Penny Gattis Named Chair Of 2023 Music Row Habitat For Humanity Build
Penny Gattis has been named Chair of the 2023 Music Row Build, which supports Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s affordable homeownership program.
Gattis has been championing songwriters for over a decade as General Manager, Publishing at Eclipse Music Group, where she oversees all aspects of the company including the careers of its writers/artists. In her new role as Chair, she will be in charge of fundraising for the 2023 home and for the Music Row Build fund.
Currently in Nashville, 70 percent of low-income renters are cost burdened and according to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 56 percent of all homes listed in Nashville are only affordable to households with an annual income of more than $100,000.
“I’m honored to Chair the 2023 Music Row Build,” says Gattis. “To witness firsthand the life-changing impact that occurs when the music community comes together to help a hardworking and deserving Nashvillian achieve home ownership is really special.”
The 2023 build will be in support of a single mother of four children, LaShawnda, ranging in ages from 6 to 16. The build is set for May 13 and Gattis will be announcing upcoming events throughout the year to support the build fund.
Music industry veteran Renee Bell started the Music Row Build in 2003, joining forces with Ree Guyer in 2005. Together, they helped nine local families purchase affordable homes before it ended in 2012. In 2022, Guyer donated $100,000 to establish the Music Row Build fund, with the goal of raising $500,000. To date the group has raised more than $160,000 and helped 11 families purchase affordable homes. Mark Brown reignited the build in 2020 and guided the initiative through 2022.
