Gena Ford Photography
New Habitat homeowner Lynette received the surprise of a lifetime Tuesday when she arrived at her recently completed home on Bowden Street in Austell.
The single mother thought she was meeting Habitat staff to do final paperwork. Instead, she was greeted by former NFL star and Atlanta Falcon Warrick Dunn who informed her she was the recipient of his “Home for the Holidays” program.
Lynette and her son received a $5,000 down-payment assistance check from Warrick Dunn Charities and $10,000 worth of furnishings from Aaron’s, Inc.
This was the 184thhome celebration nationwide by Warrick Dunn Charities, a non-profit organization that provides a hand up to single parents across the country and helps them achieve their goal of first-time homeownership. In addition to Aaron’s, all of the finishing touches, groceries, and down-payment assistance were made possible thanks to the generous support from the American Opportunity Foundation.
Lynette is a valued member of the Marietta community and mom to a 7-year-old son, Tavion, who is diagnosed with Autism and ADHD. Given his behavioral challenges, Lynette’s dream was to have a stable home to call their own and build a foundation for the future. Her dedication to the community is so strong that when the dentist at her practice unexpectedly died, she worked for two and a half weeks without pay to transfer all the patients to new practices. This selfless act led directly to her current job as a dental assistant, surrounded by coworkers who were ready and willing to help her complete her sweat equity hours to earn her new home.
The home was sponsored by the Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition (CIHC) who recently dedicated it as their 20thannual build.
The 2020 Coalition includes 13 religious organizations and six corporate sponsors. Faith partners include Bethany United Methodist Church, Covenant United Methodist Church, East Cobb Islamic Center, First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, Islamic Center of Marietta, Log Cabin Community Church of Vinings, McEachern United Methodist Church, Smyrna First United Methodist Church, St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Temple Kol Emeth Synagogue, Unity North Churchand West Cobb Islamic Center.
Corporate sponsors include Pinkerton & Laws Construction of Atlanta, Atlanta West Carpets,Moore Colson CPAs & Advisors, Textron, Truist Bank and Wells Fargo.
The build kicked off August 11 in Austell and, in spite of the COVID impacts, is the first home to be built for the Habitat 2020 season. The build was completed using no volunteers and was exclusively built by skilled workers who work with the affiliate on a part-time basis.
“This home, and this homeowner was already a special milestone for our affiliate. For Lynette to also be selected for these generous gifts, makes this family’s future even brighter,” said Jessica Gill, CEO, Habitat for Humanity, NW Metro Atlanta. “We are grateful to Warrick Dunn Charities, Aaron’s Inc., and the American Opportunity Foundation for their partnership in changing lives.”