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A Homeowner’s Journey to Hope in Historic Downtown Jonesboro

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Tukuanda, affectionately known as TK, is a proud mother of three and grandmother of one. Her path to homeownership has been far from easy — but it’s one defined by unshakable perseverance and deep love for her family.

Having spent part of her childhood in foster care, TK’s early years were marked by instability. Yet, she never let hardship determine her future. Even after facing homelessness following a difficult divorce, TK’s determination never wavered. With her children as her motivation, she worked tirelessly to rebuild her life — from living in a hotel to eventually finding an apartment where she could begin to restore stability for her family.

Finding Hope Through Habitat

TK holds up the key to her new home.

TK’s life took a hopeful turn when she learned about Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity through her job’s HR department. What began as a simple inquiry became a defining moment in her story.

Through the Habitat program, TK found not only the tools to achieve homeownership but also a community of people ready to support her dream. Her dedication and hard work through the homeownership process reflected her unwavering belief that her family deserved a safe, stable place to call home.

On the day of the home blessing, TK and her family were overcome with emotion when they discovered that their home had been fully furnished as a surprise, thanks to a generous partnership with iThink Community Foundation.

This unexpected gift transformed the moment into something truly unforgettable — every room filled with warmth, comfort, and care. From cozy living spaces to beautifully decorated bedrooms, the furnishings reflected not just generosity, but the shared belief that every family deserves a home that feels like home from day one.

iThink Family Foundation Team alongside TK & her family.

The celebration of TK’s new home was a true example of community collaboration. Alongside the contributions of our partners, Hampton High School Architecture Students played an important role in this project by designing and building the shed that now sits in TK’s backyard.

Their craftsmanship not only provided practical storage for the family but also served as a learning experience in service, design, and the power of giving back. It’s partnerships like these that make our mission come alive — where every helping hand, young or old, plays a part in creating lasting impact.

Hampton High School Students with TK

Revitalizing Historic Downtown Jonesboro

This home blessing was particularly special as it took place on lots made possible through the partnership and generosity of the City of Jonesboro, Clayton County HUD, former City Manager Ricky Clark, and former Mayor Joy Day. Their commitment to revitalizing the downtown area has created new opportunities for families like TK’s to thrive in a vibrant and supportive community.

We remain deeply grateful for these partnerships that allow us to continue transforming lives and neighborhoods through affordable housing.

TK’s home is more than a house — it’s a foundation for a brighter future. Her story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, faith, and a helping hand, dreams of homeownership can become reality.

As we continue our mission in the South Metro Atlanta area, we’re honored to walk alongside families like TK’s — building not just homes, but hope.

Anne Dunivin’s Legacy at Southern Crescent

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Anne Dunivin stands in front of street sign for “Dunivin Drive”, the street named after her in Jonesboro, GA

A life of service and impact

At Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, we are fortunate to have had the support of many incredible individuals over the years, but few have left as lasting a legacy as Anne Dunivin. For over two decades, Anne was a dedicated volunteer and member of our Family Selection Committee, helping to select the families that would receive safe and affordable housing. Her commitment to serving others and her passion for our mission were truly remarkable.

Anne’s life was filled with many accomplishments that extended far beyond her work with our organization. She was one of the first women to graduate from Emory University with a Master’s Degree in Chemistry, breaking barriers and setting an example for generations of women to follow. A longtime resident of Riverdale, right here in Clayton County, Anne continued to give back to her community in countless ways. At the age of 83, she was elected to the Riverdale City Council, serving two terms and making a difference in her local government well into her senior years.

But Anne wasn’t just a trailblazer in academia and public service—she also excelled in sports. One of her favorite hobbies was swimming, and she joined the U.S. Masters Swimming Organization where she set the national record for the 1,000-meter freestyle swim in her age group. We had the privilege of watching her take some laps in 2016, when she celebrated her 100th birthday by doing what she loved—swimming. Her energy and spirit were truly inspiring. See video here.

Recently, on what would have been Anne’s 108th birthday, we had the honor of meeting with her family to celebrate her life and discuss her legacy. It was a beautiful time of reflection, and we were reminded of just how incredible it is for someone to dedicate their entire life to the service of others. Anne’s impact on our community is immeasurable, and her work continues to live on through the lives of the families she helped. In a touching tribute to her memory, Anne’s family has established the Anne Dunivin Endowment Fund. This fund will ensure that her mission of providing affordable housing for families in need will continue for years to come. It’s a wonderful way to honor Anne’s life of service, and we are grateful to her family for keeping her legacy alive.

Anne Dunivin’s life reminds us all of the power of selfless dedication. Her legacy is a shining example of what one person can accomplish when they dedicate their life to making the world a better place. We are forever grateful for her contributions and are proud to continue her work at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. If you would like to contribute to the Anne Dunivin Endowment Fund and help support families in our community, please tap the link here. Every donation ensures that Anne’s work continues, giving hope and stability to those who need it most.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity celebrates home for the holidays with our newest Veteran Homeowner!

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Veteran Homeowner, Marsha Pettigrew excitedly cuts the ribbon on her brand new home! Southern Crescent CEO, Cynthia Jenkins, The Pettigrew Family, and The Patricia Terwilliger Family Foundation joins her in the celebration.

Marsha’s Story

Marsha Pettigrew is an Army Veteran who is simply “grateful!” Although she experienced a few rough patches along her journey, Marsha didn’t let it deter her from providing for her children. Often times, as a mother of six, she felt as though she was “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

Her dream of becoming a homeowner seemed so far away, until she saw someone wearing a Habitat for Humanity t-shirt and asked them about the organization. The thought of becoming a homeowner is still mind-blowing to her, but she looks forward to the day when she can host gatherings for her children and their families all under one roof!

Marsha is currently a Marta bus operator and lives with her twins, Elizabeth and Elisha (Elijah), and her newborn grandson.

We are forever grateful for our partnership with The Patricia Terwilliger Family Foundation for sponsoring the entire build for Marsha’s home. The Patricia Terwilliger Family Foundation, which supports veterans through various charitable efforts, not only made a financial donation but also joined us on the build site numerous times. See the photos here.

Photo credit © Habitat for Humanity International/Carolina Guerrero.

At Southern Crescent, we recognize the immense sacrifices made by our Veterans and are deeply committed to supporting them through our housing programs. Through supporting Veterans, we honor their service and contribute to their well-being and reintegration, reinforcing our dedication to those who have bravely served our country.

The Class of 2023 Habitat Grads!

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At Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, our mission extends far beyond the construction of homes. It’s about building stronger communities and providing a stable foundation for families to thrive. We proudly celebrate a remarkable achievement – the graduation of several students from various levels of schooling, all of whom are the children of our Habitat homeowners.

Research consistently shows that stable housing plays a crucial role in a child’s success as they grow up, and these graduates exemplify this truth. The positive impact of homeownership on a child’s development cannot be overstated, and their stories are a testament to this fact.

Introducing our Class of 2023 Southern Crescent Grads!!!

Pharaoh is a graduating senior and has been in a Habitat Home for 9 years.

These young ladies are siblings and their family has been in their Habitat Home for 8 years. Kashara is a graduating senior, Tamya is graduating from elementary school and Daria is graduating from Pre-K.

Rayne is graduating from elementary school and her family has been in their Habitat Home for 12 years.

We are beyond proud of our Habitat Grads for accomplishing these milestones. We wish you all nothing but the best in achieving your goals and endeavors!