Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County merges with Upper Cumberland Habitat

Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County, Tennessee, Inc. (HFHDC) is thrilled to announce its merger with Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity (UCHFH), a strategic partnership that will amplify efforts to provide affordable housing in Smithville and the surrounding communities. This merger will increase resources in DeKalb County to build more Habitat homes for qualifying homebuyers. The unified organization will enhance its ability to support more families by optimizing staffing, pooling resources, and increasing its reach and engagement within the community.

“We are extremely excited to have Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County joining with us in serving our neighbors in the Upper Cumberland. Their affiliate has been a strong and productive advocate of affordable housing and community focused service, and I believe this merger will benefit each county served by Upper Cumberland Habit for Humanity in that there is much that we can learn from and achieve with one another”, said Dr. Jeremy Byrd, Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.

Alex Woodward, a member of the HFHDC Executive Committee said, “Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County has been planning and exploring this merger for a few years now, and we are extremely pleased to be able to complete it. This merger will aid Habitat for Humanity work in DeKalb County for years to come with the additional experience, knowledge, and skills of Upper Cumberland Habitat. We ask for full support of this merger with UC Habitat from DeKalb County citizens so we can continue to make this county a great place to live, work, and play.”

Another committed HFHDC Development Committee Member, Sharon Evans, said, “Merging with Upper Cumberland Habitat is a win for DeKalb County and a boost to our beloved special events like the Fiddler 5K and Chili Cook-Off. I’m excited about the increase in resources and administrative support this change brings to our community!”

Tecia Puckett Pryor, one of the founding Board Members of HFHDC and current member of the Development Committee, echoes her enthusiasm regarding the merger, “This merger is mutually beneficial to both Habitat affiliates and will allow us in DeKalb County to have much-needed staff support, which will in turn help us build houses on a regular basis and serve our community in a broader way.  I’m excited about what we will be able to accomplish together!”

With this merger complete, UCHFH will be able to serve DeKalb, Overton, Putnam, and White Counties through both the construction of new homes and the repair of existing homes. Each county is served by local volunteers and community leaders in addition to the dedicated staff of UCHFH. “Having helped with the Fiddler 5K and the Chili Cook-Off for the last few years, we are excited to officially join with these passionate volunteers to serve this wonderful community,” shared Dr. Byrd. UCHFH is already making plans to begin the application process, and hope to begin construction on the next Habitat home in Smithville in early 2026. More details to come about applications in DeKalb County. Be sure to follow along on the Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity Facebook, Instagram, and website, uchabitat.org.