November 19, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 19, 2014
For more information,
Contact: Amanda Shell Jennings
Moxley Carmichael
(865)255-0661
Work day set for Nov. 22
Greene County Habitat for Humanity, US Nitrogen and its contractors need volunteers Saturday, Nov. 22, to help build a home for Billy Bledsoe at 328 Pine St., in Greeneville. The additional support from the community will help the US Nitrogen Construction Team and contractors complete the home in time for the holidays.
“This project is the most ambitious we have ever undertaken,” Greene County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Vicki Culbertson said. “The skilled labor provided by US Nitrogen and its contractors allowed us to set an aggressive schedule, and now we would like the community’s help to make sure the house is finished in time for Billy to settle in for Christmas.”
The work day will be divided into two shifts – 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Volunteers ages 16 and older should arrive at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. to sign up at the worksite and receive a safety presentation. A barbecue lunch will be provided by Industrial Piping Inc. at noon for workers on both shifts.
Volunteers are encouraged to dress warmly and wear close-toed shoes or work boots. Clothing should not fit loosely.
“The US Nitrogen Construction Team, its employees and contractors will be at the site throughout the day on Saturday helping with the build,” US Nitrogen Construction Manager Victor Smith said. “We want to offer the opportunity for the community to help us make Billy Bledsoe’s dream of being a homeowner come true. We hope volunteers will help us make the holidays special for Billy and his dog, Bandit.”
On Oct. 29, Greene County Habitat for Humanity, the US Nitrogen Construction Team and its contractors held a ground-breaking ceremony. Town of Greeneville and Greene County elected officials and community leaders helped kick off the project.
US Nitrogen and the contractors working on the US Nitrogen project are providing all labor and materials for the build and plan to complete the project by mid-December. The combined donation is valued at approximately $50,000.
A serious motorcycle accident several years ago left Bledsoe with disabilities that make it hard for him to move around freely. Until recently, he lived alone with his dog, Bandit. When his home was destroyed by fire, Bledsoe and Bandit had nowhere to reside. Bledsoe’s new one-story home will include two bedrooms, handicap-accessible bathroom, laundry room, living room and kitchen.
“After my home burned, it was just me and Bandit,” Bledsoe said. “I lost everything. When I found out US Nitrogen and a team of contractors were going to help me by building my house, I was so excited and proud to know there are still people that care and help others.”
Sponsors of the project include Air Pro Heating and Cooling, Inc., Appalachian Surveying Consultants, C&C Millwright Maintenance Co., Eastern Industrial Supplies, Inc., Greeneville Builders Supply, Mico Industrial Services, Renfrow Brothers Industrial Contractors, RTF Systems, Summers-Taylor Inc., TEC Industrial Maintenance & Construction, United Rentals Inc. and US Nitrogen.
Bledsoe’s home is one of 30 Habitat for Humanity Homes being constructed across the state of Tennessee with a matching funds grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). The US Nitrogen Construction Team and its contractors’ in-kind donation will allow Greene County Habitat for Humanity to receive a $15,000 grant in matching funds to serve more families in Greeneville and Greene County.
US Nitrogen is a platinum partner with Greene County Habitat for Humanity. In addition to the current project, US Nitrogen has donated construction materials from the demolition of three houses to Habitat for Humanity. These materials are sold in the Habitat for Humanity thrift store, “ReStore,” to raise funds for its programs.
About Greene County Habitat for Humanity
A Christian housing ministry, Greene County Habitat for Humanity, along with other Habitat affiliates across the United States, helps bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. Greene County Habitat for Humanity provides houses to families that do not usually qualify for conventional home loans. The houses carry an interest-free, 20-year mortgage. Families accepted into the program have demonstrated a need for housing, such as living in overcrowded conditions, unsafe neighborhoods or substandard housing with utilities often costing more than rent or having disabilities with the need for handicap accessibility. Within the six- to eight-month process, residents complete training on homeownership, including budgeting, and complete 500 sweat equity hours before closing on the house. Greene County Habitat for Humanity has provided homes to 30 families in our community.
About US Nitrogen
Located in Greene County, Tenn. US Nitrogen is a state-of-the-art facility that will produce ammonium nitrate for industrial purposes. US Nitrogen’s state-of-the-art facility represents a more than $200 million investment in the Greene County community – the largest capital investment in Greene County history. The company will provide more than 80 technical, high-paying jobs to the region. US Nitrogen LLC is a subsidiary of Cleveland, Ohio-based Austin Powder Company, a global leader in industrial explosives used in mining operations around the world.
