The Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity (NAHFH) has announced the largest gift in its 17-year history – a 43-acre parcel of land which has been donated by Centex Development Company. Located in the Paragon Mills area of Nashville, the property will enable NAHFH to create a neighborhood of 141homes.

The land, which is being donated by Centex Development Company, Centex Rodgers and Centex Homes Nashville, is valued at approximately $500,000, according to Stephen M. Weinberg, president and CEO of Centex Development Company.

“Centex’s donation is not only the largest ever to our local chapter, but we understand it also is the largest land gift ever to Habitat for Humanity nationwide. It is a significant resource to be used in our continuing efforts to provide, safe, decent housing.” said Don Klein, Executive Vice President of the Greater Nashville Association of Realtor ans 2002 NAHFH board president. “Not only are we thrilled with adding 141 lots to our inventory, but Centex executives have offered to participate in the first blitz-build home construction in the new neighborhood that will be created from this donation.”

“Meetings with the Mayor’s Office of Affordable Housing and Councilwoman Janis Sontany regarding the new development have been encouraging. We’ve been working with them to ensure compatibility with the neighborhood not only in terms of value, but also design,” noted Klein. “As has been our plan from the beginning, and consistent with our commitment to the community, a meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at Paragon Mills Elementary from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m with residents in the area. We will present our plans for the new development which we have named Providence Park. We are looking forward to the meeting and dialogue with our new neighbors”.

Klein added that the donation will prompt a continued emphasis on securing additional build sponsors and recruiting new volunteers, an effort which has been in full swing since October 2001 when NAHFH began work on Rainwood, a 70-home planned development in northeast area of Davidson County. “This donation fits in with our goal to provide a diverse and sustainable development. Our model for future growth is to build communities rather than build on single lots. Similar to the Rainwood subdivision, this new community will feature a variety of three- and four-bedroom home designs, attractive landscaping, paved driveways, sidewalks and cul de sacs,” said Klein.

“We are pleased to be able to help Habitat for Humanity significantly expand its efforts to provide affordable homes to Nashville families,” said Weinberg. “Habitat has been tremendously successful in raising donations of labor and materials to build homes – now they have a large parcel of land that will help them fulfill their mission.”

Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity has named its new subdivision Providence Park to reflect the area’s unique history in Nashville. Following the Civil War, a settlement developed in the area, and residents organized Lake Providence Church in 1868. NAHFH selected the name Providence Park in a tribute to this community’s rich heritage and perseverance to come together under God.

Centex Rodgers, a national healthcare construction firm, has participated in Habitat for Humanity building programs in the past and is excited about the opportunity to play such an important role in Habitat’s Nashville area program. Doug Jones, CEO of Centex Rodgers, is looking forward to getting his fellow executives out to a work site. He said, “We've had a lot of great experiences in the construction business, but this project, and seeing the enthusiastic response from the families, will be especially rewarding."

Qualifying families purchase their homes at cost and repay the mortgage with no interest over a 20-year period. Monthly payments are recycled into the “Fund for Humanity” to help build more homes for other needy families. Additionally, families are required to accumulate a total of 500 hours, earned through home ownership workshops, build site time, community work or volunteering in some other aspect of Habitat operations. Habitat’s home ownership program includes classes for new homeowners on budgeting, credit management, mortgage finance, home maintenance and what it means to be a good neighbor.

The NAHFH was organized in 1985 as a non-profit, ecumenical ministry that builds quality, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families and the Nashville community. Since its founding, NAHFH has built over 160 homes – and communities -- for Nashville families.

Habitat for Humanity has 1,531 affiliates in North America and partners in more than 83 nations. Habitat for Humanity has built more than 125,000 homes in 26 years.