Habitat and OOBE dedicate “Next Generation Home” in honor of Deshaun Watson
February 5, 2017
On Friday, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, and build partner OOBE, dedicated their first home of 2017, a home for the Watley family.
This is OOBE’s first build with Habitat. The home was built in honor of Deshaun Watson, the son of a Habitat homeowner who is the inaugural recipient of Habitat International’s Next Generation award, in recognition of his character and achievement. Additional donors for this home include ABC Locksmiths, GBS Building Supply Inc., IBI Builders and Michael’s Janitorial & Floor Service.
Tom Merritt, Founder and Co-CEO of OOBE, said, “The Habitat work ministry model allows our folks a unique opportunity and direct access point for positive impact. We are able to come alongside Habitat and be part of their sustained momentum that has greatly blessed so many families for decades. OOBE considers it a privilege to work with Habitat on this home and dedicate it to such a fine young man and leader like Deshaun Watson. And, as rewarding and sentimental as this association is for us, it is secondary to the excitement of working and praying toward a rich future for the new homeowners, Jaylan and Alaya Watley. We thank God for providing the resources that enable us to be part of such a rich experience.”
As a Habitat program participant, Jaylen Watley has completed over 200 hours of sweat equity working to build her home and the homes of others, as well as 25 hours of homeownership classes. She will pay an affordable mortgage for the home.
During the dedication, build partners and sponsors presented the Watley family with gifts that will prepare them for life as homeowners, including tools, a vacuum cleaner, lawnmower, and cleaning supplies. Artist Carol Hoffman presented the family a watercolor, and Nimble Thimbles Quilt Guild donated a handmade quilt for each family member.
“We are grateful for the generous support of OOBE and other donors to this home, for their support of quality, affordable homeownership in Greenville,” said Monroe Free, Executive Director of Habitat Greenville. “From corporate sponsors like OOBE to community partners like the Clemson football team, it is truly a team effort to make the dream of homeownership a reality.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
Through construction of affordable homes, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville enables Greenville families with low income to build strength, stability and self-reliance. Habitat Greenville received the Greenville Chamber’s Neighborhood Improvement Award in 2015, and was recognized with the 2015 Nonprofit Excellence Award, given by the SC Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO). Chartered in 1985, Habitat Greenville has completed construction of more than 340 homes. In recognition of its financial health, accountability and transparency, Habitat Greenville has been awarded a 4-Star Charity status by Charity Navigator. Learn more at www.habitatgreenville.org.
