Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity builds 200th home in South Metro Atlanta
Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager at
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: Trisha.Pintavorn@schabitat.org
Office: 770-477-2367
Mobile: 404-694-0507
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity builds 200th home in South Metro Atlanta
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOVEJOY, GA [September 25, 2017] — Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) celebrated and dedicated the homes of its latest five homeowners, Ashley Buffington, Melisa McKoy, Toni Tayborn, Ashley Patterson, and Sheneshia Anderson on September 23, 2017. The construction of these five homes marks 200 homes built by the organization.
These homes were all funded by the Home Depot Foundation and the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation and are the first homes in a planned 28-home Habitat for Humanity community called Hannah Springs in Lovejoy, Georgia. Pastor Jared Newlove of Antioch Baptist Church blessed the homes, and a breakfast was generously donated by the Jonesboro Dwarf House Chick-fil-a. Councilwoman Mary Ann Carp of the city of Lovejoy welcomed the group and completed the countdown to the ribbon cutting. Brecca Johnson, Assistant Director of Clayton County Community Development represented Clayton County and spoke of their support of workforce housing. Additionally, one Habitat home was open and furnished by the McDonough ReStore for a public tour.
Since 1986, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity has been building and rehabbing affordable homes for low-income families in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties in South Metro Atlanta. Southern Crescent Habitat homes and neighborhoods are located in cities all around the area such as Forest Park, Riverdale, McDonough, College Park, and Jonesboro. Habitat homeowners make between 30 and 80% of the area’s average median income. They must pay a monthly affordable mortgage and contribute 250 hours of “sweat equity” in the construction of Habitat homes, in addition to taking 50 hours of home maintenance and financial literacy courses so they are prepared to pay for and maintain their homes.
“As we celebrate our 200th home, we must also remind ourselves why we do what we do. Homeownership is one of the most stabilizing forces in a community. It is good for our families, our community, and our economy. The families we support do the jobs that support our quality of life and support our society. The homeowners with whom we are celebrating, are absolutely part of the economic backbone of our community. Ashley Buffington is a pre-K teacher, Toni is a caseworker at the Salvation Army, Ashley Patterson is an account specialist at a wholesale producer, Melisa is a produce manager at Wal-mart, and Sheneshia is a certified nursing assistant,” said Cynthia E. Jenkins, CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat. “Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity works with families to bridge the gap to homeownership. The families work. They invest their time through 300 hours of sweat equity, take homeowner education classes and invest their finances to realize the dream of homeownership. We provide the connection for our community to partner with them.”
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity will begin construction on the next five homes in the Hannah Springs community this October. These new homes will be funded by the Clayton County Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Clayton County Home Partnership Program, and the Clayton County Community Development Block Grant. If you would like to volunteer to help build affordable housing, please contact Southern Crescent Habitat at development@schabitat.org.
About Southern Crescent Habitat For Humanity
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing ministry that helps low-income families find opportunity, achieve stability, and improve their quality of life. SCHFH builds stronger families and neighborhoods by partnering with donors and volunteers to construct attractive and affordable homes, to repair existing homes, and to address community needs through neighborhood revitalization. Since its founding in 1986, SCHFH has built 200 homes and repaired 150 homes.
For more information on how to get involved or how to qualify for a Habitat home, visit schabitat.org or call 770.477.2367. Follow us on Twitter (@schabitatfh), follow us on Instagram (@schabitatfh), and like us on Facebook.
About McDonough ReStore:
The McDonough Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price. A portion of profits fund homes, communities, and hope at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity in South Metro Atlanta.
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