Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Homeownership Program

 

Homeownership Program
Image: habitatnashville.org

Nashville resident Benjamin “Ben” Perlin divides his time between professional pursuits and his activities supporting various charities. In addition to volunteering at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, Benjamin Perlin donates his time and resources to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.

Like other local Habitat organizations throughout the country, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville oversees a variety of initiatives to create affordable housing for working families. Through its homeownership program, the group makes owning a home a reality for low-income individuals and families in the Tennessee counties of Davidson, Cheatham, Dickson, and Wilson.

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet residency and US citizenship requirements and pass a criminal background check. Applicants must also demonstrate a need for housing and provide an income and debt-payment history to show that they have the ability to pay back an interest-free home loan. The program provides three- and four-bedroom homes for a monthly mortgage payment that will not exceed 30 percent of the homeowner’s monthly income.

Those who qualify to receive a home must also agree to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. Habitat calls the volunteer time “sweat equity,” and it can be directed toward building one’s own home and/or that of another Habitat family. Volunteer hours can also be spent in a Habitat ReStore. For more information about owning a home through Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitatnashville.org/ownership.

Black Belt Requirements For The Karate Institute Of America

 

Karate Institute of America
Image: karate-institute.com

The owner of Ben Perlin Photography, Benjamin Perlin is focusing on growing his Nashville, Tennessee, studio. Outside of his work, Benjamin “Ben” Perlin is a musician and also is training to attain his black belt in karate.

According to Karate Institute of America (KIA) testing standards, a candidate must be at least 16 years old and have completed a minimum of 300 class hours over a minimum of three years to be eligible for a first-degree black belt. In addition, candidates must be able to demonstrate first-degree black belt form in their chosen KIA style, as well as in one additional style taught by a non-KIA member, in an eight- to 12-minute program. This program should highlight the candidate’s performance skills, technical knowledge, and leadership.

A candidate for a KIA black belt also must have class log sheets endorsed by a Class A Certified Instructor. Lastly, they must have placed in the top three places in at least five tournaments since their previous belt test.

MTRAS Helps You Learn How to Solder

 

MTRAS
Image: MTRAS.com

Photographer Benjamin “Ben” Perlin is based in Nashville, Tennessee, where he volunteers for several nonprofit organizations in his spare time. Interested in emergent technology, Benjamin Perlin is a longtime member of the Middle Tennessee Robotic Arts Society.

One of the primary functions of the Middle Tennessee Robotic Arts Society is to help members become more proficient in fundamental technologic skills. One of the ways the organization does this is through a video series focused on teaching the basics of soldering — the process of using a material called solder to permanently join one metal to another. This technique is most commonly used to affix materials to circuit boards.

It is important to use solder to join components to the board if one wants a circuit to last for more than a few days. Not only is the soldering material a good adhesive, it is also very conductive and promotes the flow of the electric current between components. Visit mtras.com to see the video series and learn more about the fundamentals of soldering.

Underrated Destinations in the United States

 

International Balloon Fiesta
Image: balloonfiesta.com

A Nashville-based community contributor, Benjamin “Ben” Perlin has spent the past several years capturing film photographs. When he’s not busy taking pictures or volunteering at various organizations, Benjamin Perlin enjoys traveling and he has been to several destinations around the United States.

Some examples of the best underrated destinations in the United States include:

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan. Featuring fantastic views of Lake Huron, Mackinac Island provides a unique vacation experience. Because of a local ordinances, cars and other motor vehicles are not allowed on the island. While this may seem inconvenient, some visitors enjoy spending some time away from drivers.

2. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque features a blend of activities to keep visitors of all types entertained. Film buffs can scout the city–the site of many television and movie productions–for celebrities. Meanwhile, those seeking a more relaxing experience can walk past old-fashioned storefronts or enjoy the city’s annual International Balloon Fiesta.

3. Tacoma, Washington. This industrial, down-to-earth city is often regarded as a more relaxed version of Portland and Seattle. Complete with everything from a vintage car museum to fantastic food places and a craft distillery, Tacoma begs to be explored.