Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta, Inc.’s (Habitat NWMA) history is intertwined with the larger Habitat for Humanity movement. The history of Habitat for Humanity International and Habitat NWMA reflects the passion, determination, and collaborative vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
The idea for Habitat NWMA took root in the mid-1980s. In 1985, Chrys and John Street recognized the significant need for affordable housing in their communities and met with Millard Fuller, who challenged them to create an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in Cobb County.
Steadfast in their belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live, Chrys and John distributed brochures to local churches. With the support of the community, they assembled 12 people to form a Board of Directors and on April 01, 1986, Cobb County Habitat for Humanity was officially incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Later in 2008, Cobb County Habitat for Humanity expanded to include Douglas and Paulding counties and amended the affiliate’s name to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta.
The Impact of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta
Over the course of four decades, Habitat NWMA has built hundreds of homes in the northwest metro Atlanta area since its founding. The affiliate has provided families with the tools to achieve homeownership, a key component of financial stability, while fostering a sense of pride and connection within the community. The impact is evident in the hundreds of families who have transitioned from renting to owning homes, thanks to Habitat NWMA’s efforts.
Additionally, the affiliate’s focus on volunteerism has created opportunities for individuals and groups to come together in meaningful ways to make a difference. Volunteers contribute their time and skills to help families build homes, demonstrating the power of community collaboration.
Looking Toward the Future
As the northwest metro Atlanta area continues to grow, the demand for affordable housing remains strong. Habitat NWMA remains dedicated to addressing this challenge by continuing to build homes, revitalizing neighborhoods, and expanding its programs to meet the evolving needs of the community to help even more families in need, ensuring that everyone has access to safe, decent, and affordable housing.