The Cobb County Catholic Coalition hammered the first nails and raised the first walls on its 46thHabitat home in Austell on the 20thanniversary of September 11, 2001.
“We can’t think of a better way to honor the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives on 9-11 than building a better life through shelter for a hard-working family,” said Mike Christian, long-time coalition chair.
In the 29 years the coalition has been established in Cobb, they have never missed a year building homes. Located on Hotel Street in Austell, this house is being built for the Zegeye family and will be dedicated on November 20. Homeowners Getachew and Tezita have a 2-year-old daughter, and currently live in Clarkston in a one-bedroom, substandard apartment. Getachew has worked near Austell as a gas station cashier for 8 years, and still makes the commute daily to support his family. He is excited to have a shorter commute once they move into their new home.
Getachew immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia in 2010 and became a citizen in 2015. He and his wife look forward to raising their daughter in a house where they have room for their little girl to play and to entertain family members. Getachew says, “It’s a dream to own our own home. We never thought it would be possible. We are very thankful for this opportunity to build with Habitat for Humanity.”
The 2021 Coalition includes: Holy Family Catholic Church, Catholic Church of St. Ann, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Catholic Church of the Transfiguration.
Jessica Gill, CEO of NW Metro Atlanta Habitat, said, “We could not do what we do in this community without the devotion of the Cobb Catholic Coalition. They are the only coalition that is starting their second house in the same year. We are so grateful for the long-term, unwavering support of this group of churches.”