Housing affordability directly affects talent attraction
By Heather Thomas, Upper Cumberland Business Journal
Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity hosts its 18th Annual Lunch on the Lawn at the Cumberland County Community Complex today from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The community is invited for lunch to meet local partners, vendors and volunteers with live music, homemade food and sweets for $20 at the gate.
“We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope,” said Vanessa Petty, Habitat’s Executive Director. “Lunch on the Lawn is a chance for neighbors, businesses, and civic partners to stand with local families and be part of the solution.”
Why this matters to local leaders, labor and workforce and businesses
Housing affordability directly affects talent attraction, retention and overall regional competitiveness. In July 2025, the median sale price in Cumberland County was about $360,000 (down 5.8% year-over-year), while Crossville’s median sale price in Aug. 2025 was $277,500.
Real-estate sources reveal that the national first-time homebuyer age has risen to a record 38, reflecting delayed household formation and affordability pressures – factors local leadership, state labor and workforce feel when recruiting business and industry.
The National Association of Realtors has projected a 2025 U.S. median existing-home price around $410,700, underscoring the affordability gap Habitat helps narrow at the local level.
What Habitat events like Lunch on the Lawn represent
- Strength — With a little help, families can stand on their own.
- Stability — Building Hope builds strong communities—and a stronger labor pool.
- Self-Reliance — Partner families receive financial education, help build their homes, and pay an affordable mortgage.
- Shelter — Safe and affordable housing puts stability and self-reliance within reach.
Locally, Habitat functions as a nonprofit builder, mortgage lender and retailer, partnering with families who help build their homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage—a model that stabilizes neighborhoods and supports workforce readiness.
One of Habitat’s core themes is how a single home can strengthen an entire community.
ReStore: A circular economy win
The Cumberland County Habitat ReStore at 329 McLarty Lane, Crossville accepts donated furniture, appliances, home décor and building materials. Donating or shopping at the ReStore is one of the simplest ways to support Habitat in building affordable homes locally while diverting reusable goods from the landfill. Every purchase and donation directly supports local home builds and programs. Donors receive tax-deductible receipts and can schedule large-item pickups.
How community partners and employers can engage
- Sponsor a build or crew day (great for team engagement and community visibility).
- Create volunteer release time so employees can serve at events, ReStore, on build days.
- Provide in-kind materials/services to reduce build costs.
- Match employee gifts.
- Donate surplus inventory to the ReStore.
Event: 18th Annual Lunch on the Lawn
Where: Cumberland County Community Complex
When: Friday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tickets are $20 at the gate
For more information, visit cchabitatforhumanity.org or at 329 McLarty Lane in Crossville.
UCBJ file photo.
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