Our Four-Year Initiative
A Four-Year Initiative Partnering Businesses, Churches & Civic Groups With Working Families
To Build 100 Habitat for Humanity Homes in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding Counties
In 2009, NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity launched its four-year strategic initiative, Building Neighborhoods That Work - an ambitious plan to build 100 unique, Craftsman-style Habitat homes in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties.
Working in partnership with regional (and national) businesses, churches and civic groups - as well as municipal governments in Marietta, Douglasville, Dallas and Hiram - the goal of the initiative is to address affordable housing challenges in the tri-county area by building quality, affordable homes and neighborhoods for hard-working families, generating over $25,000,000 in economic impact for the region.
In preparation for the launch of that initiative, NWMA Habitat enlisted Miley, Gallo and Associates LLC, an economic development and research company based in Research Triangle Park, NC, to prepare an economic impact study on the BUILDING NEIGHBORHOODS THAT WORK initiative.
The study, completed and released in September, 2008, revealed that there would be an increase of $4,125,000 in local property tax revenue; utilities and property insurance premiums would see a revenue increase of $10,325,000. Increased spending generated due to savings from rent (indicating increased disposable income) is projected to be $11,370,000. The total increase in spending and revenue projected over the period of a 25-year mortgage is $25,820,000!
Much criticism has been leveled at political leadership for the economic chaos and confusion that has been occurring in our nation the past several months. However, because of the commitment, sacrifice and community concern demonstrated by companies, churches and thousands of volunteers in our community, NW Metro Atlanta Habitat is making a real contribution to the economy by investing in the lives of hard-working families and BUILDING NEIGHBORHOODS THAT WORK.
How Habitat Works and Builds
NW Metro Atlanta Habitat builds houses that have earned national recognition for their attractive, Craftsman-style design and "green-friendly" energy efficiency. These homes are sold (not given away) through 25-year, no-interest mortgages to qualified, low-income families that have a history of hard-work, financial responsibility, and are willing to partner with Habitat by giving 300 hours of "sweat equity" by working on their homes, the homes of their neighbors, and learning responsible home management and maintenance skills.
NW Metro Atlanta Habitat (formerly Cobb County Habitat) has built over 300 homes since its beginning in 1986. By 2012, the Building Neighborhoods That Work initiative will add 100 homes to that total, making NW Metro Atlanta Habitat one of the largest Habitat affiliates in the world.
NWMA Habitat is committed to building homes for those families and individuals who need a "hand up," not a "hand out." Our neighborhoods are "working" neighborhoods because the homeowners have a strong work ethic, and are invested in making their neighborhood a success.
Families who live in Habitat neighborhoods work for local companies, and spend their money locally. All Habitat homes are owner-occupied (no rentals) - which means that property taxes are paid locally. Home equity loans are not allowed on Habitat homes, and neighborhood association covenants require that homeowners keep their homes and lots clean and well-maintained.
Owners not only work on their own homes, but they work on other homes in their neighborhoods as well (a Habitat requirement). A built-in sense of community and responsibility for the neighborhood comes with ownership of a Habitat home, and that is why our neighborhoods work.
NWMA Habitat is proud to be partnered in the Building Neighborhoods That Work initiative by corporate, religious and civic partners:
The Home Depot
JP Morgan Chase
Assurant
Heidelberg Americas
Blue Linx Corporation
Flagstar Bank
Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
Kennesaw United Methodist Church
Due West United Methodist Church
Paulding United Methodist Church
Douglasville First Presbyterian Church
If your organization is interested in learning more about how you can partner with NWMA Habitat in Building Neighborhoods That Work, please call Don Martin, Director of Development, at 770-432-7954, or click here.
