Last Updated on July 24, 2024 12:27 pm
Watauga Habitat is thrilled to announce the dedication of their 34th home, which occurred on
July 20, 2024. The Gay family of four invited Habitat supporters, their church community from
the Harvest House, and their friends and family into their home for an official Home Dedication.
The Home Dedication is a ceremony that functions as the symbolic passing of the keys from
Watauga Habitat for Humanity to the homeowner, signifying the transfer of ownership.
Nathan Godwin, Director of Development, said “The Gay family have been superb through
every step of their home construction. Their children are fun, polite, full of creativity, and they
even got to pick the color of the walls in their bedrooms. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gay are
incredibly kind and are the perfect partner family for our home building projects. We’re thrilled to
have them as our newest Watauga Habitat homeowners.”
Sarah Grady, Watauga Habitat’s Contruction Manager, said “Working with the the Gays has
been a delight. They are a hard-working family and completely understand and are dedicated to
the Habitat mission. Thanks to their hard work, their home is above code standard and has met
the rigorous requirements of System Vision, which is an energy efficiency program managed by
Advanced Energy.”
Because the Gay family home has met the requirements of System Vision, the Gay family will
be able to enjoy lower bills for things like energy and water usage in the home, allowing for them
to save money for food, unexpected expenses, transportation, education for their children, and
the like.
Watauga Habitat will continue to build for those in the high country, and has recently broken
ground on and began work on their 35th home in the county. All Watauga Habitat for Humanity
homeowners pay an affordable, interest-free mortgage and contribute 250 sweat equity hours to
the organization, which is essential to partnering with the nonprofit.
The next Watauga Habitat Homeowner Application Window begins August 1, 2024. Jennifer
Ramey, Family Services Coordinator, said “Watauga County Habitat for Humanity will be
opening a second application season on August 1st. If you have already applied earlier this
year, please contact our office at either 828-268-9545, extension 102, or email
jennifer@wataugahabitat.org to see if you may need to submit updated information. The last
day to apply will be September 15th, 2024. If you know someone who may benefit from a
Habitat home in Watauga County, please have them reach out to us!”
If you are interested in supporting the mission of Watauga Habitat for Humanity, you may do so
by going to wataugahabitat.org to learn more, following them on Facebook or Instagram, or by
calling 828-268-9545. Watauga Habitat is in need of volunteers and financial assistance for
construction, and gently used furniture donations for their Habitat ReStore located on old 421 in
Deep Gap, NC.
