Veteran Glenn Clontz

Southern Crescent Habitat Saves Sinking Home of McDonough Veteran

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Air Force Veteran Glenn Clontz in front of his home
Glenn Clontz posing in front of the garage of his McDonough home.

Sinking is a term often used to describe a ship, but never a house. In the case of Henry County veteran Glenn Clontz, this is the dilemma he faced until Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity stepped in to help. 

Mr. Clontz, a veteran of the US Air Force, purchased his home a little over 10 years ago with intentions on living there forever. At its peak, the home located on a quiet McDonough street, was beautifully landscaped with a gorgeous Koi pond in front. Now, there are huge cracks in the interior walls and the foundation is visibly collapsing into the ground. Not letting his disability hold him back, Mr. Clontz attempted to repair it on his own, but realized it was more than he could bear. For about two years, Mr. Clontz has only been able to live on one side of the house while hoping to find some assistance.

Sinking home of Henry County veteran
The left side of Mr. Clontz’s home was sinking before Southern Crescent Habitat stepped in!

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is known for building homes, but since launching the Veteran Build program, they have helped over 50 veterans with critical home repairs. After learning about Southern Crescent Habitat’s Heroes & Housing through a friend, Mr. Clontz decided to take his chance — finally, he found hope.

After several expert opinions, Southern Crescent Habitat’s Construction Director, Jenifer Klippel, knew that this home would take a little more funding than a typical repair. Construction engineers to city officials, joined SCHFH to put their heads together and developed a plan that would save Mr. Clontz’s home.

Thanks to funding from Henry County CDBG, the Home Depot Foundation, Masco Corporation (Behr Paint), Habitat for Humanity International VHRMP, and MC Squared; SCHFH not only repaired the home’s foundation, but they also:

  • Replaced the water heater
  • Repaired the plumbing
  • Installed new flooring
  • Replaced the roof 
  • Completed several exterior repairs
  • And more…

Although this project was a huge undertaking for Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, they are committed to building homes, communities, and hope. For additional information on this project, the Veteran Build program, or Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, please contact info@schabitat.org.

Women Build

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s to address COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on women during International Women Build Week

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2020 International Women Build Week
Women Build Week is virtual this year, but in 2020 we worked on a home for The Barer family in our Hannah Springs neighborhood

JONESBORO, GA (March 8, 2021) –  Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are partnering to raise awareness of the global need for safe and affordable housing for women during International Women Build Week (March 8-15). On International Women’s Day, Habitat and Lowe’s will kick off more than 300 Women Build projects supporting women-led households across the United States, Canada, and India to drive awareness and address the need.

Women have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, from job loss to evictions and foreclosures. According to The National Women’s Law Center, 80 percent of U.S. jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic were held by women. The United Nations (UN) has reported that 40 percent of all employed women globally work in the industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many of the families in our pipeline represent the frontline workers who have been hit the hardest by this pandemic. We had to postpone three closings last year and all of the families were comprised of essential workers. Although we are not able to kickoff Women Build Week on the construction site, Southern Crescent Habitat is proud to partner with Lowe’s and women in our community to raise our voices and advocate for affordable housing. Board members to a Superior Court Judge have joined us to create a PSA in the spirit of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Choose to Challenge,” exclaims Cynthia Jenkins, Southern Crescent Habitat CEO.

Despite the unprecedented challenges women are facing, women remain on the frontlines of the pandemic as essential workers, as caretakers within their households, and too often have to make the difficult decision between maintaining a place to call home and paying for food, health care, childcare, education or reliable transportation. Harvard University’s State of the Nation’s Housing 2020 report revealed that 37.1 million U.S. households spent more than 30 percent of their incomes on housing in 2019, including 17.6 million spending more than 50 percent. The effects of the pandemic have further highlighted the need for safe and affordable housing, as 29 percent of renters and 36 percent of homeowners experienced employment income loss between March and September of 2020.

Stephanie Barber, a Marta employee, knows this story all too well. She is a frontline worker and understands the hardships that women face, especially as a single mother of three. Although her dreams of homeownership were deferred due to the pandemic, she was finally able to close on her home last Summer and is advocating for other women.

This story is not unique. Every day, millions of women face the challenge of a future without adequate, stable housing. This issue underscores the importance of Habitat and Lowe’s efforts to bring awareness to the issue, as well as a partnership focused on ensuring that more women have access to affordable housing.

Lowe’s and Habitat’s partnership began in 2003. To date, the program has brought together more than 143,000 women volunteers who have built or repaired nearly 6,000 houses. Lowe’s has committed more than $78 million to support the global housing nonprofit’s efforts, including the Women Build program, International Women Build Week, and Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization program. Lowe’s support of Habitat has helped more than 18,000 Habitat partner families improve their living conditions.

To learn more or join the conversation, visit habitat.org/womenbuild or follow #BuildHer and #WomenBuild on social media to share and view stories from around the world.

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Women from around the South Atlanta region (Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties) use their voice to Challenge Change and advocate for affordable housing on International Women’s Day and to kick-off Women Build Week!

GA Gives on Giving Tuesday to help Essential Workers and Veterans in the Southern Crescent

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Many of the families in our current pipeline represent the front-line workers who are fulfilling essential duties during this crisis. These are the individuals bagging groceries, delivering packages, preparing food, and working in hospitals. The uncertainty that so many of us feel today, these families have felt for a lifetime — if not generations. Our families are essential! 

The need doesn’t go away just because the economy has stalled. In fact, the need is growing.

  • Over 500,000 Americans are homeless.
  • Forty percent of renters are considered cost-burdened.
  • Nearly 6 million Americans live in substandard housing.
  • In an estimated 12 million of these households, at least one contributing member works in an at-risk industry.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity launched the “Our Families are Essential” campaign to ensure that we are able to continue — and accelerate — our work in Clayton, Fayette, and Henry counties.  As the economic shocks from this crisis ripple out, the need for affordable, safe and healthy housing is more apparent than ever.

Giving Tuesday  is December 1st and our goal is $10,000 to ensure everyone has a decent place to call home.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit housing ministry dedicated to providing low to moderate-income families an opportunity to become successful homeowners through a program of education and support, interest-free lending, and volunteer-driven construction.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Empowers Women to Build Everyday

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Every year, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity welcomes hundreds of women for their annual Women Build – an initiative that empowers women to come together to build homes and positively impact their community through housing. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Southern Crescent Habitat’s Women Build went virtual. Presenting Women Build Everyday!

Instead of building homes on a traditional Habitat job site, Women Build Everyday equipped women with the “tools” to physically and mentally build in various aspects of their life. Taking place October 19th – 23rd, the weeklong series of lifestyle sessions culminated with virtual home dedications for three single mothers.

According to statistics gathered by Habitat for Humanity International, “more than 18 million U.S. households spend half or more of their income on a place to live, and almost 31% of women-headed households with children are below the poverty level.” With a goal of $15,000, participants had the opportunity to create their own fundraiser or donate to Southern Crescent Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope in Clayton, Fayette, and Henry counties.

Thanks to community builder sponsor JACOBS Engineering Group, Southern Crescent Habitat offered all of the lifestyle session for free via their Youtube channel. Presented by the Women Build ambassadors, the sessions covered fitness, cooking, beauty, branding, and interior design. The Women Build ambassadors include personal trainer Alisha Filmore, fitness trainer DeBlair Tate, private chef Christan Willis, private chef Rhonda Plummer, celebrity makeup artist Shalawn Willis, business consultant Eboni Green, communication coach Angela Reed, and interior designer Jeannelly Hartsfield. Additional sponsors included Ladies on Spokes and Wade Works Creative.

Please visit schabitat.org/youtube to view ALL Women Build Everyday videos!

Southern Crescent Habitat Welcomes 3 New Homeowners during Pandemic

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When the concept of home is more important than ever, SCHFH is continuing our mission to build homes, communities, and hope. During the pandemic, not only did we complete several home repairs, but we welcomed three new homeowners to the Habitat family!

Join us in congratulating The Carter, The Roberts, and The Barber families to their new homes!

Meet the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Class of 2020

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  • Psalms Aguilar
  • Jimmy Henderson Jr.
  • MaKia Nevaeh-Lorelle Samuels
  • Ke’Asja Green
  • Demontre Thompson
  • DeMario Anderson
  • Arlene Harris
We are so proud of our Southern Crescent Graduates!

According to studies, there is a direct correlation between housing quality and academics. These graduates prove that the work we do at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity provides a great foundation for a successful future. Although graduation was a little different this year, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity celebrates the accomplishments of our partner families and graduates across the country.

  • Psalms Aguilar: Lovejoy High School | Future Storybook Artist @ Disneyland
  • Jimmy Henderson Jr.: Rocky Mountain College | NFL Combine/Sport Management
  • MaKia Nevaeh-Lorelle Samuels: Morrow High School | Georgia State University/Future Doctor
  • Ke’Asja Green: Morrow High School | Real Estate & Cosmetology
  • Demontre Thompson: Georgia Southern University | Disney College Program/ESPN
  • DeMario Anderson: Point University Christian College | Intern w/ Christian Leadership Ministry
  • Arlene Harris : Lovejoy High School | Workforce

A message from our CEO:

Our Families are Essential!

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Many of the families in our current pipeline represent the front-line workers who are fulfilling essential duties during this crisis. These are the individuals bagging groceries, delivering packages, preparing food and working in hospitals. The uncertainty that so many of us feel today, these families have felt for a lifetime — if not generations.
 


The need doesn’t go away just because the economy has stalled. In fact, the need is growing.

  • Over 500,000 Americans are homeless.
  • Forty percent of renters are considered cost-burdened.
  • Nearly 6 million Americans live in substandard housing.
  • In an estimated 12 million of these households, at least one contributing member works in an at-risk industry.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, just like the millions who are under stay-at-home orders, is adjusting to this ever-changing situation. Build sites are suspended, Habitat ReStores are closed, and finances are impacted, but our operations continue. Every day, front-line Habitat for Humanity staff members continue to make affordable homeownership a reality for families. They are working virtually to service mortgages and coach homeowners to ensure that they can stay in their homes. They are pivoting homeowner services, education and financial planning to virtual environments and making payroll to ensure that when our economy reopens, we are prepared not just to continue building, but also to accelerate to meet the increased need for affordable housing.


#OurFamiliesAreEssential

Healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, Atlanta airport workers, MARTA employees, and postal workers are just a few professions held by Southern Crescent Habitat partner families. They are on the frontlines for us and thanks to you we can ensure that they have a decent place to call home! 

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity has launched the “Our Families are Essential” campaign to ensure that we are able to continue — and accelerate — our work in Clayton, Fayette, and Henry counties.  As the economic shocks from this crisis ripple out, the need for affordable, safe and healthy housing is more apparent than ever. 

Over the next few months, we will introduce you to some of our families that are on the frontline helping us get through this pandemic.

Community Resources

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The Coronavirus pandemic has significantly impacted our communities and Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is here to provide resources for our families and friends. We pray that each of you are safe and hope that we will be able to see you all soon in our office. Please send us an email at development@schabitat.org, if you know of additional resources that may serve families in Clayton, Fayette, and Henry counties.

FOOD RESOURCES

UTILITY BILLS

  • Georgia Power: temporarily suspended residential and business disconnections
  • Comcast: Employee support, no disconnects, free hotspots, educational resources, and more
  • AT&T: No disconnects, waived late fees, and more
  • Verizon: No disconnect for 60 days, waived late fees, and more
  • Sprint: Unlimited data, waived late fees, no disconnect for 60 days, and more
  • T-Mobile: No disconnect for 60 days, waived late fees, unlimited data, and more
  • Clayton County Water Authority: suspended disconnections
  • Henry County Water Authority: suspended disconnections

HOUSING RESOURCES

  • Just Shelter: organizations working for affordable housing and to prevent evictions.
  • Promise Place: domestic violence shelter, hotline

Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s unite women to spotlight global need for safe and affordable housing during International Women Build Week

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Habitat for Humanity International, Lowe’s and approximately 6,000 women volunteers will unite in more than 235 communities in the United States, India and Canada for International Women Build Week, March 1-8, to highlight the global need for safe and affordable housing. A prelude to International Women’s Day, the global event aims to build and improve 540 homes while raising awareness of housing issues facing women and their families.

“More than 18 million U.S. households spend half or more of their income on a place to live, and almost 31% of women-headed households with children are below the poverty level,” said Sue Henderson, vice president of U.S. operations, Habitat for Humanity International. “History has proven that women and their families have the power to make remarkable changes and spark meaningful conversations. With the support of Lowe’s and thousands of volunteers around the world, we will advocate for positive change in the housing needs of women and their families.”

In the U.S., one in six families must choose between having a place to call home and paying for food, health care, childcare, education or reliable transportation. Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are calling on women across the world to help bring attention to this important issue by raising a hammer with their local Habitat chapter.

“Lowe’s and Habitat have seen firsthand the transformative power women can have when we come together for communities in need,” said Jennifer Weber, Lowe’s executive vice president, human resources, and board chair of the Lowe’s Foundation. “More than 138,000 volunteers have built or repaired more than 5,325 homes during our 12-year partnership of supporting International Women Build Week, and this year, we encourage all women, whether a home improvement professional or a do-it-yourselfer, to join a build alongside other women. Together, we can make a difference to improve access to safe and affordable housing in our communities.”

The Lowe’s partnership with Habitat began in 2003, and since then, the company has committed more than $71.1 million to support the nonprofit. Lowe’s longstanding support of Habitat has helped more than 6,500 Habitat partner families improve their living conditions.

For this year’s Women Build week, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity will be hosting employees from the Lowe’s in Stockbridge, GA. The event is a safe-haven for women to practice, excel, and build for other women. To learn more, visit habitat.org/womenbuild or follow #BuildHer and #WomenBuild on social media to share and view stories from around the world.

About Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing ministry dedicated to providing low-income families an opportunity to become successful homeowners through a program of education and support, interest free lending, and volunteer driven construction. SCHFH builds stronger families and neighborhoods by partnering with donors and volunteers to build attractive and affordable homes, repair existing homes, and to address community needs through neighborhood revitalization. Since its founding in 1986, SCHFH has built 205 homes and repaired over 170 homes.

About Lowe’s in the Community

Lowe’s has supported the communities where its associates live and work for more than 70 years. As a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company, Lowe’s is committed to creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts through nonprofit partnerships. Across every community we serve, Lowe’s associates donate their time and expertise through the Lowe’s Heroes volunteer program. For the latest news, visit Newsroom.Lowes.com or follow @LowesMedia on Twitter. 

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and The Home Depot Foundation Change the Life of a Henry County Veteran

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Air Force veteran Walter Jones was in dire need of home repair when Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and The Home Depot Foundation came to the rescue.

The Home Depot Foundation volunteer

ELLENWOOD, GA (January 31, 2020) — Imagine a wave of orange t-shirts filling the driveway of a ranch home located in the northern corner of Henry County. This memory resonates with Air Force veteran Walter Jones as he recalls the day that volunteers from The Home Depot Foundation joined Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity to complete critical repairs on his home.

Despite his limited mobility, Mr. Jones is a big family man and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren whom he calls “little angels.” Not only will the repairs allow him to live comfortably, but they provide peace of mind and a sense of security. Some of the repairs completed by Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity included a new HVAC system, roof replacement, exterior/interior painting, and window replacement.

Before and After photos of Mr. Jones’ home

“Thank you! Thank you! You are doing GREAT service to those who are unable to do it on their own. Words cannot express the gratification we get from your kindness and the willingness of your work. I thank God for Habitat and the volunteers for the repairs to be done on my home,” exclaimed Mr. Jones as he learned about his acceptance into the program.

Mr. Jones is one of over 1,000 veterans that have received help through the Habitat for Humanity International Repair Corps program, an initiative funded by The Home Depot Foundation to help renovate, repair or construct homes for qualified U.S. veterans. Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity has participated in the program since 2014 and has completed more than 175 home repairs in Clayton, Fayette, and Henry counties.

For more information on the programs and services Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity offers, visit www.schabitat.org or call 770-477-2367.