Cumming House Gets a Facelift

Beautiful things were bound to happen when Fortune Johnson and Habitat for Humanity - North Central Georgia came together, to form a partnership in home repair. This is what Ms. Tumlin of Cumming recently discovered, when the partners breathed new life into her precious home last week, as part of their first Community Investment Program project.

The project included structural repair, roof and deck repair, and exterior painting; all completed by approximately 15 volunteers who performed a labor of love, that left Ms. Tumlin with a much safer and more energy efficient home.

Ms. Tumlin was able to receive this help due to a new program provided by Habitat for Humanity - North Central Georgia, called the Community Investment Program. Its purpose is to assist qualified homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes, maintain low energy bills, or make critical repairs, to reclaim their homes with pride and dignity. Through the Community Investment Program, families are provided with restored, energy efficient, safe, sanitary, suitable dwellings which encourage continued ownership.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this service to the community,” said Sabrina Kirkland, Manager of Faith Relations & Community Investment at Habitat - North Central Georgia. “We hope to serve more families in Forsyth county and help them with their repair needs.”

Habitat for Humanity - North Georgia is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry that builds simple, decent homes for purchase by low income families who demonstrate a capacity for responsible homeownership. Since its inception in 1995, 256 homes have been completed and over 1000 family members have been served in North Fulton, Cherokee, and Forsyth Counties. Each family is required to attend six educational classes and perform 200-300 sweat equity hours. Families earn between 30% and 60% of the Atlanta area median income, and purchase their homes from Habitat, which provides them with a 30-year, no interest loan. Family members work side by side with the volunteers, sponsors, and Habitat staff to build their homes. These families not only get to experience the pride of homeownership, but they also know that their lives will be changed forever. For more information on Habitat for Humanity - North Central Georgia, please visit www.habitat-ncg.org.