Honoring the Beloved Community Through Action: MLK Day Beloved Build 2026

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On a cold January morning, more than 80 volunteers came together with a shared purpose: to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by putting the Beloved Community into action.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s MLK Day Beloved Build was a powerful reminder that service transcends weather, comfort, and circumstance. Despite frigid temperatures, volunteers showed up ready to work—demonstrating that when community comes together, real change happens.

Corey from Habitat for Humanity International’s B.E.S.T Group works on siding for one of our homes in Lovejoy, GA.

Building Together in Hannah Springs

This year’s Beloved Build focused on three homes in our Hannah Springs Community in Lovejoy, Georgia, a 28-home neighborhood we are actively working to complete. Each hammer swing and task completed brought us one step closer to closing out this community and welcoming families into safe, affordable homes.

What made the day especially meaningful was the presence of the homeowners themselves, who worked side-by-side with volunteers. Their commitment and sweat equity embodied the spirit of partnership that defines Habitat’s mission—homeownership built with families, not just for them.

Homeowners out on the build site, working alongside volunteers to build not only their homes but those of their neighbors as well.

Partners Who Made the Day Possible

We are deeply grateful to the organizations that volunteered their time, energy, and heart:

Their dedication—along with the many additional volunteers who joined us—turned a cold winter day into a powerful act of service and solidarity.

Lake Spivey Chapter of Jack & Jill
Habitat for Humanity Int’l B.E.S.T
Georgia Power

The Beloved Community: A Living Legacy

Dr. King introduced the concept of the Beloved Community as a society rooted in justice, equal opportunity, and love for one another—a place where poverty, homelessness, and discrimination no longer exist. He believed that social change happens not only through words, but through collective, compassionate action.

This year’s MLK Day Beloved Build held even greater significance. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the federal observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it is also Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s 40th anniversary year. For four decades, our organization has carried forward Dr. King’s vision by building affordable homes, strengthening neighborhoods, and fostering hope across our five-county service area.

To serve on MLK Day—during our own milestone year—was a powerful affirmation that the Beloved Community is not an abstract idea. It is built one home, one family, and one volunteer day at a time.

10 Years of Women Build at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity!

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Women Build 2024 attendees pose before getting hard to work

Girls play house, Women build them!

2024 marked 10 years of Women Build, one of our largest fundraisers, at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. Women from all over came together with a common goal: to build safe and affordable homes. Over the course of four incredible days, we experienced fun, fellowship, and the rewarding act of building homes.

Even when inclement weather threatened to disrupt our plans, we did what women do best: we pivoted. We brought the fun and productivity into our warehouse, where the ladies built walls to be transported to the build sites. It was a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that women bring to the table.

Our Women Build Ambassadors this year included some truly inspiring women: Natosha Reid Rice, the first Global DEI Officer for Habitat for Humanity; Kim Mays, owner of Kim Mays State Farm Insurance Agency; Kim Freshwater, Realtor and Associate Broker at Century21 Crowe Realty; Katherine Jordan, Principal Interior Designer and owner of The Savvy ID; and Michelle Amarra, President of SCB Video TV Marketing. These incredible leaders not only brought their teams out to build but also spearheaded fundraising efforts, helping us raise over $20,000.

Ambassador Natosha Reid Rice, left, poses with her daughter.
Ambassador Kim Mays holds her phone up to take an usie with her team.
Ambassador Michelle Amarra relaxes after a long day of building.
Ambassador Katherine Jordan pauses work to give the camera a smile.
Ambassador Kim Freshwater gets checked in to begin work!

The Steel Magnolia

We took the opportunity to pay tribute to Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away last year. Our t-shirts this year featured the letter “C” and a magnolia flower, a nod to her nickname “Steel Magnolia.” that she was called due to her southern genteel manner. Both First Lady Carter and President Carter were instrumental in making Habitat for Humanity the success it is today, and it was only fitting to honor her legacy.

None of our work would be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to Jacobs, Kim Mays State Farm Insurance Agency, Century21 Crowe Realty, Atlanta Gas Light, SCB Video TV Marketing, and The Savvy ID for their unwavering support.

As we reflect on this year’s accomplishments, we look forward to building even more homes with all of you next year. Together, we are unstoppable!

Southern Crescent dedicates home #218 to one of our own!

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce the dedication of our 218th home, marking a significant milestone not only for the organization but also for one of our cherished staff members. This dedication is particularly special as the new homeowner is none other than Kiera, our dedicated Volunteer & IT Coordinator.

Kiera cuts the ribbon on her brand new home surrounded by her Southern Crescent Family.

From college to career to homeownership

Kiera’s journey with SC Habitat began in 2015 when she joined our team as a full-time college student at Clayton State University. Balancing her studies and work, Kiera’s commitment to our mission was unwavering. She earned her degree from CSU, becoming a first-generation college graduate in her family. Her passion for nonprofit work and dedication to our community led her to continue her journey with SC Habitat as our Volunteer Coordinator.

Kiera’s role as Volunteer Coordinator often kept her busy on the build sites, organizing and leading volunteer groups. Despite her demanding schedule, she was committed to completing her sweat equity hours, a requirement for Habitat homeowners. Her determination and perseverance paid off, and we are thrilled to see her reach this achievement.

This home dedication is a momentous occasion for Kiera and her family. As a first-time homeowner, Kiera has achieved a dream that holds deep personal significance. Having a place to call her own is not just about owning a property; it’s about creating a safe and stable environment for herself and her loved ones. This milestone is a testament to her hard work, determination, and the support of the community.

This build would not have been possible without the incredible support of our volunteers and the generous funding from Clayton County Government. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the volunteer groups who dedicated their time and effort to help build Kiera’s home. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on her life and the lives of her family members. As we celebrate this special occasion, we look forward to the many more lives we will touch and the homes we will build together.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity celebrates 37th Anniversary with the dedication of their 216th home!

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The Miller Family prepares to cut the ribbon of their new home standing with Southern Crescent CEO Cynthia Jenkins and Board Members, Jule Segner and Dave Hesterlee.

On Tuesday October 3, 2023, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity celebrated 37 years of building homes and hope in our service communities. What better way to celebrate than by hosting the dedication our 216th home! We welcomed the Miller Family to their new home with a dedication and blessing ceremony. The day was filled with fun, food, and fellowship as members of our team, past volunteers, and our partner family all shared stories about working together to get to this momentous day.

A new beginning

Nyesha is a hardworking single mother of three who never thought homeownership would be possible. Although she is a Texas Native, she has called the South Metro Atlanta area home for many years. With an entrepreneurial spirit, she currently runs a balloon business while working her regular 9-5 to make sure she can provide for her family.

Due to rising rent and unforeseen circumstances, her oldest daughter and father have now moved in with her and her youngest son. The idea of multigenerational living is becoming the new normal with the inflated cost of living. Nyesha says that she is “looking forward to building from this investment (home) and leaving something to her children.”

This home dedication would not have been possible without the sponsorship of Publix Supermarket Charities and Clayton County Government. We are beyond grateful for your continued support of our affiliate and help to make the dream of homeownership possible for all.

Reflecting on a Successful Women Build Event: Southern Crescent HFH Empowers Women and Builds Home for a Brighter Future

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Every May, people around the country prepare to pay homage to their mothers or mother figures in their life. This year, several women from the Metro Atlanta area joined Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and this year’s Women Build title sponsor, Camille Rose Naturals, to help a single mother in their community achieve the dream of homeownership. Through the Women Build initiative, women nationwide devote at least one day to build decent and affordable housing in their local communities. Women-led crews along with our Women Build ambassadors worked on a new construction home in Riverdale, GA for five days straight, May 2nd – 6th.

Participants not only invested their time but financially contributed to addressing the vital issue of affordable housing and equity building. Statistics show that women, especially those who serve as head of their families and women of color, disproportionately face obstacles that make accessing decent, affordable housing seem impossible. The week-long build also provided a platform for women volunteers to flex their muscles and showcase their construction skills.


SCHFH was able to exceed the fundraising goal of $35,000 thanks to our sponsors and donations from various organizations, including 100 Ladies Who L.E.A.D, ExecuSource, HFHI BEST, iThink Financial, Southern Crescent Women In Business, and many others. Our sponsors were Jacobs, SCB Video TV Marketing and Camille Rose Naturals as our Title Sponsor. The event also saw the participation of female executives from these organizations who lent their support in various building activities.

CEO & Founder of Camille Rose, Janell Stephens
The Camille Rose Team

“When this opportunity came to us, I jumped at it! So thank you guys, I know you’re thanking me, but I’m thanking you, for allowing our brand to be a part of something that is just this huge blessing to you and your family.” said Janell Stephens, Founder & CEO of Camille Rose Naturals and Women Build 2023 Ambassador as she shared words with the future homeowner.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is deeply grateful to all the volunteers, sponsors, and partners who helped make this year’s Women Build Week a great success. Special thanks to our other ambassadors Michelle Amara of SCB Video TV Marketing, Danielle Smith Clayton County Tax Commissioner & Owner of the D. Smith Agency, and DeBlair Tate Author & Wellness Coach. The organization remains committed to building more affordable homes for families in need, with a vision of creating a world where everyone has a decent place to call home.

PHOTOS

Day 1: SCBTV and friends

Day 2: HFHI Best, iThink Financial

Day 3: Execusource, Southern Crescent Women in Business

Day 4: Jacobs, Progress Residential

Day 5: Camille Rose and friends

We’re Building Healthy Homes this Giving Tuesday!

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This #GivingTuesday Southern Crescent Habitat hopes to surpass our $50,000 goal with your help!

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is on a mission to ensure that individuals in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties don’t have to choose between which basic necessity they are able to provide for their families. Because of our homeownership and home repair programs, many of the families we partner with are able to focus on adequate heath care instead of spending the majority of their income on housing or repairs.

Housing and health equity are deeply intertwined. Poor housing conditions and the lack of affordable housing are associated with negative health outcomes. In Georgia, 1 in 7 households are severely cost-burdened — those spending more than 50% of their income on housing — and devote 57% less of their total expenditures to health care than non-cost-burdened households at similar income levels. 

Whether through campaigns for our essential workers or ensuring that or older population is able to age in place, we know housing has a huge impact on health. In fact, it’s proven that providing access to stable and affordable housing improves health and reduces health care costs.

As we celebrate 36 years of building homes and hope, we know that the work we do is only possible because of your support! Your gifts have impacted thousands of individuals, giving them healthy environments to thrive and building a community of neighbors – but there is still much work to do.

SHANEEKA, Habitat Homeowner
NILKA, Future Habitat Homeowner

Your gift today means families like Nilka’s and Shaneeka’s will have a stable, healthy foundation on which to build a future. As seen throughout the pandemic, home is vital to your health and we are doing our part to build healthy homes through our programs.

Giving Tuesday is November 29th and Southern Crescent Habitat invites you to join us as we continue to build healthy homes in the South Metro Atlanta region

Here is how you can get ready to give:

  1. Mark your calendar: Add Giving Tuesday 
  2.  Give. Now through November 29th, go to www.schabitat.org/gagives and donate. You can also support our organization by joining a committee, starting a fundraiser, or volunteer on a build site. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
  3. Spread the word. Encourage your friends and family to join you in creating real impact on November 29th by sharing what our mission means to you and why you support our organization . Make sure to use hashtags #BuildwithSCHabitat #GAgives #GivingTuesday #gagenerosity and tag us so we can share!

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 helped over 430 families with homeownership and home repairs.

ABOUT GA GIVES ON GIVING TUESDAY:

GAgives, rooted in the Thanksgiving season, has raised more than $13.5 million in donations for nearly 2,700 Georgia nonprofits since 2012. Led by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, the GAgives initiative maintains an online fundraising platform, GAgives.org, free to use for any registered 501c3 in the state; it also helps teach and mobilize everyone with a stake in the community – organizations, corporate sponsors, government agencies, media partners, and citizens – to raise awareness and support for nonprofits.

Homecoming Week

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Our Inaugral Homecoming Week will take place October 3rd-8th, 2022. Check out all the great events and come celebrate with us! Please download our #CostofHome flyer and take a photo for our socials Monday, October 3rd. Celebrate at our Alumni Mixer October 4th, Sign-a-Stud at our ReStore event Thursday Oct. 6th. Join us Friday, Oct. 7th for Markysa’s home dedication, and finally join us Oct. 8th at our Restore for our anniversary sale and tailgate experience! You don’t want to miss this! We’re so excited to celebrate with you!

Please click above to download the #costofhome flyers.

100 Women Who L.E.A.D. Kickoff Breakfast a success!

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity hosted our inaugural 100 Women Who L.E.A.D. Kickoff Breakfast on September 13th at Living Faith Tabernacle in Forest Park, GA. The event was a great opportunity for women to network and learn more about our mission.

Shaneeka Grant, our newest homeowner, shared her family’s journey and how Southern Crescent Habitat helped her fulfill a life long dream of homeownership. By the end of her testimony, the room was filled with tears and applause. The face of housing affordability is changing and Ms. Grant is a prime example of how everyone could use a hand up.

Barbara Coleman, a past Women Build Ambassador, shared her Southern Crescent Habitat experience and encouraged other women to get involved in their community.

100 Women Who L.E.A.D. (Link, Empower, Advocate, Donate) is an initiative created by our CEO, Cynthia Jenkins. The goal is to draw women from Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties who may not be able to volunteer regularly, but believe in our vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Each member will donate $100 quarterly to a Habitat initiative in each county. That’s 4 events, $400, for a forever impact! One of the biggest events hosted by the 100 Women is our annual Women Build. 

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity receives grant from Lowe’s!

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Lowe’s Partnership Renewal

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is excited to share that we were selected as a recipient of the Lowe’s Housing Plus Grant. This funding is a part of Lowe’s partnership renewal with Habitat for Humanity that includes a donation of $2.5 million to support 100 local Habitat organizations undertaking home repair and rehab projects across the U.S.

This year, 100 local Habitat affiliates will complete 628 projects, including 67 critical home repairs, 276 home preservations, and 285 housing plus projects to provide aging-in-place solutions that help make homes safe and accessible.

Helping families, fixing homes

Across our country access to quality, affordable home repair, and modification services are almost inaccessible to those with low to moderate incomes. With the support of this grant, we will be able to further help families in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties address critical health and safety issues in their homes.

Lowe’s and Habitat began their partnership in 2003. Since then, Lowe’s has supported many of the global housing nonprofit’s efforts, including the Women Build Program and Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization program. Lowe’s has also supported Habitat’s Cost of Home national advocacy campaign and sponsored local Habitat builds and employee volunteer days, in addition to providing affiliate grants and donated products. Lowe’s commitment through 2022 will bring the company’s total contributions to Habitat to more than $84 million.

Cans for Homes

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Joining the Cars for Homes Novelis partnership

Novelis and Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity have joined forces for an initiative to encourage our local communities to recycle more. Novelis is providing recycling bins and monetary grants to help Habitat for Humanity increase neighborhood sustainability across the U.S. and Canada. Novelis and Habitat for Humanity have also joined forces for an initiative to encourage local communities to recycle more. Novelis is a global producer of aluminum rolled products and recycler of aluminum. Their employees have volunteered on various Habitat house builds and have initiated fundraisers to help build homes in partnership with families in their communities.

Southern Crescent joins the fun

Here at Southern Crescent, we take recycling seriously. We joined this partnership with Novelis to help build more homes for families in need. Each can we collect helps build homes in our areas of Fayette, Clayton, and Henry counties. We can’t do this without you. Please bring in your aluminum cans to our ReStore at 1465 GA-20, McDonough, GA 30253 or schedule a pickup from our office. Schedule a time to drop off your cans between Tuesday – Thursday at our office or our ReStore. We will be collecting cans until the end of the year. Thank you for your support in helping our families.