Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Homeowner Larry Glover Pays Off His Mortgage in Just 9 Years

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MS Glover FamilyFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORROW, GA [March 7, 2017] –Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity (SCHFH) homeowner Larry Glover has paid off his home in just 9 years.

Larry Glover moved into his Habitat home in Morrow, Georgia in December 2009. At the time, he was working as an assistant to his pastor. A graduate in carpentry of Atlanta Technical College, Larry and his wife were working hard to support their daughter Tosha, who had just entered Griffin Technical College at the time. 9 years later, Larry has achieved what at once seemed unthinkable: he turned in his last mortgage payment this past December after just 9 years. Larry and his family celebrated this accomplishment with SCHFH staff members, board members, and volunteers at a small mortgage pay-off party at SCHFH offices.

Habitat for Humanity houses are affordable homes built by volunteer-driven construction in which homeowners pay a 0% interest on the lifetime of their 20-year or 30-year mortgage. Larry Glover gives his thanks to both Habitat and his faith for allowing him to pay off his mortgage early: “I’m a born again Christian and I trust God. I thank God for Habitat for Humanity. I needed a hand up and Habitat for Humanity was right there to put me in the right position and to be able to pay my house off in 9 years, thank God. I’m just happy about this.”

His daughter, Tosha, also spoke to her father’s work ethic and kind heart at the celebration. “No better person could have been awarded a house. At the time when he applied, I was just starting school. We were living with my grandmother. I remember when we first moved there, we didn’t want to move there, but he said she’s getting older, she needs help, so he moved the whole family [to her home] and he fixed my grandmother’s whole house.  She had 14 children, and they’d all come and help, but I really felt like my dad and maybe my uncle were really the primary people to help… he had sacrificed our comfort to go and help somebody else. I remember feeling that Habitat had been a blessing to him because he had been a blessing to somebody else,” said Tosha.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program offers qualified, hard-working, low-income families the opportunity to own a home. “They take people in with good credit, good work ethic, no criminal background. That’s the kind of environment I want to be in. I live next to good people,” says Larry, who lives on a street with 10 other Habitat homeowners. “They go to work every day. I truly believe that God put this organization in place.”

“What continues to amaze me is that Larry’s testimony is just one story out of hundreds of families impacted by Southern Crescent Habitat,” said Trisha Pintavorn, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s Development Manager. “We are happy to have been able to help Larry and look forward to continuing to serve folks like him in years to come.”

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity board member Jim Corbin of Corbin Comfort Systems shared opening remarks to begin the celebration, and Pastor Jared Newlove of Antioch Baptist Church blessed Larry and his family, reading from the Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy. Sublime Doughnuts and Starbucks donated refreshments for the day.

To donate to help families like Larry Glover, please visit schabitat.org. 

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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 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 comprehensive neighborhood revitalization. SCHFH also launched a youth program in 2016, providing safe, educational, and fun learning spring break and summer camp opportunities for kids ages 10 and up. Since its founding in 1986, SCHFH has impacted over 330 families in South Metro Atlanta.

For more information on how to get involved or how to qualify for a Habitat home, visit schabitat.org or call 770.477.2367. Follow us on Twitter (@schabitatfh), follow us on Instagram (@schabitatfh), and like us on Facebook.
Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Development Manager at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: Trisha.Pintavorn@schabitat.org
Office: 770-477-2367

Outhouse no more. Help us build a bathroom for your senior neighbor.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAYETTEVILLE, GA [February 23, 2017] –Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is fundraising to build a bathroom for a senior resident in need.

Walter Prayor, 82, has been residing in Fayetteville since 1946. He lives in a small, simple, one-bedroom home that he helped his father and uncle build.

Times were tough growing up for Walter, his siblings, and parents: “I had to pick cotton in order to make a living, and I picked so much cotton that my shoulder blades burnt like fire, and I had to come home at night to rub them down…but I made it through, you know, by the help of the good Lord,” Walter said.

One Sunday afternoon when he was a teenager, Walter met his wife, Claudia, at the 85 drive in theater. They fell in love and were married in 1955. To support Claudia, Walter worked in the sanitation department in Forest Park, Georgia his entire life. Together, Claudia and Walter had 8 children, raising them in that same one-bedroom home.

Now, at age 81, Walter still lives in that same home. Having had so many memories there, his home is his heart.

However, he has no bathroom. Mr. Prayor uses an outhouse and takes bucket showers to stay clean.

His home is in need of critical repairs, and most of all, a bathroom.

Thus far, groups such as the MOMS Club, Inman Park Elementary, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity donors, and Coweta-Fayette Trust have given to his project.

If you would like to donate to help Mr. Prayor obtain a bathroom, please visit our GoFundMe at www.schabitat.org/prayor.

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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 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 comprehensive neighborhood revitalization. SCHFH also launched a youth program in 2016, providing safe, educational, and fun learning spring break and summer camp opportunities for kids ages 10 and up. Since its founding in 1986, SCHFH has impacted over 330 families in South Metro Atlanta.

For more information on how to get involved or how to qualify for a Habitat home, visit schabitat.org or call 770.477.2367. Follow us on Twitter (@schabitatfh), follow us on Instagram (@schabitatfh), and like us on Facebook.
Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Development Manager at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: Trisha.Pintavorn@schabitat.org
Office: 770-477-2367

TOTO Donates Bathroom Appliances to Be Used in Over 150 Habitat for Humanity Homes

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JONESBORO, GA [February 15, 2017] –TOTO, the world’s largest manufacturer of bathroom fixtures and fittings, donated enough inventory to Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity for over 150 new Habitat projects. Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity now has enough top-of-the-line sinks, showers, bathtubs, and other bathroom appliances for its housing projects for the next 5 to 10 years which include new home builds, rehabilitations, and home repairs. In total, the market value of the donation is nearly $200,000.
“At TOTO, we’ve always been inspired by a desire to improve people’s quality of life. We believe that people should have the greatest comfort, convenience, and performance possible in the bathroom— that’s why we design products that make our lives cleaner, healthier, less complicated and more beautiful,” said the TOTO team. “We are very happy to partner with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity who share our vision of creating a better life for all.”
“TOTO has been an incredible partner to us throughout the years, whether it be volunteering on the construction site, sponsoring our events, serving on our board, or donating their products,” said Trisha Pintavorn, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s Development Manager. “This donation is truly the culmination of years of service to the Southern Crescent Habitat mission. We were so overwhelmed when we learned that they are setting us up for our Habitat homeowners’ futures, and we really cannot thank them enough. TOTO is truly business at its best.”

TOTO is headquartered in Kitakyushu, Japan, but its American headquarters TOTO USA are located in Morrow, Georgia. Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International operating in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette County of South Metro Atlanta.

About TOTO
TOTO USA is headquarters for the Americas Division of the TOTO Global Group, which was established in 1917 with the founding of TOTO, Ltd., in Kitakyushu, Japan. TOTO is the world’s largest manufacturer of bathroom fixtures and fittings with $5.1 billion dollars in annual sales. For nearly 100 years, TOTO has been the recognized leader in performance innovation and design with products that enhance the luxury bathroom experience. Today, the company maintains 25,700 employees in 69 offices around the world and owns manufacturing facilities in Japan, Mexico, the USA, China and Europe with an affiliated network of more than 80 production facilities worldwide. With over 1,500 engineers on staff and three centers devoted to research and development, TOTO is dedicated to engineering products that respect the environment while meeting people’s needs for comfort, beauty, and performance. TOTO’s corporate philosophy – People-First Innovation – is the guiding principle for all the company’s processes, from engineering and design to manufacturing and sales. Consumers enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing they purchased a brand that innovates to improve people’s quality of life. Winner of numerous domestic and international awards and recognitions, TOTO is the only plumbing manufacturer honored as Water Efficiency Leader by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company continues to raise industry standards and consumer expectations as to what is possible in the bathroom, as TOTO believes a high-quality bathroom is an experience and an everyday luxury people value and appreciate.

For more information, consumers may visit www.totousa.com or call 1.888.295.8134, Option 5. Follow TOTO on Twitter (@TOTOUSA) and become a TOTO fan on Facebook

 

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 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 comprehensive neighborhood revitalization. SCHFH also launched a youth program in 2016, providing safe, educational, and fun learning spring break and summer camp opportunities for kids ages 10 and up. Since its founding in 1986, SCHFH has impacted over 330 families in South Metro Atlanta.

For more information on how to get involved or how to qualify for a Habitat home, visit schabitat.org or call 770.477.2367. Follow us on Twitter (@schabitatfh), follow us on Instagram (@schabitatfh), and like us on Facebook.

 

Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
Title: Development Manager at Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity
E-mail: Trisha.Pintavorn@schabitat.org
Office: 770-477-2367

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WSB-TV’s News Anchor Dave Huddleston Will Host the 3rd Annual Golden Hammer Awards Presented by Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JONESBORO, GA [January 30, 2017] — Dave Huddleston, Channel 2 Action News Anchor, will serve as the host for the “Golden Hammer Awards,” taking place at Wyndham Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center in Peachtree City, GA on Sunday, April 30th, 2017 at 5:00 pm.  The Golden Hammer Awards is an annual, semi-formal benefit gala recognizing individuals and organizations that support revitalization and growth in the South Metro Atlanta area through volunteerism and philanthropy with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity.

Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity will be honoring those who have provided exceptional support to their mission of helping low-income families with first-time homeownership and home repair services who are in need of a hand-up, not a handout. The awards ceremony will include a dinner, an open bar provided for VIP guests, an awards ceremony, stories from Habitat homeowners, a screening of a short film about Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, and a silent auction. The proceeds from the ceremony will serve the goal of building homes, communities, and hope in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette County. Proceeds raised from the evening’s silent auction will specifically fund Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s youth program, giving all children the chance to have a fun and educational summer, no matter their families’ income level.

Dave Huddleston came to Channel 2 Action News as a reporter/anchor in January 2012.  He joined WSB-TV after criss-crossing the country.  Raised in Tacoma, Wash., Dave has won numerous awards including the 2011 Emmy for Best Anchor in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey.

“We are grateful to Dave for joining us and agreeing to host our event,” says Kem Kimbrough, CEO of Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. “We recently celebrated our 30th anniversary and over 330 families impacted. The Golden Hammer Awards is our way of inviting the community to celebrate the families we have served in the South Atlanta area and the individuals that have helped make it all possible. We can’t wait to serve this community for 30 more years, and to impact even more families. We hope you will join us for an unforgettable night.”

To purchase tickets, please visit www.schabitat.org/goldenhammer. For sponsorship opportunities, please e-mail Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Development Manager Trisha Pintavorn at development@schabitat.org. Join the conversation by following our social media pages @SCHabitatFH and hashtag #BuildWithSCHabitat.

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About Dave Huddleston
Dave Huddleston came to Channel 2 Action News as a reporter/anchor in January 2012.  He comes to WSB-TV after criss-crossing the country.  Raised in Tacoma, Wash., Dave has won numerous awards including the 2011 Emmy for Best Anchor in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Southern New Jersey.

He and a team of reporters won a George Foster Peabody award for a series of stories on mentoring.  In 2008, he won another national award, the National Association of Black Journalist’s Salute to Excellence Award for a report on Temple Hospital’s from the Cradle to the Grave Program.
Dave started his career in Seattle, Washington as a production assistant on Evening Magazine.  He then moved to the Midwest and in front of the camera in Madison, Wis.  He got the call to join WCCO-TV in Minneapolis, Minn. after the news director spotted him on TV in Madison.

Philadelphia, Pa., and the FOX owned and operated station was the next stop where Dave was the primary co-anchor for the FOX  29 10 o’clock news.  He joined the CBS station, KYW in Philadelphia and helped launched Eyewitness News at 10 on the CW Philly and the Emmy award winning Brotherly Love Report, a series of stories of average citizens doing great things through volunteer activities.

Dave has sat on numerous local and national boards including the National Marrow Donor Program, Washington State University’s Foundation, and was an executive board member for the Penn-Jersey Red Cross and executive board member for the Philadelphia Gift of Life Organization.

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 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 comprehensive neighborhood revitalization. SCHFH also launched a youth program in 2016, providing safe, educational, and fun learning spring break and summer camp opportunities for kids ages 10 and up. To date, SCHFH has impacted over 330 families in South Metro Atlanta. For more information on how to get involved or how to qualify for a Habitat home, visit schabitat.org.

Media Contact
Name: Trisha Pintavorn
E-mail: Trisha.Pintavorn@schabitat.org
Office: 770-477-2367
Mobile: 404-694-0507

Wells Fargo Commits to Rebuilding Neighborhoods in South Metro Atlanta with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

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Contact:
Elias Makres, Board President
eliasmakres@gmail.com
9570 Tara Blvd.
Jonesboro, GA 30236
770-477-2367

PRESS RELEASE 

Wells Fargo Commits to Rebuilding Neighborhoods in South Metro Atlanta with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity

Jonesboro, GA [January 9, 2017] – The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation Priority Markets Program has granted $80,000 to the revitalization and rebuilding of neighborhoods in South Metro Atlanta with Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity.

Since 2011, Wells Fargo Housing Foundation has committed over $300,000 towards Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s housing initiatives. Specifically, the Foundation has helped Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity launch its home repair program and supported home repair projects in Clayton and Henry County.  To date, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity has served over 130 families through this home repair program.

The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation Priority Markets Program’s new grant will fund Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization initiative, an approach to community development that addresses the needs of entire communities rather than Habitat’s traditional model of individual households.

Through its Neighborhood Revitalization initiative, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity partners with local residents, community groups, housing leaders, and local businesses to transform neighborhoods and enhance residents’ quality of life. Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity first implemented the program in 2011 in the Normandy neighborhood of College Park in Clayton County, where they have completed over 20 projects including community gardens, home repairs, a live mural painting, community clean ups and safety walks after surveying residents on what issues mattered to them most. Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity will use these new funds from Wells Fargo to spread their Normandy-proven Neighborhood Revitalization model to other South Metro Atlanta areas.

“We value the partnership with Wells Fargo,” said Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity Development Manager Trisha Pintavorn. “Their sustained commitment shows they care about our communities and quality of life. We truly cannot thank them enough for helping us fulfill our mission of building homes, community, and hope.”

About The Wells Fargo Housing Foundation

In 2014, the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation donated nearly $20 million in support of affordable housing initiatives serving low to moderate-income households – including for seniors, veterans, and families – through community revitalization efforts. Since its inception in 1993, the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation has invested more than $150 million to such efforts, along with mobilizing more than 4.6 million team member volunteer hours to build and rehabilitate more than 5,500 homes and counting.

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 hardworking 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 homeownership education (financial and home maintenance). SCHFH has helped over 300 families in South Atlanta, and more information can be viewed on their website, www.schabitat.org.

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SCHFH Teams Up with Warrick Dunn Charities for the Surprise of a Lifetime

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Jonesboro, GA [November 22, 2016] – Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity teamed up with Warrick Dunn Charities for the surprise of a lifetime. When Rickita pulled up to her new Habitat home on the morning of November 22, she thought she was just going to have a simple Home Dedication with Southern Crescent Habitat volunteers, her family and her friends. But she knew something was going on when she saw over 60 people in her front yard as well as a dozen cameras and different news crews.

Rickita walked into her home and found out that Warrick Dunn furnished her entire home for their “Home for the Holidays” initiative, free of charge, just in time for the holidays! Many tears were shed, and we thank them from the bottoms of our hearts!

We would also like to thank the wonderful people who worked on Kita’s home, including our construction team, the Atlanta Dream WNBA team, educators and administrators from the Fulton County school system, students from Clayton State University,  and our Grey Ghosts.

About Warrick Dunn Charities
Warrick Dunn Charities is a a 501(c)(3) recognized nonprofit that has helped single parents and children thrive academically, socially and economically. Warrick Dunn, former all-pro running back and philanthropist, began “Homes for the Holidays” during his rookie season in the NFL to honor his late mother, Betty Smothers. Ms. Betty was a Baton Rouge police officer and single mother who was killed while working an off-duty assignment.

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.

Deborah Powell: One Veteran Homeowner’s Habitat Home Repair Story

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Meet Deborah Powell. A transplant to Georgia, she is a retiree out of the U.S. Air Force and an ordained minister at Hind’s Feet Prophetic Worship Center. She volunteers regularly with the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department, teaching Bible studies to women inmates on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, spreading messages of hope and love.

SCHFH recently accepted Deborah to our Veteran and home repair program, and we have been able to have her kitchen appliances updated, her flooring redone, her roof repaired, and other repairs to her home completed. Deborah asks all SCHFH supporters to help support our veterans in honor of upcoming Veteran’s Day and Georgia Gives Day: “The average citizen can give back to a vet by making donations. When you’re asleep at night, they are over out on the field protecting you and me. And so, by giving back that’s just showing your appreciation of what they have done.”

Donations between now and November 17th, 2016 are DOUBLED thanks to a matching gift from our Board President, Elias Makres. Donors who give $50 or more are invited to attend our party at TopGolf Atlanta Midtown. Give today at schabitat.org/gagivesday.

Meet Our Newest Homeowner, Toni Tayborn

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Toni Tayborn has been part of the Habitat family since November 2015, and we are finally breaking ground on her new home this fall in the Hannah Springs neighborhood of Lovejoy, Georgia. She has been working through her “sweat equity” hours earnestly and without complaint, and we hold a special place in our hearts for her as she is also a fellow nonprofit worker at the Salvation Army. We caught up with her and asked her a few questions so that you can get to know her better.

Please tell us a little about you and your family.

My name is Toni Tayborn, and I’m a proud mother of 3 college students. Raven is 21 and will be graduating with her associate’s degree in December. Jerome is 20 and Eddie is 19 and are in their first year.

How does your family spend quality time? What are your hobbies?

We enjoy spending holidays together and talking about our time apart. We love shopping and watching movies. Since my children are away, I found comfort in my new pet yorkie, Cavalli.

Where do you work?

I work at The Salvation Army and have been with them for 5 years. I am a caseworker that provides financial assistance to families in need.

Why did you apply to be a Habitat homeowner?

I have always had a dream of owning a home. Before my father passed away, he gathered all of his children and gave us a speech on the importance of owning a home.

What are you looking forward to the most when you are a Habitat homeowner?

My personal goals are to own an affordable home and have a place for my family to enjoy. To have a clean and safe environment that is my own.

Where do you live now?

Garden Lake Apartments. My apartment is very small and has a bad odor. It is crowded outside of my door where I have to say excuse me almost everytime I walk in and out of my door. I believe the odor is coming from the pipes.

How did you hear about Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity?

I heard about the program through a client that came to my job for financial emergency assistance.

What about Habitat has been the biggest surprise to you?

The amount of volunteers and donors that make this all possible, the hope that they bring to families looking to be homeowners.

How will your life change once you move into your new home?

I will be content and without stress due to instability of moving from apartment to apartment due to rental increases each year. Owning a home means everything to me. It’s ownership, stability, and security for me and my family.

What is the first thing you are going to do in your new home?

Praise God for giving me a stable home for myself and my family, and decorate it the way I have always wanted to decorate my place but could not because it was not my own.

What would you like to say to Habitat and the volunteers that are going to help you build your new home?

I would like to thank them for making my dream possible and giving me an opportunity to own a home. I would like to thank the organization for allowing me the opportunity to make my goal and dream a reality.

Interested in helping Toni start a new life? Click here to view available dates to volunteer with the construction of her new home, or click here to make a donation. 

Lloyd Jones: A Veteran’s Journey to His First Home with Habitat for Humanity

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Meet Lloyd. Lloyd Jones spent 14 years active in the military and 6 years in the reserves, where he was stationed everywhere from Korea to Germany. An Atlanta native, he spent a lot of time looking to purchase a home, but his offers were all declined or outbid. By chance, he one day happened upon volunteers building homes by Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity.

“They were everything I wanted. A ranch. A porch. Affordable, and a great location,” Lloyd said. Thus, he made the life-changing decision to apply, and he was quickly accepted.

Lloyd now resides in the beautiful city of Lovejoy, and was even named Homeowner of the Year by Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity at our annual Golden Hammer Awards. At 59 years old, this is the first home he has ever owned. But Lloyd tells us the wait was well worth it: “As a soldier, you go to many duty stations. You go to many places so you look forward to unpacking your duffle bag, and right now, I’m in Fort Living Room in Lovejoy, Georgia!”

Want to help more veteran homeowners like Lloyd? Visit schabitat.org/gagivesday to donate today, and your donation is doubled, thanks to a generous matching gift from our Board.

 

This U.S. Navy Veteran is Going from Homeless to Habitat Homeowner!

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Kenneth Dean (pictured left, with Lovejoy Councilwoman Mary Ann Carp) is a senior veteran who grew up in Macon, Georgia. He served in the Navy for 10 years as a Hospital Corpsman, providing life-saving medical care to Naval personnel and their families, working in orthopedics. He also spent 4 years working in the Marines, and served in four campaigns, including Desert Storm.

After getting out of the military, Kenneth suffered from medical issues of his own. He had both a heart attack and a stroke that put him out of work. He spent a month in the hospital and lost the ability of speech for 3 years. Thanks to disability benefits, he was able to finance these expensive medical costs, but the mortgage payments on his former home were too much.

“Unfortunately, I lost my house when I was hospitalized, but thanks to Habitat I got a second chance to own a house. I’m really glad,” Kenneth says.

Before being accepted to our program, Kenneth was even homeless for a brief time. Thankfully, his brother took him in and helped him complete the paperwork to become a SCHFH homeowner, and we just broke ground on his new home this October with The Home Depot Foundation.

“I can confess they’ve breathed new life in me. I’m honored that they chose me for the veteran program to build and I like to always thank them for that,” Kenneth says.

We really want to bring this veteran home, but we are still trying to raise the funds to complete Kenneth’s home.

His home will be one of five homes specifically marked for veterans in the 28 new home development of Hannah Springs in Lovejoy, Georgia. Like Kenneth tells us, “It’s always good to give back. I know that because I’m receiving what they are giving so I could say thank you so much, and please give.”

Click here to donate today to bring Kenneth home!