Publix Super Markets Charities Helps Build Home in Cumming

On Saturday, April 8, Habitat for Humanity - North Central Georgia held a dedication ceremony in Cumming for a home that was built in partnership with the Kjellstrom family. The family of three is grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities for their generous sponsorship of their home. The Kjellstrom home represents the completion of Habitat North Central Georgia’s 291st home.

Lisa Kjellstrom has two children, Celeste (16) and Jeramy (11). The family has overcome many serious obstacles with the support of her community, including their church, First Baptist Cumming. Lisa is employed in food services for the Cherokee County School system as an assistant manager. Celeste will graduate from high school in May and plans to attend Lanier Technical College in the fall to prepare for a career in the medical field. The new home will provide greater stability and the pride of homeownership for this family.

Publix Super Markets Charities has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening families and communities by sponsoring 11 Habitat North Central Georgia homes, with a total financial commitment of $555,000. Publix employees volunteered hundreds of hours throughout the construction of the Kjellstrom’s home, and they presented the family with groceries to fill their pantry.

“Publix Super Markets Charities donated $5.5 million dollars to Habitat affiliates across the Southeast,” said Brenda Reid, Media and Community Relations Manager, Publix Super Markets. “It was very exciting to see this donation come to life Saturday at the home dedication for the Kjellstrom family.”

In addition to the sponsorship provided by Publix Super Markets Charities, financial and volunteer support was provided by United Way of Forsyth County.

About Publix Super Markets

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 187,500 employees, with 2015 sales of $32.4 billion. Currently Publix has 1,134 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. The company has been named one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 19 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s website, corporate.publix.com.

About Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia

Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry that builds affordable homes for purchase by low- to moderate-income families who demonstrate a capacity for responsible homeownership. Since its inception in 1995, Habitat-NCG has completed 291 homes serving over 1,150 family members in North Fulton, Cherokee and Forsyth/Dawson 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 finances the purchase with a 30-year, no-interest loan. In addition, Habitat-North Central Georgia has completed 29 repair projects serving veterans and seniors since 2014. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, the ministry also operates a ReStore, selling new and gently used building materials, furniture, and household goods, in Roswell. For more information on Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia, please visit www.habitat-ncg.org.