Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this month. From humble beginnings born out of Chrys Street’s idea to bring the Habitat model to Cobb County in 1986; to today, the mission to provide a hand up to those in need of decent shelter has remained the same.
Since its humble founding in the basement of a local church, the affiliate has built, renovated, or repaired more than 600 homes in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties.
In 2020, the affiliate embarked on its first Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative in Austell, Ga. In 2021, the non-profit built and dedicated its first two-story house. “We celebrate because 600 families in our community overcame generational poverty and raised children in secure homes because of the work of our donors, sponsors and volunteers over the last 35 years. Below are just a few of our milestones through the years,” said Jessica Gill, CEO.
Below is a list of milestones through 35 years:
1986 – Affiliate incorporates, and first house is built
1987 – Second house built, by Marietta High School
1988 – Two houses dedicated
1990 – Original Habitat Thrift store opens
1993 – First subdivision in Powder Springs built and named “Chrys Street,” and the “Riverside Revival” happens – first remodeling of six houses
1996 – First neighborhood revitalization project happens on Roosevelt Circle in Marietta
2008 – Service area expands to include Douglas and Paulding counties
2014 – Reached 40 sponsors, 3,000 volunteers, and 15 houses in one year
2016 – Habitat ReStore has grand opening in Smyrna
2018 – All military neighborhood Veterans Place breaks ground in Douglasville, and first Women’s Build takes place
2020– The Sweetwater/Austell Revitalization Project begins
2021 – First two-story house dedicated by the Cobb Catholic Coalition