Two families saw the start of their new Habitat for Humanity homes in northeast Forsyth County in October. The families, Jennefer and Jeremy Stephens, Dwaine Davenport and Copen Kendrick participated int the first-nail ceremony.
Over the course of the two-house build, volunteers will travel from local, national and international regions to work on building the houses. The volunteers will work side by side with the families, long-time volunteers, and paid staff to frame, hang drywall, install siding, paint and landscape the homes, all while building relationships and camaraderie with others from different faiths, races and social and economic backgrounds.
Helping to support the families’ efforts to achieve home ownership, Cisco is providing funding and volunteers from their national and international Americas Sales Team for the Stephens’ Home. Teams of
“We’re driven every day to enable our customers through technology — but that passion to serve doesn’t stop when the work day ends,” said Jeff Sharritts, senior vice president and head of Cisco’s Americas Sales organization. “Our team thrives on opportunities like this one to be the light and make an impact in our communities, so it is an absolute privilege to be able to partner with Habitat for Humanity and build this home for the Stephens family.”
Three high schools, Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, Northbrook United Methodist Church, Saint Brigid Catholic Church, Saint James United Methodist Church, and Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church are partnering together for our annual ecumenical project to build with the Davenport/Kendrick family.
Jason Zemke, Connect Pastor at Mount Pisgah UMC said: “I am excited by the way people respond to a need. Having volunteers who are willing to give of themselves and their time to partner with a future homeowner is a beautiful reminder of the kingdom of God at work. Partnering together with Habitat for Humanity, the homeowners, local churches and businesses in this area is a reminder that God is still active and at work in our community and our lives for the glory of God’s kingdom.”
The two families were chosen from a pool of close to 100 applicants. Not only did these families have to demonstrate a need, meet strict income guidelines, and pass rigorous background and credit checks, but they are also providing 200 hours of “sweat equity” by working on their home and the other homes of partner families.