AUSTELL—On Saturday, Sept. 7, Catholics4Habitat raised the first walls on its 50th Habitat for Humanity home in the City of Austell. Kevin Reilly serves as Coalition Chairman and said the coalition is incredibly proud to reach this landmark.  

“This group of Catholic Churches has remained together to faithfully raise the money and build a Habitat home every year,” said Reilly. “We are proud to live out our faith through building affordable homes for deserving families.” 

Kevin Reilly, right, serves as Coalition Chairman of Catholics4Habitat and celebrated the building of the group’s 50th home with Jessica Gill, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Atlanta.

Life will soon be improved for future homeowner, Emmanuel and his 4-year-old daughter, who currently live in a one-bedroom apartment in Mableton. Emmanuel has been working as a Lyft driver for six years and desires to own a home with more space for them in a safe neighborhood. When asked what he would like to say to the sponsors and volunteers that make homeownership possible for families like his, Emmanuel said, “God bless you for improving the lives of individuals, families, communities, and the needy by providing affordable homes.”   

The churches represented in the coalition are Holy Family Church, Marietta; St. Ann Church, Marietta; St. Catherine of Siena Church, Kennesaw; St. Clare of Assisi Church, Acworth; St. Joseph Church, Marietta; and Transfiguration Church, Marietta. Longtime coalition leader Jim Nee will be serving as house lead for this latest project. 

“This amazing coalition is our longest-running coalition, and I could not be prouder to see them reach this important milestone,” says Jessica Gill, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Atlanta. “Fifty families have achieved financial stability and provided a decent home for the next generation because of their dedication.”

In 1985, Chrys and John Street met Millard Fuller, who challenged them to start an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity in Cobb County. The Streets distributed brochures to local churches and gathered 12 people to form a board of directors. On April 1, 1986, Cobb County Habitat for Humanity was officially incorporated as an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. 

In 2008, the organization expanded to include Douglas and Paulding counties, and the name changed to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta. Since 1986, nearly 600 homes have been built, rehabilitated, or repaired as part of the pursuit to provide decent, affordable housing in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties. To learn more about the local affiliate, visit habitatnwma.org. 

Habitat for Humanity found its earliest inspirations as a grassroots movement on an interracial community farm in southern Georgia. Since its founding in 1976, the Christian housing organization has grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own houses alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.

To learn more, visit habitat.org.