Special Events
Celebrating our Homes | Groundbreakings, Wall Raisings and Dedications
Every Holston Habitat for Humanity home begins with a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of our partner family's journey of positive change with Habitat. Once the home has been completed, it is dedicated and presented to the new partner homeowners who purchase the home from Holston Habitat. This celebration of all the hard work and effort by the family, volunteers, and staff to build a new home is very special. Attendees include community partners, sponsors, volunteers, staff and of course, the new homeowners!
Women Build
Our Women Build events provide the opportunity for women to take a proactive step in serving their communities.
Any woman who wants to learn how to build and construct a home is invited to join us. No experience is necessary. Volunteers work under the guidance of construction professionals, and also alongside other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. Whether you are learning new skills or simply adding a few to your tool belt, this is a rewarding experience for all involved, and improves the community that you share.
Women Build is also a terrific way to involve your friends and family in crucial work with a lasting impact. Women helping women sends a positive and powerful message. You can also come alone and make new friends. The atmosphere is collaborative and friendly.
Martin Luther King Day of Service
Martin Luther King Day is an annual federal holiday, celebrated the third Monday of January, that honors the birthday of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to community service. The holiday is observed as “a day on, not a day off” and is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social issues, and honor Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Holston Habitat hosts a special wall building event on the MLK Day of Service.
World Habitat Day - Mortgage Burning
The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. The day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.
As a special way to celebrate this day, Holston Habitat holds a Mortgage Burning Ceremony. Habitat homeowners who have paid off their mortgages are invited to participate in a ceremony and burn their mortgage. All are welcome to attend as we take the opportunity to congratulate the homeowners on their achievement of paying off their loan.
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
The colossal efforts of our current Holston Habitat volunteers are celebrated every year at the volunteer appreciation dinner. During the dinner, awards are given for the Volunteer Organization of Impact and the Elizabeth Ann Hay Volunteer Service.
The Elizabeth Ann Hay award, named for Holston Habitat's co-founder, is presented annually to volunteers who have made long-term contributions to our ministry in three categories: Construction, ReStore, Committee/Administrative.
ReArt at the ReStore
Reart: the art of reducing, reusing & recycling through artistic expression
Every July in conjunction with Fun Fest, the ReStore at Kingsport has a special event where local artists create art from materials found in the store. The event is open to the public to view the artists while they work and vote for their favorite. For more information on how to participate in ReArt at the ReStore, contact Dorothy Edwards at
423-378-4760, ext. 2
