By Jackie Hampton,
Publisher,
Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant and Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area (HFHMCA) marked a collaboration milestone with the completion of their first rehab home project in the tri-county area. A family dedication service was held Thursday, August 29, at 9 a.m. where new rehab owner Janice Barber was given the keys to her new home, located at 2925 Greenview Drive in Jackson. A welcome was given by Jennifer Studebaker, board president, for Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area. A house blessing was led by Maura Jelliffe, Habitat’s board secretary.
More than 80 Nissan volunteers contributed their time and skills during the project which took place from May to July benefiting Barber and her family. Habitat home rehabs preserve existing homes and maximize the number of families who can become homeowners.
“Nissan’s corporate mission is to enrich the lives of others, and our relationship with Habitat for Humanity is a perfect fit as it encompasses this exactly,” said Victor Taylor, vice president of manufacturing, Nissan Canton. Taylor went on to say, “We build more than great cars; we build community. Our employees love to support deserving families who need safe, affordable housing. We want to continue to make a difference in this community where our employees live and work.”
“For years Nissan Canton has been a strong supporter of the work of Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area,” said Merrill McKewen, executive director at Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area. “They have built 15 new homes either in Canton or Jackson and now, have rehabbed a home for another family. Corporate sponsors like Nissan make possible the work we do for those we serve. We are extremely grateful for their ongoing support.”
The Barber’s new home has five bedrooms and two bathrooms. Barber is a mother to three children, and a grandmother to two grandchildren. She currently lives in a rental house in Jackson and is excited to become a homeowner. “Because of Habitat and Nissan, I have the opportunity to provide my children and grandchildren a place to call home,” said Barber.
Nissan’s support for Habitat began in 2005 in response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Nissan U.S. donated $1 million, provided 50 Nissan trucks and mobilized employee volunteers for homebuilding through Habitat affiliates in impacted communities. Since that time, Nissan has contributed more than $21 million and more than 112,000 volunteer hours in 50 communities to Habitat for Humanity across the U.S.
About Habitat for Humanity
Mississippi Capital Area Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area is a faith-based organization founded in 1986. They have built or renovated simple and sustainable homes for over 660 families in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties.
Habitat homes are sold at no profit with an interest-free mortgage to families who cannot qualify for traditional bank loans. Homeownership combined with Habitat’s required financial education allows these families to invest in our community and their future simultaneously.
Clifton Goodloe, director, Body Stamping and Paint Shops presented Barbour with a Bible and told her that a house needs to be on a good foundation and to look at the Bible as a good foundation to continue to build on. Barbour emotionally accepted the Bible.
When asked how she was feeling about becoming a homeowner, Barber stated, “There are no words. I’m just happy.” She said at first it was a rocky road trying to get a home for herself and her family because originally, she was turned down. However, after applying again, a year ago, Barber smiled and said, “God heard my prayers, and I was accepted.” I am so grateful to Nissan and the Habitat Family for making it all happen for me” she said.
To learn more about becoming a HFHMCA donor, volunteer, or homeowner, please call 601-353-6060 or visit www.habitatmca.org.
About Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant
Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant celebrated 20 years of manufacturing operations in 2023. The plant employs more than 5,000 people and has assembled more than five million vehicles since it began production in 2003. The $4 billion factory currently assembles the Nissan Altima and Nissan Frontier. To date, the company has invested $14 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations collectively.
For more information about Nissan products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissannews.com or nissanmanufacturing.com
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