Photo by John Russell Predators mascot GNASH stands with a family (left) who has applied for the Predators Habitat house and a current owner of a Habitat home who invested required "sweat equity" into the Preds house.

Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity hosted dedication ceremonies for six houses, including the Nashville Predators' build, in Providence Park on Sunday, October 22.  Predators goaltender Tomas Vokoun was in attendance at the dedication ceremony, along with Predators staff and some of the Predators fans who volunteered time to assist in construction.  The homes were built over four consecutive weekends by six hard-working families and hundreds of volunteers.  At the ceremonies, the families received framed copies of their mortgage agreements and keys to their new homes.

Through a national partnership among the National Hockey League (NHL), National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), and Habitat for Humanity International, the NHL and NHLPA contributed $500,000 to launch hurricane-rebuilding efforts throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions, called "Operation Home Delivery." On May 17, 2006, leaders kicked off this national initiative in Nashville when Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity (NAHFH) and the Nashville Predators Foundation framed a Habitat home on the plaza of the Gaylord Entertainment Center.  Members of the Predators team and staff (including Vokoun, Predators head coach Barry Trotz and team color commentator Terry Crisp) worked together to begin construction of a three-bedroom house, which was completed in Providence Park this month to become the permanent home of a family that was displaced by hurricanes and has chosen to relocate in Nashville.

"We remain committed to those who are facing difficulty in the wake of last year's hurricanes," said Gerry Helper, senior vice president, communications & development, for the Nashville Predators.  "This effort not only provides a home for a deserving family, but also extends an opportunity for our team and its supporters to get involved with Habitat and give back to the community."

Providence Park is Nashville Habitat's first contiguous all-Habitat community and the largest in the U.S. built by volunteers.

Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical, housing ministry that provides low-income families with life-changing educational opportunities and the chance to build and purchase decent, affordable homes. The agency, which has quadrupled in size since 2002, is building a record 50 homes in 2006 - 38 locally and 12 abroad. 

To request an application or to receive more information about NAHFH, call 615-254-HOME or visit www.habitatnashville.org.