Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa dedicates homes in honor of Nick and Terry Saban
Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa on Tuesday dedicated two new homes in honor of Nick and Terry Saban, just in time for the holidays.
Nick and Terry Saban, Habitat officials and others gathered at Milestone Circle to dedicate two separate homes, one for LaPorchia Mitchell and the other for Samantha Hamner. The homes also paid special tribute to the Sabans, whose Nick's Kids Foundation helped fund 21 Habitat homes in Tuscaloosa so far.
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"It's appropriate during this week of Thanksgiving that we would give thanks for all of the many blessings that we have and especially for the blessing that coach Saban and Miss Terry have been to this community, 21 houses, 21 families whose lives have been changed generationally, moving forward," said Ellen Potts, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa, during Tuesday's dedication ceremony.
Potts said she believed building the two homes was the best way to honor the Sabans for their contributions to both Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa community.
The Women Build home dedicated to Mitchell was built in honor of Terry Saban and the Legacy Build home dedicated to Hamner was built in honor of Nick Saban.
Mitchell will be moving into the Women Build home with Jayson, her 2-year-old son. In her remarks, Mitchell thanked Nick and Terry Saban for their contributions to Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa.
"Thank you all for playing a huge part in making sure that a lot of families receive their first home or their dream home. Jayson and I really appreciate you all," said Mitchell.
Dozens of volunteers united Oct. 2 to work on Mitchell's home as part of Habitat's annual Women Build initiative. The Women Build is a national Habitat for Humanity initiative designed to engage, educate and empower women to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing safe and affordable homes for families in need.
Through the Nick's Kids Foundation , Terry Saban has dedicated herself to the support of women and families in the Tuscaloosa community. The foundation has donated more than $13 million to local and regional people, places and projects since 2007, when the Sabans arrived in Tuscaloosa.
Terry Saban said Habitat for Humanity provides an opportunity for everyone to come together while giving back to the community.
"... That's what habitat is all about. The whole community is participating to do something beautiful for a family that needs it and appreciates it," said Terry Saban.
Located just a few houses down from the Women Build home is the Legacy Build home, which was built in honor of Nick Saban.
Hamner will reside in the home with her son, Raylon.
Hamner said she was excited to move into her new home and thanked all of the volunteers who helped contribute to the build.
The Legacy Build home also served as a reunion for Hamner and Nick Saban, who retired as Alabama football's head coach in January. Hamner works in the University of Alabama football kitchen and famously made Nick Saban's turkey salad, which he ate for lunch every day for 17 years.
Nick Saban said he and his wife Terry Saban were happy to receive recognition from Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa for their contributions.
"We're so happy to be honored here today for what Miss Terry has really done for the community and what we've been able to do in terms of hopefully helping people have a better quality of life, helping young people, especially, to have a home that they can grow up in and be proud of. And hopefully, we'll be able to do more in the future," said Nick Saban.
Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@gannett.com .
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: 'A blessing': Habitat dedicates homes to honor Nick and Terry Saban
