Daniel and Dusti Brooks know what it means to be truly thankful. The Brooks family has had a long history of giving thanks to God and giving back to their community. Both were youth ministers before moving home to Putnam County where Daniel continued his work as an assistant pastor. The couple moved back to Putnam County because they wanted to be close to family, and after having their second son, Max, they needed family and community more than ever.
Max was born with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, a rare disorder that causes Max to stop breathing when sleeps. He needs a tracheal tube and a ventilator when he goes to bed. Being close to family has been instrumental in helping with Max’s care.
In November 2010, the Brookses were able to move into their new home in Cookeville thanks to funding from the THDA’s Housing Trust Fund and THDA’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity. This trust fund recently provided $1 million to Habitat for Humanity of Tennessee and its affiliates across to build an additional 44 homes. The community finally gave back though help from Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) and Habitat for Humanity.
This funding provides much needed support across the state. According to Colleen Dudley, Executive Director of HFHT, “We want our elected officials to support the program both through legislation and muscle. They will see firsthand the tremendous impact a stable home has on children’s health, wellness and education.”
The benefits could not be more apparent. The Brookses were in awe when they got their new home. "It's three bedrooms with a supply room that will have Max's medical equipment in it," Dusti said. "We love it."
When given the keys to their new home by Ted R. Fellman, Executive Director of THDA, Daniel felt the need to express just how grateful he and his family were: "Thank you to the men who have worked so hard on this project, thank you to the wives who gave up their husbands to work on the house, and thank you all for coming. These aren't just walls—they're so much more."
To learn more about Tennessee Housing Development Agency, please visit their website.
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