Habitat for Humanity continues to change lives in Montgomery County

Nearly 20 years ago, Kathie Kilt and her four kids were homeless, and she was trying to find a bright spot in life.

As a disabled, single mother of four kids, Kilt was living on a fixed income relying on her disability check to take care of her children and herself.

With limited resources and not much for rent, it was difficult to find a place to stay. They stayed with Kilt's sister for a short time before trying to find the next place they could go. Kilt recalls living in the worst living conditions when she saw someone she knew with Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County applications and was told to apply.

"I thought the worst they could say is no," Kilt said. "Habitat was my last hope. My credit was good, but with my income, I wasn't sure."

But they didn't say no. Kilt's application was approved and she could now focus on getting the house built, knowing soon she and her family would have a place to call home.

"It freed me from the worry of a place to stay and allowed me to focus on the good things that were happening in my life at a time I needed it the most," she said.

She was able to focus less on where her family would sleep and more on having the patience to wait until the house was done and getting her volunteer hours.

Before she knew it, Kilt and her family were at their dedication ceremony getting the keys to their house and ready to move in.

"We could've been a statistic," Kilt said getting emotional. "But because they didn't say no, my kids had a home and thrived."

Three of her kids graduated valedictorian from Kenwood High School and her youngest graduated in the top 5% of her class before all going to college.

Kilt's story is just one of the many in Montgomery County.

Since 1992, Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County has been building homes for families, helping some achieve homeownership for some that once thought impossible.

"It's the community that allows us to do what we do," Executive Director Rob Selkow said.

And with the recent announcement that Kate Gauf was selected as the new operations director, Habitat will continue to change the Montgomery County community.

“Kate has the management skills and connections in the community that will help Habitat expand our reach and serve more local families that need a decent place to live,” said Selkow. “She’s passionate about the mission of Habitat and we’re blessed to have her on the team.”

Volunteers making a difference

Volunteers are used from beginning to end of the program. The team that picks the applications, the financial counseling and homebuilding and those who work at the ReStore.

The homes are financed through Habitat for Humanity MCTN, which doesn't charge interest. Making it more affordable for families who once could only dream of homeownership.

"When people come here and get a house, it's making a difference in their lives," Selkow said. "I talked to two high schoolers who were happy to have their own rooms and a door, it's things like that make changes people's lives. I'm blessed and privileged to be here."

The past few years have been different for Habitat for Humanity MCTN. COVID decreased the number of average volunteers that came out to build houses, the Habitat for Humanity MCTN store Restore was closed and opened up an online store, and inflation raised the prices of materials needed to buy and build the house. But even so, the mission to help people toward homeownership doesn't stop.

Next year, Habitat for Humanity MCTN is planning for three home dedications including Clarksville- Montgomery County Schools employee Maria and her granddaughter Grace.

"I don't think people realize the longevity of the program," Kilt said. "It's not just a place for me and my kids, but the next generation too. I'm able to leave something behind for my family."

And Gauf's new role as operations director will add to the impact of Habitat. “I am grateful for this opportunity to serve and look forward to learning from the team, board members, partner families and my neighbors and hope that by doing so I can make a lasting positive impact,” Gauf said of her new position.

Applications for the 2024 Habitat for Humanity MCTN will open in February. For more information or to learn to become a volunteer, you can visit Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County's website.

Reporter Kenya Anderson can be reached at kanderson@nashvill.gannett.com or on X at KenyaAnderson32.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Habitat for Humanity continues to change lives in Montgomery County