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Women Build Tour Continues into Butts County

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s 2026 Women Build tour continued into one of our newest service areas: Butts County.

We officially expanded our service area into Butts County in March 2025. Since we had not yet completed a new home construction or home repair project in the area, we introduced our work to the community through a neighborhood revitalization project at a park in Jackson, Georgia.

The project gave our volunteers an opportunity to support the community while building amenities that local families and residents could enjoy for years to come.

Mayor Carlos Duffey along with members of the Butts County Chamber of Commerce stand with Team Southern Crescent before the ribbon cutting

Building something special for Jackson

Throughout the day, the women picked up their tools and worked together to construct a playhouse and new park benches.

The project offered a fun and meaningful introduction to Women Build in Butts County. Volunteers measured, assembled, painted, and built side by side while creating new park features for residents and families to enjoy.

The ladies had a great time learning new skills, connecting with one another, and seeing their work take shape. Their efforts reflected the spirit of Women Build—bringing women together to strengthen communities through hands-on service.

Welcomed by the City of Jackson

We were grateful to receive such a warm welcome from the City of Jackson and the greater Butts County community.

The Mayor of Jackson, Carlos Duffey, joined us for the opening ceremony and welcomed Southern Crescent Habitat and our volunteers to the city. The Butts County Chamber of Commerce also commemorated the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking an exciting step in our growing presence in the area.

The ceremony represented more than the completion of a one-day project. It celebrated the beginning of a new partnership and our commitment to serving more families and neighborhoods throughout Butts County.

Ambassador Kim Freshwater, Southern Crescent CEO Cynthia E. Jenkins, Mayor Carlos Duffey
Mayor Duffey poses for a selfie with one of our returning volunteers

Leadership Rooted in Community

The Women Build Ambassador for the Butts County project was local resident and Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Board Member Kim Freshwater.

This marked Kim’s third year serving as a Women Build Ambassador. Her leadership, advocacy, and strong connections within the community were instrumental in Southern Crescent Habitat’s expansion into Butts County.

Kim has consistently championed our mission and helped create opportunities for our organization to build meaningful partnerships within the county. Her company, Kim Freshwater Realtor, Century 21 Crowe Realty, also served as the official sponsor of the Butts County Women Build project.

We are deeply grateful to Kim for her continued service, leadership, and commitment to helping Southern Crescent Habitat grow its impact.

Community Partners Who Made It Possible

The day was made possible through the support of community partners who welcomed our team and invested in the success of the project.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Kim Freshwater Realtor, Century 21 Crowe Realty for sponsoring the build and helping provide the resources needed to complete the playhouse and park benches.

We also thank Fresh Air Barbecue for generously sponsoring lunch for our volunteers. After a busy morning of building, the meal provided an opportunity for everyone to recharge, fellowship, and celebrate the progress made throughout the day.

By the end of the day, volunteers had completed a new playhouse and park benches that will provide additional spaces for recreation, connection, and enjoyment within the Jackson community.

We thank Butts County, the City of Jackson, the Butts County Chamber of Commerce, Mayor of Jackson, Kim Freshwater, Fresh Air Barbecue, and every volunteer who helped make the day a success.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity looks forward to continuing our presence in Butts County and developing new opportunities to support homeowners, families, and neighborhoods throughout the community.

This Women Build project may have been our first hands-on project in Butts County, but it was only the beginning.

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.

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.

The Lake Spivey Chapter of Jack and Jill Thanksgiving Build

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Caleb Robinson is a senior at Woodward Academy who has a passion to help his community. Serving as the Youth Engagement Intern at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, he has done everything from build walls to generate creative ideas.


Caleb decided to enlist the help of his friends and fellow members of The Lake Spivey Chapter of Jack and Jill to help a family get one step closer to living in their own home. The group painted and built a shed for our next homeowner in McDonough, GA. With the help of fellow students, Caleb and The Lake Spivey Chapter of Jack and Jill were able to raise over $2,150!


Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes and completes home repairs for income-qualified families, who need a hand up, not a handout. Through education and financial literacy, families are prepared to be successful homeowners. By partnerships with volunteers and donors in Henry, Clayton and Fayette Counties, their mission of building homes, communities and hope is possible. Since 1986, we have built, renovated and repaired more than 400 homes. For more information, please visit us at www.schabitat.org.

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. 

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.

Congrats Graduates 2022!

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is building foundations to prepare families for the future through homeownership.

Southern Crescent Habitat’s Impact on our families


Growing up in a decent, affordable home can have a powerful effect on children. Studies draw a straight line between the quality, location, and affordability of housing and a child’s ability to thrive. Families who spend too much of their income on housing often must make critical trade-offs, including forgoing educational and enrichment opportunities for themselves and their children. Through our mission of bringing affordable, safe housing to families they are able to give their children these opportunities.

Not only are we celebrating homeownership month and the over 200 families that achieved their dream of homeownership through our program, but we celebrate our SCHFH graduates. Their educational achievements are a testament to the mission of Habitat and the hard work of our partner families. Congratulations to all of our ’22 graduates! This is only the beginning of your endeavors and we can’t wait to see what is in your future. The sky’s the limit!

Congrats to our 2022 Graduates! See them below

Kendrick Marshall: Mundy’s Mill High School ’22 | The University of West Georgia College | Culinary Arts

 Shakilya Dorsey : Mercer University ’22 | Bachelor’s in Education

Zachary Simms: Jonesboro High School ’22 | Georgia Military College

Khali Burney: Stockbridge High School ’22 | Technical School 

Ta’Nya Black : Lovejoy High School ’19 | Nursing School ’22

Indya Black : Lovejoy High School ’22 | Bethune-Cookmen University | Accounting

Shamiah Pittman : University of West Georgia ’22 | University of West Georgia for Masters | Digital & Social Media Communication

Not pictured:

Nekita Pullins graduated from Mercer with her Specialist (2nd masters) degree in education.