KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Holston Habitat for Humanity has returned to work building homes for people in need for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

The dedication ceremony for their first home of 2020 took place on Saturday morning in Kingsport. A foundation for the house is already being built, but Saturday was the celebration of all that this house will mean for a special family.

Holston Habitat offers families facing housing insecurity the opportunity to purchase affordable housing with a zero interest loan.

Now, finally able to restart their operations, the volunteers and the site team can focus on the future.

“This house building is such a celebration because it means that we are taking our volunteers back together in a safe way, with a reduced number so that we can work on our houses again. It’s another celebration as this is our third 5 bedroom home, ”said Trish Patterson of Holston Habitat for Humanity.

The family who receive this home in Kingsport say they are grateful that they are now fortunate enough to have a safe and secure place to live. They said on Saturday that they were excited about the promise this new home brings.

“I can be able to play outside and live in a new place that I can call home. It means a lot to me. Seeing that people would really like to help us, ”said Z’mya Jean-Baptiste, the recipient of the house.

Due to the pandemic, Holston Habitat for Humanity had to adjust its construction timelines. Traditionally they build six or seven houses a year, but this year they will build four and a half as it now takes longer to complete projects.