KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Christmas came a bit early for Tullahoma resident Zac Bryson and his four children Sean, Sebastian, Zayna and Zoey, as they were able to step into their new house courtesy of the Highland Rim Habitat for Humanity (HRHFH).

Bryson, and his family became the most recent housing recipient from the nonprofit organization on Friday, on Dec. 20 when they were presented the keys to their new Tullahoma home during a special ceremony and dedication at 923 Maplewood St.

The project had been years in the making. According to Terrie Quick, HRHFH President, the lot was donated to the organization by the city a few years ago after the house was abandoned and became a place for squatters and drug addicts before the brush became so overwhelming no one could get on the property. In January 2023, the organization began to cut down the brush during the winter to begin cleaning up the lot and demolishing the house to make room for a new home.

On hand with helping Habitat was Nissan North America, who was the primary corporate sponsor with HRHFM and helped with funding, as well as the many volunteers that dedicated time each week to help complete the story and a half house.

Mike Hill, Build Captain for Habitat, thanked the Nissan volunteers and told them they were the reason he continues to be involved with Habitat for Humanity.

“Y’all give use the reason that there is hope and good people left in the world who are willing to come out to do this,” Hill said. “As long as y’all are involved I’m planned to be involved with y’all.”

Hill added the team had their moments of doubt along the way, but he said he stuck with his motto of “You can’t stop God, and you gotta have faith.”

After introducing members of the Habitat Board of Directors, Quick introduced Ellen Anderson of Heirloom Quilters Guild of Coffee County who presented the Bryson family with a quilt.

“Anytime there is a Habitat house that’s finished and being dedicated in Coffee County then we would like to present with a quilt,” Anderson said. “We think no house is a house without a quilt.”

After presenting the quilt, Anderson also presented throw blankets to each of the four children.

Quick then welcomed members of the Rotary Club of Winchester, who will be partnering with the Gardening Club to help plant flowers, bushes and whatever else is needed to help beautify the property. They also brought Christmas presents for the children.

David Sliger, Vice President of Nissan Decherd Powertrain Operations, said the house was Nissan’s tenth build, and said when they first started the project he told Bryson they will have his family in by Christmas. He praised the Nissan team for taking on the challenge as they sent 10 to 15 workers every day from the plant several times a week to reach that goal.

“On behalf of Nissan, I want to welcome you to your home,” Sliger said as he presented the key to the house to Bryson.

The key to the house wasn’t the only present given to the family, as Quick informed Bryson that his daughters will also be receiving six-month membership at Tullahoma Cheer and Gymnastics for free as a gift from Habitat and one of its partners. That wasn’t all as Quick said another gift Habitat was giving to the family was service from Clean My Pad for a year, who will come by every month to help coach the family how to organize and clean.

Quick then asked Tullahoma Mayor Lynn Sebourn to say something, and he said seeing the progress of the house as it was built had been amazing, and noted how in the last few weeks he was in several meetings and events that involved members of the community coming together and volunteering to do good stuff for the community.

“That’s what I want to see in Tullahoma,” Sebourn said.

Quick also praised the city departments for being helpful whenever Habitat has called for inspections and services.

“They have been excellent to work with this year, so we will be happy to build here again,” Quick said.

Bryson said he’s been grateful for everything since day one, and added one of the lessons he teaches to his team that he coaches was to be resilient and to continue to push through when things are not working.

“Everything that we push is not monetary gain, it’s all about supporting the next person, the next brother that needs help,” Bryson said as he held back tears.

Bryson briefly talked about how he would ride by the house to see everyone working and took a moment to collect himself.

After the dedication, Bryson said he couldn’t be blessed with a better group of people, and praised the Tullahoma community.

“Tullahoma always shows up and shows out,” he said. “It’s going to continue in the future especially after experiences like this.”

He added he and his children were not used to receiving the blessings from the gifts given to the children to the people who came together to help build their new home.

“We’re not used to this,” he added. “This seems so surreal it doesn’t seem real at all.”

Bryson said he’s going to continue to be thankful and grateful to Habitat, Nissan, the city of Tullahoma and all the volunteers who lent a hand in making his and children’s home a reality.

About Highland Rim Habitat for Humanity

HRHFH is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian organization dedicated to building simple, decent and affordable homes in Coffee and Franklin counties since 1992. The nonprofit is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which has over 2,300 affiliates worldwide. HRHFH partners with volunteers and low-income families to fulfill its purpose. Homeowner families are chosen according to their need, ability to repay the no-profit, no-interest mortgage and their willingness to work in partnership with HRHFH. Those interested in participating with HRHFH can message the organization via Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/highlandrimhabi