Churches Partner to Build Habitat Home in Cherokee County

Volunteers showed up strong last Saturday when Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia celebrated a First Nail Ceremony for the start of a home in Acworth for Denise House and her two young children. The home is being built with the help of six local churches that are donating both the funds and volunteer labor: Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, the North Georgia Housing and Homeless Council, Hope Church/Always Helping People, Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church and Hillside United Methodist Church. The Cherokee Association of Realtors has also joined the partnership.

Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church and Mt. Zion United Methodist Church have been long time Habitat supporters. Together they have built over 62 homes in the Metro Atlanta area making a significant contribution to the mission of providing affordable housing. This is the second ecumenical build that has taken place this year in Cherokee County. “We are hoping to continue the Cherokee County Ecumenical Builds for many years to come,” stated Sabrina Kirkland, Manager of Faith Relations at Habitat - North Central Georgia. “The support we have received from the local churches has been wonderful and we hope to have more join the partnership each year.”

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 270 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.