Reflecting on a Successful Women Build Event: Southern Crescent HFH Empowers Women and Builds Home for a Brighter Future

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Every May, people around the country prepare to pay homage to their mothers or mother figures in their life. This year, several women from the Metro Atlanta area joined Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and this year’s Women Build title sponsor, Camille Rose Naturals, to help a single mother in their community achieve the dream of homeownership. Through the Women Build initiative, women nationwide devote at least one day to build decent and affordable housing in their local communities. Women-led crews along with our Women Build ambassadors worked on a new construction home in Riverdale, GA for five days straight, May 2nd – 6th.

Participants not only invested their time but financially contributed to addressing the vital issue of affordable housing and equity building. Statistics show that women, especially those who serve as head of their families and women of color, disproportionately face obstacles that make accessing decent, affordable housing seem impossible. The week-long build also provided a platform for women volunteers to flex their muscles and showcase their construction skills.


SCHFH was able to exceed the fundraising goal of $35,000 thanks to our sponsors and donations from various organizations, including 100 Ladies Who L.E.A.D, ExecuSource, HFHI BEST, iThink Financial, Southern Crescent Women In Business, and many others. Our sponsors were Jacobs, SCB Video TV Marketing and Camille Rose Naturals as our Title Sponsor. The event also saw the participation of female executives from these organizations who lent their support in various building activities.

CEO & Founder of Camille Rose, Janell Stephens
The Camille Rose Team

“When this opportunity came to us, I jumped at it! So thank you guys, I know you’re thanking me, but I’m thanking you, for allowing our brand to be a part of something that is just this huge blessing to you and your family.” said Janell Stephens, Founder & CEO of Camille Rose Naturals and Women Build 2023 Ambassador as she shared words with the future homeowner.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is deeply grateful to all the volunteers, sponsors, and partners who helped make this year’s Women Build Week a great success. Special thanks to our other ambassadors Michelle Amara of SCB Video TV Marketing, Danielle Smith Clayton County Tax Commissioner & Owner of the D. Smith Agency, and DeBlair Tate Author & Wellness Coach. The organization remains committed to building more affordable homes for families in need, with a vision of creating a world where everyone has a decent place to call home.

PHOTOS

Day 1: SCBTV and friends

Day 2: HFHI Best, iThink Financial

Day 3: Execusource, Southern Crescent Women in Business

Day 4: Jacobs, Progress Residential

Day 5: Camille Rose and friends

Southern Crescent Habitat CEO Cynthia Jenkins presented with Leadership Award at South Metro Development Outlook Conference

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SCHFH CEO Cynthia Jenkins (center) presented with Leadership Award by Adrienne Goolsby, Senior Vice President of U.S. and Canada at HFHI (left), and The Collaborative Firm’s Michael Hightower (right) at the South Metro Development Outlook Conference.

ATLANTA, GA (March 22, 2023) – On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, The Collaborative Firm hosted the 21st South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) Conference at the Georgia International Convention Center.  The annual summit presented this year by Amazon, attracted over 700 attendees with a vested interest to receive integral insight from the Southern Regions’ leading elected officials, government leaders, and corporate executives.  This year’s featured speakers included City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens; Collie Greenwood, General Manager & CEO of MARTA; Balram “B” Bheodari, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and many others.    

“I am very pleased with the feedback our firm received regarding SMDO2023.  It was projected to be as successful and informative as our past two decades, and we delivered with a record number in attendance,” said Michael Hightower, Managing Partner of The Collaborative Firm and host of the South Metro Development Outlook. “Our powerhouse line up of speakers which included subject matter experts, professionals, and community leaders offered in-depth as well as candid discussions and strategies regarding the transformation of South Metro Atlanta and contributed to the success of this year’s conference.”  

Program highlights from this year’s theme “Transforming the Future”, included Economic Forecast & Regional Growth; Exploring Georgia’s Political Landscape Today; Impact of Innovative and Emerging Technology; MARTA On the Move in South Metro; among others.   

In addition to examining the current economic trajectory, SMDO2023 recognized individuals and businesses who have left an indelible impact on the industry. This year’s honorees included: Amazon, Presenting Sponsor Award; City of Stockbridge Amphitheater, Public Impact Award; Myrna White, Assistant General Manager, Office of Public & International Affairs, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Legacy Award recipient; Chris Pumphrey, President of Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership, Economic Development Award recipient; Eldrin Bell, former Clayton County Chairman, Public Service Award recipient; Joy B. Day, former Mayor City of Jonesboro; and Cynthia Jenkins, CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Award recipient.   

Additional key sponsors include ATL Airport CID, HNTB, and The Collaborative Firm.

Southern Crescent Habitat Kicks Off Women’s History Month with Sip & Shop hosted by Camille Rose Naturals CEO

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Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity celebrated Women’s History Month and their Women Build kick-off last night at the McDonough ReStore. Women from around the South Metro Atlanta area joined fellow entrepreneurs, professionals, and those wanting to make a difference in their community for a fun filled evening. Hosted by Janell Stephens, the Founder and CEO of Camille Rose, attendees received gift bags filled with their latest products and had the opportunity to shop over a dozen women-owned businesses.

In addition to photo and networking opportunities, attendees received motivational gems from our all women panel which consisted of SCHFH CEO Cynthia Jenkins and Women Build Ambassadors: Janell Stephens of Camille Rose and Danielle Smith, the 1st African American woman to serve as Tax Commissioner of Clayton County, GA.

The vendors included:

Walmart Health, Lady Moss Boss, Bind & Loose Clothing, Life in Tee, Academy Properties, Lemongrass Spa, The Irby Clothier, Moxie Mats, Derek Campbell Insurance, Geeked About Treats, Unique Expression by Design, and Snapfinger Scoops.

Additional Sip & Shop Photos

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.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity addresses home safety and health in South Metro Atlanta region thanks to $30,000 grant from Lowe’s

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BEFORE
AFTER

Thanks to the Lowe’s Grant, Ms. Crawford received a new roof, bathroom repairs, HVAC servicing, and more.

JONESBORO, GA (October 27, 2022) —Southern Crescent Habitat received a $30,000 grant from Lowe’s to help complete three Critical Home Repair projects for seniors in the South Metro Atlanta region. The funding is part of Lowe’s partnership renewal with Habitat for Humanity that includes a donation of $2.5 million to support 100 local Habitat organizations undertaking home repair and rehab projects across the U.S.

“With the state of the economy, so many people are trying to maintain and preserve the homes that they’ve worked so hard to build. We are excited that through the Lowe’s grant, we have helped three more families with extensive repairs that they may not have otherwise been able to afford,” exclaims COO Elizabeth Duncan.

Southern Crescent Habitat focused its efforts on aiding seniors who were in dire need of critical home repair. With 10,000 people turning 65 each day, the need for safety and home modifications is growing in communities. Not only did the home repairs provide the seniors with a peace of mind, but it will allow them to age in place. Some of the projects included roofing, bathroom modifications, and HVAC replacements.

Homeowner Ms. Bryant is a cancer patient that is currently in the process of receiving her repairs. She contacted Sothern Crescent Habitat because her “house of 27 years needed some repairs, and she didn’t have the money.”

Access to quality, affordable home repair and modification services continues to be out of reach for low to moderate income households across the nation. With the support of this funding, Southern Crescent Habitat can further its efforts of helping families in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties address critical health and safety issues in their homes.

Lowe’s and Habitat began their partnership in 2003. Since then, Lowe’s has supported many of the global housing nonprofit’s efforts, including the Women Build Program and Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization program. Lowe’s has also supported Habitat’s Cost of Home national advocacy campaign and sponsored local Habitat builds and employee volunteer days, in addition to providing affiliate grants and donated products. Lowe’s commitment through 2022 will bring the company’s total contributions to Habitat to more than $84 million.

About Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

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 Clayton, Henry, and Fayette Counties, their mission of building homes, communities and hope is possible.  Since 1986, they have built, renovated and repaired more than 420 homes.  For more information, please visit us at www.schabitat.org.

About Lowe’s

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE 50 home improvement company serving approximately 19 million customer transactions a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2021 sales of over $96 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service nearly 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

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.

Southern Crescent Welcomes New Partnerships

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Southern Crescent Habitat is excited to welcome new partnerships! Not only are these companies and organizations serving their communities, but they are supporting our mission! Without partners, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity would not be able to celebrate 36 years of building homes, communities, and hope. In the last quarter, we’ve had the pleasure to welcome Georgia Power, Anning-Johnson, Collective Insights, Clayton State Alumni Association and More Perfect Union.

More Perfect Union

More Perfect Union joined us on the build site to continue working on our 214th and 215th homes. They joined us on the wall building and raising in our Hannah Springs location in Lovejoy. Our homeowner Shakilya even joined us for a little sweat equity..

Collective Insights

Our long time partners, Collective Insights, joined us back at our Hannah Springs site to continue working on lots 14 and 15. Our future homeowner Nilka was excited to see the walls go up and even read a few of the messages that our ReStore customers left during our last sign-the-stud event.

Georgia Power | 2022 Annual Partner | Beloved Community Build

Georgia Power joined us for a Beloved Community Build on Friday, July 8th. As an Annual Partner, they are committed to our mission and will join us for four builds throughout the year. Georgia Power built walls and worked in our Hannah Springs subdivision in Lovejoy on this day of service.

Anning-Johnson

Our friends at Anning-Johnson Company joined us on our build site to put up siding in our Hannah Springs neighborhood on September 15th and 16th. Siding going up means we’re getting closer to our families being able to move in!

Clayton State Alumni Association

The Clayton State Alumni Association joined us September 24th at our Hannah Springs location to kick off their Alumni Week! How cool was it that they were able to give back while painting the home of a fellow Laker!

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. 

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity receives grant from Lowe’s!

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Lowe’s Partnership Renewal

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is excited to share that we were selected as a recipient of the Lowe’s Housing Plus Grant. This funding is a part of Lowe’s partnership renewal with Habitat for Humanity that includes a donation of $2.5 million to support 100 local Habitat organizations undertaking home repair and rehab projects across the U.S.

This year, 100 local Habitat affiliates will complete 628 projects, including 67 critical home repairs, 276 home preservations, and 285 housing plus projects to provide aging-in-place solutions that help make homes safe and accessible.

Helping families, fixing homes

Across our country access to quality, affordable home repair, and modification services are almost inaccessible to those with low to moderate incomes. With the support of this grant, we will be able to further help families in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette counties address critical health and safety issues in their homes.

Lowe’s and Habitat began their partnership in 2003. Since then, Lowe’s has supported many of the global housing nonprofit’s efforts, including the Women Build Program and Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization program. Lowe’s has also supported Habitat’s Cost of Home national advocacy campaign and sponsored local Habitat builds and employee volunteer days, in addition to providing affiliate grants and donated products. Lowe’s commitment through 2022 will bring the company’s total contributions to Habitat to more than $84 million.