COLUMBIA, Tenn. (April 30, 2022)—First Farmers and Merchants Bank—a community bank with 22 locations in seven Middle Tennessee counties—supports affordable housing efforts with HFHWM.
First Farmers and Merchants Bank and Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) have joined forces to help build a new home for The Wilson Family in Columbia. While Habitat brings the expertise and tools to complete the projects, community partners like First Farmers provides volunteers, financial coaching, and funding for the build. The goal is to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing for the family in the community.
Columbia-native, Shirley Wilson said, “Her ultimate goal is to provide her granddaughter a safe neighborhood.” Ms. Wilson stated, “This program is perfect for people like me who would not traditionally qualify to purchase a home and would like her sponsors to know how much their partnership means to her.”
Following a thorough qualification process, applicants are selected based on three criteria: the need for affordable housing, the ability to pay the mortgage, and the willingness to partner. Homes built by Habitat are not given away, and partner families must complete a homebuyer’s education program and earn at least 200 hours of “sweat equity” by working on their home and the homes of others. Jill Giles, Chief Accounting Officer of First Farmers, serves on the board for Habitat and is a financial coach for the HFHWM’s Homeownership Program that supports the families dreaming of becoming homeowners.
“Many local families are struggling financially right now and can’t afford to purchase a home without assistants,” explains HFHWM CDO Kim Randell. “First Farmers has been a long-time partner of ours. They continue their partnership for the past seven years and we are so gracious for the community support.”
“Our Bank has been proud to support Habitat home builds through volunteers, financial coaching, and sponsorships,” noted Brian K. Williams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Farmers. “With the challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic we wanted to continue to find ways to support Habitat’s mission. We were excited for the opportunity to support the Wilson family and welcome them to Maury County.”
About First Farmers and Merchants Corporation and First Farmers and Merchants Bank:
First Farmers and Merchants Corporation is the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, a community bank serving the Middle Tennessee area through 22 offices in seven Middle Tennessee counties. As of March 31, 2022, First Farmers reported total assets of approximately $2.1 billion, total shareholders’ equity of approximately $124 million, and administered trust assets of $5.9 billion. For more information about First Farmers, visit us on the Web at www.myfirstfarmers.com under “Investor Relations.”
About Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury: Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury (HFHWM) was fully incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International on December 5, 1992. More make a contribution to Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury or learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.hfhwm.org.
