KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Holston Habitat for Humanity has spent the last 40 years helping to provide affordable housing throughout the Tri-Cities. On Saturday morning, the non-profit broke ground on their 265th home.

The non-profit and members of the Kingsport community gathered on Saturday at the site of its next home build. The future homeowner, Matt Willis, needs a home that is not just for him.

“Matt is actually the head of a three-generation household,” said Lydia Atchley, Holston Habitat for Humanity homeowner services and outreach manager.

“The places we found weren’t good enough for me, my family, [or] my granddaughter,” said Willis.

Willis saw an ad for the non-profit on Facebook, applied and was soon contacted for a new home. He attended classes that helped teach him to be a responsible homeowner before Saturday’s groundbreaking.

His family also volunteered at other Habitat for Humanity work sites, which Willis initially felt unprepared for.

“We got started on our sweat equity and building and helping other people on their house,” Willis said. “And I’ve never done any type of work like that.”

But through it all, Willis continued to remind himself of the ultimate goal: safety and security for himself and his family.

“The main thing is just giving my granddaughter a better place to live,” said Willis. “A safer place to live and grow up where she can be happy.”

Overall, Willis is thankful to have a place to call home soon.

“We come out here, I come by here and look at it,” Willis said. “It’s still hard to believe it’s going to be mine once it’s done.”

The work on the house will begin on Monday as the house’s walls are raised. Willis and his family will be involved in the process.