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Swapping Suits for Hard Hats in Lovejoy

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Leaders from companies all throughout Clayton County pose before the build commences with Lovejoy Mayor Marci Fluellyn and Clayton County Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson Henry

Building more than walls

On the morning of March 25, 2025, something remarkable took place in Lovejoy, Georgia. Corporate leaders, community champions, elected officials, and dedicated volunteers came together on Lot 23 of our Hannah Springs subdivision to do something that goes far beyond the job description of any CEO or executive — they raised the walls of a home.

Hannah Springs is a 28-home subdivision currently under development in Lovejoy, Georgia, anticipated to be fully completed by 2027. Each home represents a family’s pathway to stability, equity, and a future they can call their own. Our inaugural CEO Build was a powerful way for us to invite business leaders to roll up their sleeves and connect with that mission on the ground — literally.

A Community United: The Clayton County Chamber of Commerce

The CEO Build was made possible through a powerful partnership with the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Valencia Williamson served as the driving force behind mobilizing business leaders across the county, personally rallying corporate executives to show up, show out, and show what community investment truly looks like. Her energy and commitment set the tone for an incredible day.

Valencia’s leadership reflects what the Chamber stands for — not just economic growth, but the understanding that thriving businesses and thriving families go hand in hand. When community leaders invest in affordable housing, they invest in the workforce, the neighborhoods, and the long-term health of our entire region.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity CEO Cynthia Jenkins takes a selfie with Clayton Chamber President Valencia Williamson and Alexander Mohr of Renasant Bank

Words From Our Leaders

Before the first wall was raised, the site was graced by the presence of two extraordinary leaders. Mayor Marci Fluellyn of Lovejoy and Chairwoman Dr. Alieka Anderson Henry honored us with their time and their words as they blessed the site and set the intention for the day. Their presence was a powerful reminder that this work is woven into the very fabric of our local government and community leadership.

A blessed foundation is an acknowledgment that every home we build carries with it the hopes and prayers of an entire community.

Events like this simply would not be possible without the generosity of partners who believe deeply in the mission of affordable homeownership. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors:

Kaiser Permanente — Thank you for your unwavering commitment to healthy, stable communities.

Clayton County Water Authority — Thank you for your continued investment in this community. The tap on the go water dispenser was a crowd favorite that day.

Your generosity made this CEO Build possible and your impact will be felt for generations inside the walls of this home and beyond.

Eldrige Banks of Kaiser Permanente stands with representatives from Clayton County Water Authority
Homeowner Kristle stops to grab water from the Tap & Go dispenser provided by CCWA

Memorable Moments

Among the many highlights of the day, one moment stood out above the rest. The team from the Atlanta Airport Workforce Program arrived and got to work — but what made this build especially meaningful was discovering that they were building alongside the very homeowner who will one day walk through the front door of Lot 23.

That homeowner is an airport employee. To have colleagues show up — not just to support in spirit, but to literally put their hands on the walls of your future home — is the kind of moment that reminds all of us why this work matters so deeply. It was a moment of pure human connection, and it moved everyone on that site.

Lot 23 homeowner Tiffiany, center, along with her fellow homeowner, coworker, and mom, Patrice snap a pic with the Atlanta Airport Workforce Program Team

By the end of the day, the volunteers had raised the walls on Lot 23 — a milestone moment in the life of any Habitat home. This four-bedroom home will soon welcome a hardworking family who has completed our homeownership program and earned the opportunity to build equity and put down roots.

The corporate representation at this year’s CEO Build was nothing short of inspiring. We were honored to welcome teams from:

• Renasant Bank

• Atlanta Airport Workforce Program

• Geosam

• Atlanta Technical College

Each team came ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to pour something of themselves into the walls of a home that will shelter a family for decades to come.

Housing Affordabilty is Everyone’s Issue

The families we serve are not strangers. They are your neighbors, your colleagues, your children’s teachers, the first responders who show up when you call, and the essential workers who keep our communities running every single day. They are hardworking, dedicated, and deserving — and yet, in today’s housing market, the dream of homeownership feels further away than ever for too many of them.

Housing affordability is not a niche issue. It touches every zip code, every income bracket, and every community in this region. When a teacher cannot afford to live in the school district where they teach, we all feel it. When a first responder commutes two hours each way because rent near the station is out of reach, we all feel it. Stable, affordable housing is the foundation on which healthy communities are built — and without it, everything else begins to crack.

That is why the CEO Build matters. When business leaders show up and build, they send an unmistakable message: this community sees you, values you, and will stand beside you. And that message echoes far beyond the walls of any single home.

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!