(Marietta Daily Journal, November 5, 2018)
Smyrna-based NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity announced that it dedicated its 10th home of 2018 to the Lexima family in Mableton on Oct. 27. (Picture: Volunteer house leader Tom Simcox and volunteer crew leader Craig Tucker pose with the Lexima family in front of their new Habitat home in Mableton. )
House sponsors included KeyBank Foundation, Peach State Health Plan, Axis Insurance, Citi Retail Services, Gieryn Family and Charitable Fund RAM Partners LLC.
Homeowners Fritz and Bertha Lexima have three children. They have lived and worked in Cobb County for more than 10 years. Lexima heard about Habitat from a friend and applied. Before being approved as a Habitat homeowner, the family had been forced from apartment to apartment, as rents increased and exceeded their means.
Lexima has spent the last nine weeks working side by side with volunteers from each of the house sponsors to build his family the home.
“I know this is a blessing from God, because my life has already changed for the better,” said Lexima. “I am excited to have a space suitable for my family and a place that we can call our own.”
“For the past three years, Peach State Health Plan has been proud to partner with NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity to support their mission of building homes, communities, and hope,” said Patrick Healy, president and CEO of Peach State Health Plan. “Throughout this build, we’ve been inspired by the commitment of our employees and other volunteers to build this family a new home. It really shows you the true meaning of community.”
“Having a safe, affordable home not only changes the life of the family, it has a long-term, positive impact on the community,” said Jessica Gill, NW Metro Atlanta Habitat interim president and CEO. “The Leximas have worked very hard to become Habitat homebuyers and we are grateful to our sponsors for their support in making homeownership a reality for this well-qualified family.”