Knoxville Habitat for Humanity recognized as a “Top 45” U.S. affiliate for third year
January 17, 2022

Knoxville Habitat for Humanity CEO joined leaders from across
the country to discuss new and innovative ways to address a
ffordable housing ownership opportunities

KNOXVILLE – Knoxville home prices are about 25% higher than this time last year, with the median home price now nearing $300,000. The rapid rise in housing costs is pricing many out of the housing market. An estimated one out of every three Knoxvillians is now concerned about affordable housing, and the number of first-time homebuyers is dropping to all-time lows. This lack of attainable housing can leave critical workers, such as healthcare workers and teachers, unable to afford living in the communities where they serve.

Affordable housing concerns are not limited to Knox County, and communities across the United States are looking for new ways to address this growing challenge. Habitat for Humanity has long been a leader in producing and advocating for affordable housing, and the Top 45 Habitat Affiliates across the nation meet each year to discuss innovative and strategic measures that are working in local communities to address the affordable housing crisis.

The Top 45 Affiliates are chosen each year, among more than 1,000 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the U.S., based on each affiliate’s new home production. For the third consecutive year, Knoxville Habitat for Humanity has been chosen as one of these top affiliate organizations.

At their recent annual meeting in Clearwater, Florida, Habitat for Humanity International President and CEO Jonathan Reckford thanked the group for their leadership and innovation, noting that never before has the Habitat for Humanity movement and mission been more important.

“Knoxville Habitat for Humanity is honored to once again be a part of these important discussions,” said Knoxville Habitat President and CEO Kelle Shultz. “I’m happy to not only have shared the successes we’ve had building affordable homes in Knox County, but I also bring back more ideas to allow us to serve even more families than before.”

Knoxville Habitat is currently completing infrastructure development of Ellen’s Glen, a new neighborhood which will begin construction early this year.

*Source: Freddie Mac House Price Index

About Knoxville Habitat for Humanity
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity is an independent, non-profit, Christian housing ministry that partners with people of all beliefs. Knoxville Habitat has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1985 and builds homes in partnership with families and individuals in need of a safe and affordable place to live. Knoxville Habitat also serves low-income seniors through critical home repair so they can live independently, more comfortably and more safely in their homes. Families are very much invested in the process of buying their new homes, and they pay mortgages like anyone with a traditional home loan. In addition to their affordable mortgage, each family contributes 500 hours of sweat equity as a down payment before they can move in, most of which are spent in classes learning how to budget and become a responsible homeowner. Volunteers and future homeowners provide the labor in building the homes, while tax-deductible donations of money, land and materials are provided by individuals, organizations and corporations.

Knoxville Habitat is also a Veterans Build Affiliate with Habitat for Humanity International, part of a national effort to provide affordable homes for local men and women who have served our country, as well as a Cost of Home affiliate working toward policy solutions to address the need for home affordability in local communities, the state of Tennessee and nationwide.

Knoxville Habitat has worked with over 700 families in Knox County. For more information or to donate, visit knoxvillehabitat.com.