Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta with first time sponsor Atlanta-based Berkadia, a Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Group company, dedicated a beautiful Habitat home on Saturday in Austell. Berkadia volunteers and Habitat staff began the house on July 17 on Austell Avenue for the Tanchez family.
Future homeowner, Gabriela Tanchez, is a hardworking single mother to 11-year-old Joseph. She immigrated from Guatemala to Louisiana with her parents at age four, and later moved to Georgia to attend cosmetology school and pursue a career as a hairdresser. Last year, Gabriela and her son were living in an apartment and their lease ended at the beginning of the pandemic. They were unable to renew or find another available apartment, and since that time, have been living in her father’s town home, with many of their belongings also in their car. Gabriela worked hard to qualify for a Habitat home so that she and Joseph could finally have a permanent home. Gabriela says she is overjoyed to earn and own “a true home they can share and celebrate with family and friends.”
“We’re thrilled and humbled to sponsor a home with Habitat for Humanity Atlanta,” said Andrew Mays, Berkadia Senior Managing Director. “A place to call home is essential to helping families thrive and we’re proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity to make that possible within our Atlanta community.”
“We are grateful to welcome Berkadia to the Habitat family,” said Jessica Gill, CEO, Habitat for Humanity, NW Metro Atlanta. “Because they chose Habitat to make a difference in a community where they do business, another child will grow up and flourish in a stable, safe home.”