COOKEVILLE – The need for safe, affordable housing has never been more evident than in the recent months following the March tornados and throughout the pandemic. To meet this growing need, Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) has recently added two new staff members, Katelyn Steakley and Oliver Wood.
Steakley came aboard in August as the director of development and communications. She is a lifetime resident of Cookeville who has recently been a very active member on the community’s tornado benevolence committee and a volunteer for Food to the Rescue. A graduate of Belmont, Steakley is responsible for the fundraising efforts of the housing ministry, in addition to overseeing their communications efforts.
“Katelyn has brought a wealth of experience and passion for affordable housing to our organization, and we look forward to her support in our goals of serving more families,” said Pam Ealey, executive director of Habitat.
Earlier this month, Wood joined the Habitat team as the volunteer program manager. He was promoted from Habitat ReStore operations to this full-time position. Wood is responsible for building and maintaining a strong volunteer base for the local non-profit, from construction volunteers and ReStore support to the dozens of other volunteer needs Habitat has every day. In addition, Wood will be doing community outreach in Overton County.
“We are truly a volunteer organization and the more dedicated volunteers we have for the work, the more families and seniors we can serve,” said Ealey. “Oliver brings such a strong passion for the ministry and love of people, that we know he’s the perfect fit at the perfect time for Habitat.”
To learn more about Habitat’s work in Putnam and Overton County for the past 25 years along with the current needs, visit www.uchabitat.org or reach out to the new team members at 931-528-1711.
Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical housing ministry serving families with affordable homeownership opportunities along with serving seniors with needed housing repairs so they can properly age in place in their homes.
