Outhouse no more! Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity finishes bathroom for Fayetteville senior Walter Prayor

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Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager at
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: [email protected]
Office:  770-477-2367
Mobile: 404-694-0507

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FAYETTE COUNTY, GA [October 27, 2017] —On Friday, October 27, 2017, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) celebrated the completion of a bathroom installation and home repair for senior Fayette County citizen Walter Prayor. Mr. Prayor, 82, had been using an outhouse and bucket showers his entire life. Mayor Ed Johnson from the City of Fayetteville said a few words of welcome, and Pastor Stephen Palmer from the Church of the Harvest Fayetteville blessed the home at a small ceremony. Volunteers, SCHFH staff, SCHFH board members, and donors from the project were also in attendance.

Mr. Prayor was referred to Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity by his Meals on Wheels Coordinator, Marie Doyle, at Fayette Senior Services. In December of 2016, Ms. Doyle asked Mr. Prayor’s daughter, Francine Prayor, what her dad wanted for Christmas.  She told her that he wanted a bathroom. Ms. Doyle then put Francine and Walter in touch with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity.

 Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity was able to raise enough funds to complete the $25,000 repair.  The project was funded by the following organizations: a GoFundMe campaign, a grant from a Coweta-Fayette EMC, a grant from the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, a grant from the North Georgia Housing & Homeless Council, hundreds of volunteer hours, proceeds from the Pinewood Studios Winter Gala, and a donated septic tank system and labor from Terry Long’s Backhoe & Grading. SCHFH completed the bathroom installation with an ADA walk-in shower, as well as other home modifications including a small kitchen renovation and new exterior paint, in September 2017.

At the ceremony, Francine Prayor read a letter out loud that Walter had written to the organization: ” Everyone went above and beyond for me. They were truly incredible. I shed a tear each and every day.”

“We’re so happy to have met Mr. Prayor, and along with many, many volunteers and donors, to have been able to affect change within his life. I know everyone was surprised when we heard that someone has an outhouse in 2017 [and thought] we’ve got to do something about this. And with your help, and with the skillset of people within our organization, we were able to give Mr. Prayor a bathroom. Mr. Prayor, we count it a privilege to have been able to do this for you,” said Ms. Cynthia E. Jenkins, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity CEO.

“I want to commend Habitat for Humanity for recognizing the community responsibility to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” added Mayor Johnson, City of Fayetteville. “Habitat for Humanity is fulfilling that by seeing a man like you, who is just humble beyond measure but has continued to contribute to our community, and building that restroom for you. I am delighted to say on behalf of the City of Fayetteville congratulations! We celebrate with you.”

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity will launch a fundraising campaign this November for senior homeowners living in Fayette, Clayton, and Henry Counties who are in need of home repairs, just like Mr. Prayor. If you would like to learn more or donate, please visit schabitat.org. If you know of a family in need of home repairs, please ask them to email SCHFH’s Family Services Coordinator Megan Hepker at [email protected].

View more photos from the project here. 

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 in Clayton, Henry, & Fayette Counties.

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Featured on the Sweet Danni J Show

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JONESBORO, GA [October 24, 2017] — Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) was recently featured on the Sweet Danni J Show. Watch the video below for an interview with Trisha Pintavorn, SCHFH Marketing Manager and Walter Prayor, a senior home repair partner family SCHFH recently completed a bathroom installation for as he had been using an outhouse for 70+ years.

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. Learn more at www.schabitat.org.

ABOUT THE SWEET DANNI J SHOW:

If Dr. Phil was a woman; he would wear 4” heels, have a Santa-Clause laugh, a girl-next-door smile and a Big Momma’s hug. The Sweet Danni J Show is where “Wendy Williams” meets “Ask Abby.”

Sweet Danni J uses an “in-your-face” and up front approach to help guests see their own role in current situations and develop ideas and options for altering the outlook of present situations. Sweet Danni J uses no cue cards/preplanned scripts–what you see is what you get. From police officers to makeovers to law. The Sweet Danni J Show has it all. Laughter-to-tears–You are not alone in life–someone needs to hear your testimony. Someone is going through what you are going through right now.

Sometimes life is hard to swallow. Watch and listen how Sweet Danni J helps the “life” go down in a delightful way”—a Sweet way.

Learn more at www.sweetdannij.com.

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Our 150th Home Repair! Meet the Williams Family

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Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager at
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: [email protected]
Office:  770-477-2367
Mobile: 404-694-0507

RIVERDALE, GA [November 14, 2017] —This past Veteran’s Day weekend, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) celebrated the completion of its 150th Home Repair for Milton Williams.

Milton is a Vietnam-era Army and Marine Corps veteran from Albany, Georgia. His wife, Angela Williams, is a Birmingham, Alabama native and retiree who has worked in the retail, warehouse, and banking industries. Milton met his wife Angela a little later in his life. They started dating after meeting at a seafood restaurant in 2003.  His wife of 25 years had just passed away from ALS disease. Angela was a widower herself, as her husband passed away in 1986 when her son was just 10 months old, leaving her to raise him by herself.

But fate brought these two together, and they were married in 2013. Milton is delighted to have her as his partner in life: “I just thank God for her. She’s a lovely beautiful woman and she’s made my life. She’s been there with me through my cancer–I’m a cancer survivor. She’s just been by my side; I thank God for having her with me. “

As both Milton and Angela are seniors and disabled, maintaining their home had become a bit of a challenge. Thanks to funding from the Home Depot Foundation, SCHFH was able to repair their broken staircase, fix a crumbling patio, install new siding, and complete a bathroom renovation with an ADA accessible shower. “I just want to reach out and thank Home Depot for doing everything they can do for the women and the men that serve in this country,” Milton said. “We’re just so grateful to have an organization that does everything that they do for veterans.”

If you would like to give to help more families like the Williams family, please consider contributing at schabitat.org/gagivesday. 

Group photo of the Williams family, SCHFH staff and volunteers

Councilwoman Cynthia Stamps-Jones representing the City of Riverdale

Milton and Angela Williams with Pastor Steve Vice cutting the ribbon

Milton Williams with Construction Lead Kirkland Edmond

 

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.

ABOUT THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION:

The Home Depot Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 public charity, works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families and respond to communities in disaster. Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $138 million in veteran causes and transformed more than 25,000 homes for veterans. And their work is not done. In 2016, The Home Depot Foundation made a commitment to increase their investment in veteran causes to a quarter of a billion dollars by 2020.

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Outhouse no more! Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity finishes bathroom for Fayetteville senior Walter Prayor

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CBS46 News

Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager at
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: [email protected]
Office:  770-477-2367
Mobile: 404-694-0507

MEDIA ADVISORY

For October 27, 2017

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity finishes bathroom for Fayetteville senior Walter Prayor 

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) will celebrate the completion of a home repair project for Mr. Walter Prayor of Fayetteville, Georgia. Mr. Prayor is a  senior who has been using bucket showers and an outhouse his entire life. SCHFH recently completed a bathroom installation for him. Attendees will also have a chance to hear more about Walter’s story.

WHEN: Friday, October 27, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE: 635 Inman Rd.
Fayetteville, GA 30215

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Cynthia E. Jenkins, the CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity; Walter and Francine Prayor, Habitat partner family; other invited local elected officials and business owners

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.

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity repairs 150th home in South Metro Atlanta

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Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager at
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: [email protected]
Office:  770-477-2367
Mobile: 404-694-0507

MEDIA ADVISORY

For November 10, 2017

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity repairs 150th home in South Metro Atlanta

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) will celebrate the repair of its 150th home with a home dedication, ribbon-cutting, and celebration of its 150th home repair homeowners, Milton and Angela Williams on the weekend leading up to Veteran’s Day. Mr. and Mrs. Williams live in Riverdale, Georgia. Milton Williams is a Vietnam-era Army and Marine Corps veteran. Their repairs were funded by the Home Depot Foundation. Attendees will also have a chance to hear the Williams’ story.

WHEN: Friday, November 10, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE: 8733 Dorsey Rd
Riverdale, Georgia 30228

Overflow parking available at Bethel Baptist Church
10 Flint River Rd
Jonesboro, GA 30238

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: Cynthia E. Jenkins, the CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity; Milton and Angela Williams, Habitat partner family; other invited local elected officials and business owners

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.

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity appoints new CEO

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JONESBORO, GA [September 5, 2017] —Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) is delighted to announce the appointment of Cynthia E. Jenkins as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 5, 2017. Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is a locally run and operated affiliate of Habitat for Humanity that builds and repairs homes in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties in South Metro Atlanta.

“We are excited to have Cynthia on board. We think she’s going to take this organization into the future,” said Elias Makres, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Board President and owner and contractor at Elias Hogan Homes Inc. “Her years of expertise in both the construction and affordable housing industry will serve her well in this role.”

A native of Newnan, Georgia, Jenkins graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1998. Jenkins then brought her talent to various affordable housing organizations, including the Reynoldstown Revitalization Corporation, the Tyler Place Community Development Corporation, and G3 Communities, Inc., where she served as Executive Director.  She was instrumental in raising more than $3M in funds to rehab and resell foreclosed homes in distressed neighborhoods. Most recently, Jenkins has worked as the owner of C. E. Jenkins Construction in specialty trades construction and consulting for public and private development projects. She is also serving as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Newnan with 14 years of service as a councilwoman.

Reflecting on her appointment, Jenkins said: “Habitat is one of the world’s best advocates and producers of quality affordable housing.  I’m eager to join this team of dedicated staff, board, partners and homeowners at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. I look forward to working with the Fayette, Clayton and Henry Counties stakeholders to continue pursuing that mission.”

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 195 homes and repaired 150 homes.

Media Contact

Name: Trisha Pintavorn

Title: Marketing and Communications Manager at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

E-mail: [email protected]

Office: 770-477-2367

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Our 200th Habitat Home! Meet Sheneshia

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We are ecstatic to welcome Sheneshia to the Habitat family. She will become our 200th Habitat homeowner this September 2017! Read on to learn a little more about her Habitat journey, and join us on September 23rd to celebrate 200 homes.

Please tell us a little about you and your family.

My name is Sheneshia Anderson and I am 38 years old. I have a very good heart, I love to help people, and I love to laugh. I have a son named DeMario Anderson who is 19 years old. He is very playful and has a heart of gold, he will actually give you the clothes off of his body!

How does your family spend quality time? What are your hobbies?

My family and I love to travel and just enjoy each other’s company. We love to have family gatherings and go to sporting events.

Where do you work?

I work at Genesis Healthcare (Foxglove Center). I have been there for 8 years working as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I also work at Riverwoods Behavioral Health Services.

Why did you apply to be a Habitat homeowner?

I have always wanted to buy a house but never succeeded because of personal reasons like my financial situation. After working on my credit to improve it, I decided to give the program a try.

What are you looking forward to the most when you are a Habitat homeowner?

As a Habitat homeowner, I look forward to knowing that I do not have to sign another lease and wondering whether my rent will increase. My personal goals are to become financially stable, finish school, and continue to volunteer to help future homeowners.

Where do you live now?

I [used to] stay in a 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom apartment with my son. I moved out of my apartment in June 2017. If I would have renewed my lease, my rent would have went up another $50. My current living situation right now is with my sister and her family. I know I’m not a burden on them because they love the company, but it’s nothing like having your own.

How did you hear about Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity?

I heard about Southern Crescent Habitat through a family member.

What about Habitat has been the biggest surprise to you?

The response time once I turned in my application in was a surprise because I actually thought it was going to take longer.

Describe the hardships you have faced on your road to the American Dream of homeownership.

The hardships that I have faced are working 2 jobs and making sure my son is well-taken care of while trying to complete all my hours in order to become a Habitat homeowner.

How will your life change once you move into your new home?

My life will be different because I will be able to work on my next goal of becoming financially stable since my living situation is not a burden anymore. It’s like having a load lifted off your chest.

What is the first thing you are going to do in your new home?

The first thing I am going to do in my new home is give thanks to my God all mighty for allowing me to be a homeowner.

What would you like to say to Habitat and the volunteers that are going to help you build your new home?

I would like to say thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the volunteers and donors and even those that wanted to participate but couldn’t for making it possible for my son and me to have a place to actually call our own!

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity builds 200th home in South Metro Atlanta

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Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Marketing and Communications Manager at
Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: [email protected]
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 [email protected].

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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Wells Fargo Commits to Rebuilding Neighborhoods in South Metro Atlanta with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

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Contact:
Elias Makres, Board President
[email protected]
9570 Tara Blvd.
Jonesboro, GA 30236
770-477-2367

PRESS RELEASE 

Wells Fargo Commits to Rebuilding Neighborhoods in South Metro Atlanta with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Jonesboro, GA [January 9, 2017] – The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation Priority Markets Program has granted $80,000 to the revitalization and rebuilding of neighborhoods in South Metro Atlanta with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity.

Since 2011, Wells Fargo Housing Foundation has committed over $300,000 towards Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s housing initiatives. Specifically, the Foundation has helped Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity launch its home repair program and supported home repair projects in Clayton and Henry County.  To date, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity has served over 130 families through this home repair program.

The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation Priority Markets Program’s new grant will fund Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization initiative, an approach to community development that addresses the needs of entire communities rather than Habitat’s traditional model of individual households.

Through its Neighborhood Revitalization initiative, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity partners with local residents, community groups, housing leaders, and local businesses to transform neighborhoods and enhance residents’ quality of life. Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity first implemented the program in 2011 in the Normandy neighborhood of College Park in Clayton County, where they have completed over 20 projects including community gardens, home repairs, a live mural painting, community clean ups and safety walks after surveying residents on what issues mattered to them most. Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity will use these new funds from Wells Fargo to spread their Normandy-proven Neighborhood Revitalization model to other South Metro Atlanta areas.

“We value the partnership with Wells Fargo,” said Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Development Manager Trisha Pintavorn. “Their sustained commitment shows they care about our communities and quality of life. We truly cannot thank them enough for helping us fulfill our mission of building homes, community, and hope.”

About The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation

In 2014, the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation donated nearly $20 million in support of affordable housing initiatives serving low to moderate-income households – including for seniors, veterans, and families – through community revitalization efforts. Since its inception in 1993, the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation has invested more than $150 million to such efforts, along with mobilizing more than 4.6 million team member volunteer hours to build and rehabilitate more than 5,500 homes and counting.

About Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Southern Crescent Habitat For Humanity (SCHFH) helps low-income families find opportunity, stability and improve their quality of life. SCHFH helps build stronger families and neighborhoods through homeowner education which includes financial literacy and by partnering with donors and volunteers to construct attractive, affordable homes and to repair existing homes. SCHFH has created opportunities for hardworking people to own an attractive and affordable home. To qualify they must have a stable job with a 2-year tenure, spend more than 1/3 of their monthly income on rental housing, meet income requirements and invest 300 hours in sweat equity (building homes) and homeownership education (financial and home maintenance). SCHFH has helped over 300 families in South Atlanta, and more information can be viewed on their website, www.schabitat.org.

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Meet Our Newest Homeowner, Toni Tayborn

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Toni Tayborn has been part of the Habitat family since November 2015, and we are finally breaking ground on her new home this fall in the Hannah Springs neighborhood of Lovejoy, Georgia. She has been working through her “sweat equity” hours earnestly and without complaint, and we hold a special place in our hearts for her as she is also a fellow nonprofit worker at the Salvation Army. We caught up with her and asked her a few questions so that you can get to know her better.

Please tell us a little about you and your family.

My name is Toni Tayborn, and I’m a proud mother of 3 college students. Raven is 21 and will be graduating with her associate’s degree in December. Jerome is 20 and Eddie is 19 and are in their first year.

How does your family spend quality time? What are your hobbies?

We enjoy spending holidays together and talking about our time apart. We love shopping and watching movies. Since my children are away, I found comfort in my new pet yorkie, Cavalli.

Where do you work?

I work at The Salvation Army and have been with them for 5 years. I am a caseworker that provides financial assistance to families in need.

Why did you apply to be a Habitat homeowner?

I have always had a dream of owning a home. Before my father passed away, he gathered all of his children and gave us a speech on the importance of owning a home.

What are you looking forward to the most when you are a Habitat homeowner?

My personal goals are to own an affordable home and have a place for my family to enjoy. To have a clean and safe environment that is my own.

Where do you live now?

Garden Lake Apartments. My apartment is very small and has a bad odor. It is crowded outside of my door where I have to say excuse me almost everytime I walk in and out of my door. I believe the odor is coming from the pipes.

How did you hear about Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity?

I heard about the program through a client that came to my job for financial emergency assistance.

What about Habitat has been the biggest surprise to you?

The amount of volunteers and donors that make this all possible, the hope that they bring to families looking to be homeowners.

How will your life change once you move into your new home?

I will be content and without stress due to instability of moving from apartment to apartment due to rental increases each year. Owning a home means everything to me. It’s ownership, stability, and security for me and my family.

What is the first thing you are going to do in your new home?

Praise God for giving me a stable home for myself and my family, and decorate it the way I have always wanted to decorate my place but could not because it was not my own.

What would you like to say to Habitat and the volunteers that are going to help you build your new home?

I would like to thank them for making my dream possible and giving me an opportunity to own a home. I would like to thank the organization for allowing me the opportunity to make my goal and dream a reality.

Interested in helping Toni start a new life? Click here to view available dates to volunteer with the construction of her new home, or click here to make a donation.