The Chronicle News Community Spotlight- Build Hope in Jackson: A Home for Kimmie Garrett and Her Family-Sponsored by TRUE Community Credit Union

Courtesy Photo — The Garrett family—SharRonnie, John, Kimmie, Kory, and Kendra—stands at the heart of our community’s collective strength. After an unimaginable journey, hopes are rising again with the Build Hope in Jackson campaign. Kimmie and her family face a new challenge: finding a safe, wheelchair-accessible home where they can live together comfortably. Their current home isn’t designed to support Kimmie’s needs, making everyday tasks more difficult for her and her loved ones. This is where we come in as a community. A stable, accessible home would make all the difference in Kimmie’s journey forward. Together, we can rally to gift them a wheelchair-accessible home that meets Kimmie’s needs—because raising a family truly takes a village.

Build Hope in Jackson is a community-led effort to build a wheelchair-accessible Habitat for Humanity home for 10-year-old Kimmie Garrett and her family. This initiative was created in response to the extraordinary challenges the Garretts have faced and the incredible strength they have shown.

In February 2024, Kimmie contracted Influenza A, which led to life-threatening complications. Her parents were forced to make an unthinkable decision: say goodbye or take a risk on a difficult surgery. They chose to fight, and Kimmie survived! However, the illness resulted in the loss of her hands and feet.

Since then, Kimmie has displayed inspiring resilience. She recently received her first set of prosthetic legs and is learning to walk again with determination and courage. But the family’s current home is not built to accommodate her new mobility needs, making everyday tasks a struggle and limiting her independence.

That’s why Build Hope in Jackson was formed: to provide the Garrett family with a safe, fully accessible home that supports Kimmie’s recovery, growth, and future. Local leaders, businesses, and neighbors have rallied around the family, showing what’s possible when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.

Photo Credit-SharRonnie Garrett Photography-At just 9 years old, Kimmie Garrett contracted influenza A in February 2024. What started as a common illness turned into a life-changing ordeal for her and her family.

You can be part of this life-changing project. To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.BuildHopeInJackson.com. Be sure to follow Build Hope in Jackson on Facebook to stay connected and help share Kimmie’s journey. Together, we’re not just building a home, we’re building hope.