Local Churches and Businesses Partner to Build Three New Habitat Homes in Woodstock

Habitat North Central Georgia recently held a First Nail Ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on three new homes in Woodstock. This is the fourth Ecumenical build this year in Cherokee County and Habitat is fortunate to have many returning faith sponsors helping to build the new homes. In addition to the local churches, several businesses have joined in to help providing both financial support and volunteer labor.

The three homes being built are located in the Villages of Park Creek neighborhood, in Woodstock. This will be the 34th, 35th, and 36th home that Habitat has built in this neighborhood since 2010. “We are proud of what we have accomplished,” said Russ Hayes, Habitat North Central Georgia’s CEO. “This neighborhood had been abandoned and neglected for many years but Habitat has revitalized the area and helped to make this a thriving neighborhood.” The three homes are due to be completed mid-December. The families are thrilled that they will be able to celebrate the Christmas holiday in their new homes.

Habitat partnered with the Nnakwu family on the first home. Gordon and Uchechi Nnakwu immigrated to the United States from Nigeria in 2008. They have three children, Chizaram (14), Uchechukwu (12) and Chituru (4). Gordon works as a certified nursing assistant and Uchechi works part-time in the home healthcare industry. The family is currently renting a crowded, older apartment that is in disrepair and very energy inefficient. Their rent and utility payments are excessive and put a financial hardship on the family. The Nnakwu family is pleased to have the following sponsors supporting their build; Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, Cherokee Association of Realtors, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Saint Brigid Catholic Church, Saint James United Methodist Church, Saint Michael the Archangel Knights of Columbus, and Travelers.

“Thank you to all of the churches and businesses that are helping to build our home,” said Gordon Nnakwu at the ceremony. “We will be forever thankful to everyone involved.”

The second partner family is Katie Hruby who has a 14 year old son, Alec. The two have lived in both Canton and Woodstock for many years. Katie is employed by the Cherokee County School System and works as a lunch room manager. Katie also helps take care of her mother who has Alzheimer’s and has just recently moved into a memory care facility. The new Habitat home will allow Katie to be closer to her mother’s care facility so she can visit her regularly. The sponsors for the Hruby home are; Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, Roswell Presbyterian Church, Saint David’s Episcopal Church, Saint Peter Chanel Catholic Church and Schneider Electric.

The Uk family is partnering with Habitat on the third home. No Lian and his wife, Nei, are refugees from Burma. They fled to Malaysia when they felt they could no longer live in a country with so many human rights violations. They lived in Malaysia, homeless, for five years before coming to the United States. The family currently lives in a two bedroom apartment where the three children, Christopher (15), Run Mawi (5) and Anthony (2), all share one bedroom. No Lian Uk has been employed by Tyson Foods for the last three years.

“I am grateful to my friend for telling me about Habitat for Humanity,” said No Lian Uk. “I thank God and Habitat for helping my family.” The sponsors for the Uk family’s home are; Thrivent Builds, Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Ryder and Saint Aidan’s Episcopal Church.

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 273 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.