This week we made history with the first ever Georgia Capitol Build! Habitat for Humanity affiliates, corporations and homeownership advocates statewide came together on Liberty Plaza to build more than just four walls—we built awareness and hope.
From the first nails to the final walls standing, the event highlighted the urgent need for attainable housing in Georgia and called on legislators to support funding for land acquisition, property development, and rehabilitation. We honored President Jimmy Carter’s Habitat legacy by incorporating the memorial door the public signed after his passing at our Smyrna ReStore. After the build, the house frame was transported to Atlanta Habitat, where it will become a future home for a deserving family.
More than 200 people statewide were on hand and the atmosphere was electric. Participants included nearly 20 Habitat affiliates, municipalities like Atlanta City Council, Atlanta Regional Commission, Atlanta Office of the Municipal Clerk, the City of South Fulton; corporations like Georgia Power, L.E. Schwartz and Son, Sheridan Construction and Lennar; and many non-profits such as Junior League of Atlanta and KSU Rotary Club.
Many legislators came to show their support including Majority Senate Leader Stephen Gooch
Rep. Lehman Franklin, Rep. Clint Crowe, Rep. Lynn Smith, Rep. Dale Washburn, Rep. Lydia Glaize, Rep. Robert Flournoy Jr., Rep. Johnny Chastain, Rep. Angela Moore, and Senator Chuck Payne. The event was made possible by the sponsors: Habitat for Humanity of Georgia, HomeAid Georgia, Capitol City Bank,
Capitol City Home Loans, Georgia Association of Realtors, Norm Kennedy & Associates and Marshall Jones.
While the day brought much needed attention to homeownership and the foundation it creates for families to build generational wealth, health, and better education outcomes, the work is just getting started. We are an important part of the solution to homeownership for hard-working teachers, public servants and private sector warriors who want to provide a better, more stable future for their families.