Women Expanding Representation in Construction

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In recent years, more women have been finding success in skilled trade industries. In 2014, 872,000 of the 9,813,000, or 8.9 percent, of people working in the construction industry were women, reports the National Association of Women in Construction. Women’s presence in construction was increasing steadily starting in the 1980s, but an industry slump from 2007 to 2010, accompanied by the loss of more than 2.5 million construction jobs, decreased women’s representation in construction. The tide appears to be turning. Construction jobs are projected to grow by 12.7 percent through 2024, and qualified men and women will be needed to fill positions.

As the below information by Tulsa Welding School highlights, the construction industry has much to offer women because it can provide greater earning potential than traditionally female-dominated careers; fast, affordable training for easier entry into the field at any age; support from various organizations; and a choice between building a career with a variety of businesses or being your own boss.

Check out the infographic below for more information about opportunities for women in construction.

Image Courtesy of Tulsa Welding School

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Southern Crescent Habitat Challenges Women To Join The 2016 “Women Build” in Lovejoy, Georgia

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Lovejoy, GA [March 1, 2016] – Women possess all that is needed to create a dramatic change in our community. By this, Southern Crescent Habitat For Humanity (SCHFH) is gearing up for the 2016 “Women Build,” an annual project that empowers women to build homes and enable them to positively impact the lives of families by making home ownership a reality. SCHFH challenges all-women volunteer teams to come together to actively work to build a home for LaTonya Flugence and her family. Each volunteer is asked for a contribution to help fund the builds supplies and materials. Volunteer dates will take place on April 2nd, 5th, 7th and 9th at 2338 Glebe Court, Lovejoy, Georgia 30228. To register and make a contribution, please visit schabitat.org/womenbuild

Southern Crescent Habitat’s “Women Build”  is a safe haven for women to practice and excel, no matter what their skill levels. The program nurtures, recruits and train women to build and maintain simple, decent, healthy and affordable homes in their community. This year’s build is dedicated to LaTonya Flugence. Ms. Flugence is a working mother of two sons, Kavious, 20 years of age and Kyle, 17 years of age. She has volunteered at her local Habitat Restore and has successfully completed her sweat equity and is ready to move into her new home.

“I am thankful for Southern Crescent Habitat For Humanity and to the woman that are coming together to help build, support, and donate their time to invest in me,” says Flugence.

SCHFH believes that everyone deserves a decent place to live. The affiliate has created opportunities for hard working 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 home ownership (financial and home maintenance) education. Our organization has helped over 300 families in South Atlanta, and would like to invite you to be apart of our mission to double that by 2020.

The Women Build volunteer dates are April 2nd, 5th, 7th and 9th and can accommodate 40 volunteers per day. We are only able to hold volunteer dates with volunteer donation or sponsorship commitment.
If your organization would like to participate in the “Women Build”, please register at schabitat.org/womenbuild and get social by following our Twitter/Facebook/Instagram pages @SCHabitatfh and hashtag #SCHWomenBuild and #BuildWithSCHabitat.
The Sponsorship Deadline is March 25 to be included in promotional material.

To apply for media credentials, please contact Kiara Jones,kiara.jones@schabitat.org 

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 hard working 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 home ownership education (financial and home maintenance). SCHFH has helped over 300 families in South Atlanta, and would like to invite you to be apart of our mission to double that by 2020.

FOR MEDIA AND EVENT DETAILS

770.743.6684

Kiara Jones

kiara.jones@schabitat.org

Home For The Holidays-December Habitat Happenings

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Lowes Gives Day

On December 12, 2015 from 9am-1pm, Southern Crescent Habitat will be at the Lowes in McDonough raising funds for a much needed generator.  Stop out and see us for some holiday goodies and to make your donation.  This is the third time Lowe’s Home Improvement in McDonough has partnered with Southern Crescent Habitat to hold a giving day.  Big thanks goes out to Store Manager, Richie Carter, and his team for all of their support.

   

Beyond Home Repair 

Earlier this year, Ms. Charlotte reached out to Habitat to see if we could make some home modifications to assist her with the care of her son Rodney. He was born with Cerebral Palsy and was not expected to live but just a few years.  Although Rodney is not currently able to walk, sit up, swallow, comprehend or see, he beat all odds and is now 18 years old!  As a single mother, Charlotte has had to care for Rodney on her own, which unfortunately caused cervical stenosis from lifting him from his wheelchair throughout the years. She had spinal surgery as a result and is on her way to a full recovery.  Southern Crescent was able to transform Charlotte’s bathroom to make it fully handicap accessible with a roll in shower.  She will no longer have to lift Rodney which will make things much easier for her to recover.  We were grateful for the opportunity to serve such a deserving family.

 

Faith In Action

We put our faith in action on November 19, 2015 along with clergy members from Divine Faith Ministries, Cindy Trimm Ministries, McDonough Christian Church, and Salem Baptist. Everyone came together with one common goal to help families who need a hand up, not a hand out. Future homeowners Terri and Tracy earned sweat equity while working on their homes alongside the volunteers.  Our next Interfaith Build kicks off in February for future homeowner Michelle and her son Jaylan. For sponsorship information, please contact development@schabitat.org.

Habitat Happenings November 2015!

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The Home Depot to Help Build Seven Homes for Veterans and Others in Need

More than 300 store volunteers and vendor partners worked with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity as Part of the Company’s Fifth Annual Celebration of Service Campaign to Help Veterans and Military Families Nationwide.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, more than 300 volunteers from The Home Depot’s Supply Chain Department and their vendor partners joined local store associates and Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity to help build seven homes for veterans and other residents in need in Lovejoy, Ga.

This local volunteer project is part of the company’s fifth annual Celebration of Service campaign, a nationwide effort led by Team Depot, The Home Depot’s associate-led volunteer force, to help give back to veterans and military families in need. Between now and Veterans Day, Team Depot volunteers will complete projects for veterans in every community The Home Depot serves.

Volunteer projects throughout the day included raising the walls for 5 homes, completing siding and paint for 2 other homes and building storage sheds.  In addition to Team Depot’s efforts, The Home Depot Foundation also will donate up to $1 million to veteran causes for customers who share their support for veterans and volunteerism via social media throughout Celebration of Service.

Georgia Gives Day

On November 12, 2015, Georgia Gives Day, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity hopes to raise $15,000 to complete a critical home repair for a veteran family in need. Everyone who donates $50 or more will be invited to our giving party at Topgolf in Midtown on Gero.  To RSVP and make a donation, please visit our Georgia Gives Day site here!

Meet Homeowner Veteran Lloyd

Lloyd served 13 years in the Army until he was honorably discharged.  He was awarded the following during his service: Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon-3, Army Achievement Medal w/ 2 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal w/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal-4th Award, NCO Professional Development Ribbon-3, & Expert Badge (Rifle M16 & Hand Grenade).

Purchasing a Habitat home will improve Lloyd’s quality of life significantly.  He is currently living in a cost-burdened apartment that is in need of a roof replacement and has mold issues due to a flood caused by an outdated water heater.  Floyd has been working hard to earn his sweat equity and can’t wait to have his own home.

Lowe’s Builds Community Gardens In College Park and Mural by Forward Warrior

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity recieves $50,000 Lowe’s Grant to Revitalize Normandy and Faith Park Neighborhoods

Lowe’s Heroes Will Complete Critical Home Repairs and Build Resident Gardens

Jonesboro, GA  (October 19, 2015) — Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity  was awarded a $50,000 grant from Lowe’s to revitalize the Normandy and Faith Park  neighborhoods in College Park, Ga.,  as part of Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization, a nationwide program dedicated to serving more families through community development partnerships. Lowe’s awarded $1.2 million in grants to 14 Habitat affiliates across the country to support more than 300 community improvement projects ranging from critical repairs to new home construction.

On Saturday, October 17, 2015, Southern Crescent Habitat held their “Grow the Block” community improvement event.   Lowe’s Heroes built 20 garden beds for families in the neighborhood encouraging sustainable growth and a healthy lifestyle.  Simultaneously, a group of artists from Forward Warrior painted a 50ft mural at the front of the neighborhood (5110 Norman Blvd, College Park GA 30349) to highlight homes, communities and hope available for public viewing.  Future plans in the Normandy and Faith Park subdivision include several critical home repairs and one home rehabilitation project of a vacant property in the neighborhood.

“We are grateful to Lowe’s for their generous support, thank you for helping us to continue to grow the block” said Kem Kimbrough, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Crescent Habitat. “Because of partners like Lowe’s, we are able to help families obtain affordable housing and improve conditions in neighborhoods.” “This is awesome for us just like it is for you all, thank you for having us out here”, said Stockbridge Store Manager Richie Carter.

Through Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization efforts, Habitat affiliates offer an expanded array of housing services and partner with local residents, housing leaders, community groups and businesses to transform neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life in communities.

“Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization program has made a lasting impact in communities across the country,” said Joan Higginbotham, Lowe’s director of community relations. “Lowe’s is proud to support Southern Crescent Habitat to make a difference in the College Park community.”

A national partner since 2003, Lowe’s has committed more than $63 million to Habitat for Humanity and helped more than 4,000 families improve their living conditions. Each year, Lowe’s provides grants and volunteer assistance to affiliates, supports National Women Build Week and conducts how-to clinics at stores to teach volunteers construction skills.

Delta Flight Attendant Designs Home for Habitat Family

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Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant Designs Habitat Home In Honor of Late Husband

JONESBORO, GA (September 23, 2015) –When Darren and Chatara applied to become Southern Crescent Habitat homeowners, they knew it would be challenging.  They had to each work 250 hours on their home and other Habitat projects, complete 50 hours of education classes, and care for their four little girls.  Additionally, Southern Crescent Habitat had to design a floor plan large enough to accommodate their family size.

An opportunity arose when Ms. Lauretta Griffin decided to donate her property to SC Habitat.  The size was perfect for a four bedroom home, and Delta Air Lines was going to sponsor it, Habitat just needed someone to create it.  Delta Air Lines flight attendant, Kim Mills-Smith had volunteered for the Delta sponsored builds for years.   In honor of her late husband, Jeffrey Scott Smith, who was a custom home builder, Kim became a house lead and worked on many homes, always sharing helpful suggestions for improving the plans.  With that in mind, Habitat employee, Terry Chapman, asked if she would like to design a new plan just for Darren & Chatara.  Kim was overjoyed and honored to be selected and created a beautiful plan she named “The Scottie” after her husband.

On September 8, 2015, Delta Air Lines kicked off the 27th sponsored build with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and began building “The Scottie”.  “Since 2004, Delta Air Lines has been a sponsor with Southern Crescent and has made a tremendous impact in the lives of many deserving families,” said SC Habitat CEO Kem Kimbrough.  This home will make a huge difference for Darren, Chatara and their girls.  “This is the light at the end of our tunnel,” said future homeowner Chatara.

During the kick off, previous owner Lauretta and her family wished Darren and Chatara many happy memories in their home just as they had for so many years.  The origin of the new floor plan created by Kim was shared and the significance of why it was called “The Scottie”.  It was a very special day for everyone to see what can happen when good deeds become blessings for others.  Southern Crescent Habitat is grateful to Delta Air Lines for their generous sponsorship, Lauretta for donating her property, and to Kim Mills-Smith for sharing her love of helping others in such a memorable way. The build will continue through Friday, September 25, 2015 at which time the home will be blessed and dedicated for the family.

When: September 25, 2015 at 2:30pm

Where: 397 Chase Woods Circle, Jonesboro GA

Interview Opportunities:

Kem Kimbrough, CEO Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Kim Mills-Smith-Delta Air Lines Flight Attendant/Designer of the “Scottie”

Habitat Homeowners-Chatara & Darren Brumfield

About Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes and provides home repairs to low income families, who need a “hand up, not a hand out” through homeowner education, and financial literacy, provided by partnerships with communities of volunteers and donors.  Since 1986, we have built, renovated and repaired more than 250 homes.  For more information, please visit us at www.schabitat.org.

 

SC Habitat Celebrates Home Repair Program With Family Reunion

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[JONESBORO, GA] (September, 11, 2015)– Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity has had the honor of serving over 100 families through our Home Repair program. On Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 12pm, all of the families have been invited to come together for a reunion celebration.

While the new home construction and rehab programs of Southern Crescent Habitat focus on helping families become first time home buyers, the home repair program serves the needs of current homeowners with a focus on serving the elderly, handicapped and veterans.  Funding for the program over the years has come from Wells Fargo, Clayton & Henry County CDBG, AARP, Publix, Lowe’s Home Improvement as well as Home Depot.

This fiscal year, Southern Crescent Habitat plans to serve 40 more families in Henry, Clayton and Fayette counties.  We are looking forward to growing this program and celebrating with those that we have served so far.  The event includes a dedication ceremony, lunch, music provided by the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Clayton State Chapter and of course lots of fun!

WHEN:                 Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE:               9570 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro GA 30236

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Kem Kimbrough, CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Habitat partner families               

About Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes and provides home repairs to low income families, who need a “hand up, not a hand out” through homeowner education, and financial literacy, provided by partnerships with communities of volunteers and donors.  Since 1986, we have built, renovated and repaired more than 250 homes.  For more information, please visit us at www.schabitat.org.

 

SC Habitat Homeowner Pays Off Mortgage in 19 Years!

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JONESBORO, GA (August 20, 2015) – Marcy Cly, a single mother with a one year old daughter applied for Habitat’s homeownership program in 1996.  She had a low paying job at a Child Development Center, a car, but no place to live.  Marcy is a veteran, but did not have a college degree that could help her obtain a higher paying job.

Marcy heard about Habitat while staying at a homeless shelter.  She realized that she could benefit from the program herself while telling a co-worker about it.  The Habitat application workshop that she attended had about 50 people in attendance.  When Marcy was one of the families selected, she knew that things would be different.  “From that point on, my life had changed.  I felt like it empowered me and enabled me to live a normal life,” said Marcy.

Marcy remembers it being difficult because she was working full time and relying on her sister to help watch her daughter.  She had to work her job as well as complete required Habitat education classes and 250 hours building her home.  Marcy said “it’s not given to you”, but the end result is worth it.  Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Target in 1996, Marcy went from being homeless and living with her sister to having a home to call her own where she could raise her daughter.

On August 18, 2015, 19 years later, Southern Crescent Habitat proudly honored Marcy’s accomplishment with a mortgage payoff celebration.  CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat, Kem Kimbrough said, “You are an example and an inspiration for other Habitat families and for all of us”.  Festivities included the handing over of the Satisfaction of Mortgage, a cake cutting with a picture of her home from 1996, and a fun beating of a mortgage piñata.

Marcy now works for the U.S. Census Bureau.  She got married five years ago and has a 2 year old son with her husband.  “I’m just very thankful, now I get to raise another child in the same house with my husband.  It’s just been a really good experience.”

We are very excited and so proud of Marcy’s accomplishment. Through faith and perseverance, she went from being homeless to paying off her mortgage in just 19 years.  Marcy inspires our belief that Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity gives families a hand up, not a hand out.  

 

Heritage Community Foundation Presents Grant to SC Habitat for Humanity

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Jonesboro, Ga. (August 4, 2015) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Kem Kimbrough ,CEO, and Lindsey Sanders, Deputy Director of Development, of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) on July 30, 2015.  The $4,000 grant will be used by SCHFH to purchase and stock an additional tool trailer that will be used on site for volunteer days. Currently, the organization has 2 box trucks, one for tools and the other for transporting materials.  As SCHFH is expanding and increasing the number of families that it serves through home repair, rehabilitation and building new homes, they had a definite need for a third tool trailer.  Right now, they have to plan separate work days for home repair, rehab and new home construction because they don’t have sufficient equipment or supplies. With this new stocked tool trailer, they can increase their efficiency, engage more volunteers in the community by scheduling additional work days and ultimately serve more families.

SCHFH’s mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. The families that they serve are hardworking individuals who need a hand up, not a hand out. They complete sweat equity working on their home alongside the volunteers and attend education classes to prepare themselves for successful home ownership. SCHFH works with over 3,000 volunteers a year and serves approximately 50 families a year. It takes 250 volunteers to build one home. The outcomes and impact are visible in the homes that you see, in the neighborhoods that are revitalized, and in the families whose lives are changed forever. SCHFH believes in bringing people together for the common goal of putting an end to the poverty cycle and making sure that every person has a decent, safe place to live.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org.  You may also contact Rocky Davis, Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.

Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” The bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.

Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH.OB”.

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Contact:

Carol Dauro, Public Relations Contact, Heritage Bank, 770-478-8881.

 

 

Austin Meadows Block Party To Kick Off The Summer

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity kicked off the summer with a dedication of the 7th home in our Austin Meadows community on June 20, 2015.  To celebrate the end of our fiscal year, we gathered with all of the habitat families, friends and supporters for a block party!  Special thanks to Mr. Yummy’s ice cream, Sam’s Club, Costco, the city of Lovejoy, DJ Gregory Collins and Interactive Attractions.  We are looking forward to a very productive summer with plans to complete a dozen home repair projects!  For more information, please contact 770-477-2367.