Smyrna-based Whitefield Academy enthusiastically kicked off its first Habitat home sponsorship Saturday, beginning with a pep rally at the school in Smyrna for all volunteers before proceeding to the build site where the first walls were raised.
Whitefield faculty, school families, students and alumni have all come together to build the home over nine weeks. The home is being built for Nelson and Yaitza Camacho and their three children. Two of the children live with spina bifida and use wheelchairs. The home will be built with accessibility features for the children. The Puerto Rico natives were relocated to Georgia by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after Hurricane Maria ravaged the island in 2017.
The family currently lives in a two-bedroom Mableton apartment. Space is cramped for this family of five, especially with the medical equipment that they must store for the children. Additionally, their complex is plagued by violence, and a fatal shooting occurred in front of their unit in June 2018. Since then, the children have had trouble sleeping and Yaitza is afraid to take them outside. Despite these challenges, the family describes themselves as “very blessed, united, and Christian.”
Becky Matherne, who raised the sponsorship funding from the Whitfield Family, said, “As construction began on a brand-new Lower School this summer, Whitefield Academy felt that it would be an important time to reach out within our own community and give back in a big way. We are blessed to partner with NW Metro Atlanta Habitat and build a home from the ground up for the Camacho family.”
She continued, “Service is a valuable reminder of the impact that Whitefield Academy can have every day. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus and encourage students to pursue a passion for not only learning but also others ahead of self. This opportunity to build a Habitat House is a powerful testament to who we are at Whitefield Academy.”
Jessica Gill, CEO of NW Metro Atlanta Habitat said, “Whitefield is showing tremendous leadership in the education community by changing the Camacho family’s life in a powerful way through shelter, security and a home. They are putting their faith and values in action to truly love their neighbors.”
The home is located on Old Bankhead Highway in Mableton. It will be dedicated to the family in November.