Two New Habitat Families Join Cumming Community

Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia held a Dedication Ceremony for two homes built on Hubert Martin Drive in the City of Cumming. The two homes were built in partnership with the Johnson and Mawi-Kawl families. In total, four homes will be built on this street. A special thanks to Wells Fargo whose REO division donated the land that three of the four homes will be built on.

The first home was built in partnership with Sabrina Johnson, a Forsyth County native, and her three children, Brooklyn (9), Ty (5) and Lacey (3). Sabrina has been a single mother for four years and works locally as a dental assistant.

Sabrina Johnson couldn’t hold back the tears as she spoke to everyone who attended the ceremony. “This home is a blessing for me and my family,” said Sabrina Johnson. “We are all so excited to have our own home. I want to thank everyone who helped make this possible, especially Publix.” The Johnson family was very fortunate to have their home sponsored by Publix Super Market Charities. At the dedication ceremony, the Publix staff surprised Sabrina Johnson by stocking her pantry full of food and household supplies.

“Publix Super Markets Charities has been an extremely generous sponsor of Habitat-NCG,” said Russ Hayes, Habitat North Central Georgia CEO. “With the $80,000 grant that was awarded, the foundation will have donated nearly one-half million dollars in support of our ministry since 2008-providing the primary funding for 11 new Habitat homes in our service area.”

The second home was built in partnership with the Mawi-Kawl family. Sanhup Mawi and his wife Annie Kawl emigrated from Myanmar where they experienced great oppression. Their journey was long and difficult. After spending two years in Malaysia, they were granted passage to the United States in 2010. Samhup and Annie have three children; Morning (12), Carolyn (9) and Joseph (2). Sanhup has worked at Tyson Foods in Cumming for the last four years. The Mawi-Kawl home was sponsored by several businesses and civic groups including; ADP, DataScan, Church of the Good Shepherd, Ciena Cares, Citrix, Fortune-Johnson General Contractors, Lowe’s, Solvay Specialty Polymers, Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, and United Way of Forsyth County.

“My family thanks Habitat and all of the sponsors who helped build our home,” said Sanhup Mawi. “We are so happy and thankful for everything God has provided us.”

Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry that builds affordable homes for purchase by low-income families who demonstrate the capacity for responsible homeownership. Since its inception in 1995, Habitat-NCG has completed 287 homes serving an estimated 1,000 family members in the North Fulton area and Cherokee, Dawson and Forsyth Counties. Habitat-NCG does not give away its homes. Partner families, who earn 30% to 60% of the Atlanta area median income, purchase their homes at or near appraised value utilizing 30-year no- interest financing provided by Habitat. In addition, each partner family is required to attend educational classes and perform 200-300 hours of construction “sweat equity.” Family members work side by side with the volunteers, sponsors, and Habitat staff to build their homes. Habitat-NCG’s slogan is “A Hand Up, Not a Handout.” For more information concerning Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia, please visit www.habitat-ncg.org.