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Habitat for Humanity provides keys to new home, healing, independence





Dontrel Washington holds the keys to his new home provided to him by Montgomery County’s Habitat for Humanity.SUBMITTED

Dontrel Washington holds the keys to his new home provided to him by Montgomery County’s Habitat for Humanity.SUBMITTED

On June 11, the Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County dedicated a home on Jamestown Place in Clarksville to Dontrel Washington and his teenage son.

The home was funded by the Clarksville Habitat ReStore, as well as mortgage payments from current Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County homeowners.

The lot for Washington’s home was provided with help from the City of Clarksville and is located just two doors down from his mother, Ester Corbett, who has been taking care of him since Washington suffered his first stroke in 2016.

Washington, who was 36 then, was found lying on the pavement in his driveway following a massive stroke.

“He had to relearn how to do everything,” Corbett said. “He was in the hospital for a month after having brain surgery.”

Washington’s monthlong stay in the hospital was followed by additional care for another month in an Ashland City nursing home.

“He finally was able to transition into his own apartment before finding out in 2019 that he had been approved for the Habitat for Humanity program,” Corbett said.

Dontrel Williams, center, sits with friends and family gathered on his new front porch, courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.SUBMITTED

Dontrel Williams, center, sits with friends and family gathered on his new front porch, courtesy of Habitat for Humanity.SUBMITTED

Washington continues to be on disability, without being able to work.

“I know he’s happy about the house,” Corbett said. “His emotions have been affected by his condition, but he’s very excited about it.”

Corbett said since Washington lives near her, she doesn’t have to worry about him as much.

“I worry about him all the time,” Corbett said. “But now, I can look out from my front door and see his house. I realize I seem a little overbearing, but you hate seeing your child like that.”

The Corbetts’ grandson Jaylen Washington, 13, is also happy to live so close to his grandparents.

“We appreciate all the work the volunteers have done,” Corbett said. “There’s no way we could ever repay them.”

Habitat board members contributed many sweat equity hours to this build by helping to lay the foundation.

Habitat for Humanity MCTN serves low-income families by partnering with them to build decent, affordable housing.

Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts talks at the Habitat dedication to Montgomery County Commissioners Lisa Prichard and Rashidah Leverett.SUBMITTED

Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts talks at the Habitat dedication to Montgomery County Commissioners Lisa Prichard and Rashidah Leverett.SUBMITTED

Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with qualifying Montgomery County families, has completed more than 100 houses since 1992, using donated funds, labor and materials.

The Clarksville-based ministry is seeking individuals, churches and local companies for volunteer projects related to eliminating poverty housing in Montgomery County. Information can be obtained by calling (931) 645-4222 or by visiting www.habitatmctn.org.

 

 

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