles of Incorporation were filed with the State, and Habitat for Humanity of Northwest TN was formed. Richard Hermann, a former Dyersburg State Community College teacher, served as our first president. Charlie James served the next one-year term, and I was asked to help for the third year. The enthusiasm and interest for Habitat were contagious…everybody wanted to be a part of it, and we always had crowds of people show up with hammers in hand!
It was a natural fit for Habitat to use office space at St. Mary’s, and as soon as we had an address and our phone number, the phone did indeed start to ring. Part way through our third year, we found it necessary to hire Mrs. Sherry Breedlove to be our first part-time hire. After Sherry Breedlove, we were fortunate to have many years of growth and home-building under the leadership of Mrs. Mary Claire Hopper. Michael Wilson has been our Executive Director for the past two years and has done a fantastic job.”
Mr. Bob Dean has watched the positive impact Habitat has had on individuals and the community over the last thirty years.
“One of the reasons I wanted to help with Habitat was because it seemed then, and still seems, like a way to help deserving people with a hand up. The new homeowner has to put in sweat equity, and they pay for their new home, but there is zero interest on the mortgage. Most Habitat homeowners would probably never own a home if it were not for Habitat. I also like to see their friends and new neighbors help with a build. TCAT (Tennessee College Applied Technology) at Newbern now helps with our house building. So, we have lots of people and NEW IDEAS! Most importantly, we are helping our fellow man. When you hear a young person say, as they move into their new home, “This is the first time I’ve had my own room,”….well, that reinforces the good feeling about Habitat work. On a practical side, it helps our community in many ways. The Habitat homeowner will pay city and county taxes and purchase insurance for their new home.”
Mr. Dean recalls a particular time in the history of Habitat when St. Mary’s Church members and Habitat came up with the idea of St. Mary’s and four other churches, each raising money and collectively providing funds for houses. They built three houses that year!
Throughout the years, Mr. Dean has witnessed many volunteers and generous individuals that have helped Habitat grow into what it is today.
“Before I go much further, I should mention that there have been many businesses, churches, and individuals who have helped in countless ways. I recall Henry Butler, who could build a house from the ground up, was almost always there with a helping hand. Charlie James, who could never do enough for Habitat and Habitat homeowners, was one of the most dedicated individuals I have had the pleasure to know. If there were ever two people who could make a volunteer want to stay a little longer and drive a few more nails, it was those two.”
Mr. Dean continues to have a positive outlook on the future of Habitat. When asked about his thoughts on what the next 30 years hold for Habitat, he explained:
“Specifically, we were fortunate to be the benefactors of property we proudly refer to as St. James Subdivision, and we have almost filled all those lots! We have almost completed the eighth home at St. James. At Habitat Cove, which is at Jordan and Little Chicago, we have built six homes. Also, we have a piece of property at Tickle and Troy Ext. that is a real opportunity. When the property is developed, and a new Habitat Homeowner is approved, this will be the best chance for everyone to see firsthand how Habitat works.
We have never been one to rest on past accomplishments. Suppose we do as well over the next thirty years. In that case, we can all realize what a blessing Habitat of Northwest has been, first to the homeowners, then to our entire community, to those that have provided leadership, and to everyone who has been a part of Habitat in any way. Many of us learned 30 years ago that the homes we build are built on faith, and this will be an opportunity for everyone to participate in that process.”
There are many benefits to owning your home, not just to the owner but to the community. Habitat for Humanity in Northwest TN has built 31 homes in Dyer County. If you want to donate or volunteer, please call us at 731.287.7600, email us at office@habitatnwtn.org or visit our website at www.habitatnwtn.org.
