Habitat for Humanity is working toward a worldwide initiative to bring safe shelter to the most vulnerable. Habitat for Humanity is helping families obtain safe, affordable housing worldwide, from war-stricken countries like the Ukraine to impoverished countries like Ethiopia. Habitat for Humanity works in over 70 countries around the globe. In light of this, Habitat would like to take a moment to recognize the individuals that look at their community and find ways to improve the lives around them.
Mrs. Liz Patterson is a retired teacher of 30 years from the Dyer County School System. She was a Medial Reading and Math teacher and a General Music teacher. She has lived in Dyer Co. since 1974. Mrs. Patterson explains how she became involved with Habitat for Humanity of Northwest TN.
“I got to know Charlie James, who was remodeling. Several times he had been to my house to fix and replace various things. He made time to talk about Habitat. He encouraged me to show upon volunteer work days. I like to work with my hands and wasn’t too bad at small repair jobs. I took him up on it. The first house I worked on was going to belong to Cynthia McPherson. Henry Butler was the site manager at the time. Though I knew some construction vocabulary, Henry had to explain various things that he’d send me after. But I learned a whole new language. From that experience, I learned many skills: how to hang siding, spackling nail holes and caulking quarter round, etc. It was such fun. Wonderful people from the community and the future homeowner’s family showed up on those work days. I met people I’d have never met any other way. In 2009, I was asked to be the on the board and to serve as secretary. I was honored to do this and to be a natural part of the mission of Habitat.
Charlie James became the site manager. He would not let volunteers do less than a perfect job. We had to do assignments over if they didn’t meet his expectations. He treated each building as if it was the wealthiest person for whom we were building. That has not changed as Marc Fontaine has now stepped into that role.”
Mrs. Patterson was asked what her favorite memory of working with Habitat is. Seeing a family finally own their home can be a moving experience. There are so many benefits to the community, but many Habitat volunteers are also impacted.
“Each time a homeowner received the keys to the new home, their excitement excited me. Children would exclaim, “I’ve never had my room, yard, etc.” What a difference it made in people’s lives; to have a home.”
Habitat for Humanity’s mission states: “ Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, community, and hope. We asked Mrs. Patterson where she sees Habitat making a difference in the Dyer County community over the next 30 years. Her reply echoes the principle that giving people the means and help to move forward lets them work towards a better life with dignity and self-respect.
“I hope the goals and mission of Habitat always stay the same. It is an uplifting organization to give people a hand up, not a handout.”
Interview and article written by Leah Pugh, Habitat Board Member