Habitat for Humanity holds ceremonial groundbreaking in Smithville for new home

Jeremy, executive director of Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity, opened a ceremonial groundbreaking in Smithville and asked attendees to reflect on the work that led to the day.

"It's impossible to talk about what we're doing today and in the days that come without celebrating and recognizing what has happened to get us here," Jeremy said, inviting Alex Woodward to recount the local chapter's recent organizational changes.

Alex Woodward, who said he was the most recent president of Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, described merger discussions that began in early 2019 with Upper Cumberland and noted delays after a 2020 tornado in Cookville and the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the county chapter's last home was finished in 2021 and that consolidating under Upper Cumberland has helped sustain local building efforts.

Construction director Kevin Mir described the house being started as "a three-bedroom, two-bath" home and said the build is an opportunity to re-engage volunteers and local partners. He urged community members to sign up to help on-site and pointed to additional lots nearby where more houses are planned.

Organizers also framed the build as a milestone for the chapter — the structure was identified in remarks as roughly the organization's 97th house — and reminded attendees of a Chili Kickoff fundraiser on Oct. 23. The short ceremony concluded with photos and a ceremonial shovel-turning involving staff, volunteers and local officials.

The chapter encouraged anyone interested in volunteering or partnering on construction or fundraising to contact Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity; specific sign-up details were not specified in the remarks.