For over 23 years, HomeAid Georgia, formerly known as Atlanta, has worked to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. HomeAid Georgia’s annual awards celebrate supporters who go above and beyond to help build a future without homelessness. This year we honored the HomeAid 2024 award winners at the Greater Atlanta Home Builders’ holiday party.

Volunteer of the Year: Ronnie Cline with Taylor Morrison

Congratulations to Ronnie Cline with Taylor Morrison for being this year’s Volunteer of the Year. He has led multiple projects and participated in numerous Care Days with several different companies going back to 2015. He does so much that his colleagues probably wonder if he works for HomeAid Georgia. This year he has been instrumental in getting two projects off the ground. Well, actually, so far, he’s only accomplished tearing up existing housing to make way for the new projects, but it’s a start! In addition to doing those projects, he’s been helping one of our nonprofit partners near and dear to his heart with construction questions and small projects separate from HomeAid on his own time. He also serves on the HomeAid Board of Directors, led his company’s support of our Essentials Drive, Golf and Pickleball tournaments and HomeAid’s Annual Giving Campaign. He’s constantly asking what else he can do to support our mission.

Trade Partner of the Year: Lanehart Electrical Contractors

Trade Partner of the Year goes to a long-time partner that has provided labor and materials at no cost for projects dating back to 2019. Their all-time total donations amount to $66,000. 

In 2024 they provided their expertise at Veterans Empowerment Organization, donating $46,000 worth of electrical services to provide affordable housing for veterans and their families. Congratulations and a long overdue thanks to  Mike Bouwman for all that you have done over the years to support our efforts to build a future without homelessness! 

Builder Captain of the Year: Meritage Homes

Now for our Builder of the Year. Typically this award isn’t given out until a project is completed to be sure that the builder is going to stick it out until the end; however, perseverance is not lacking in this recipient. The groundbreaking ceremony for this project was held in November of 2021. And the project was off to a start in late 2022. There have been a few different leaders throughout the life of this project, but regardless of who on the Meritage team has been in charge, HomeAid has had consistent support and quality construction at Gigi’s House. Through funding delays faced Gigi’s House and municipal delays at the city and county level, they persevered. They are on track to save almost $500,000 on this project valued at $875,000. 57%! There is no way that HomeAid would have saved that much money and be almost done with this new facility that will support all the work that Gigi’s House does to help teenage girls who are victims of human trafficking build new lives without our friends at Meritage! Thanks again to Jonathan White and his team for being our Builder of the Year! 

HomeAid Georgia is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 as HomeAid Atlanta with a mission to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. In 2024, HomeAid Atlanta expanded its scope and became HomeAid Georgia in order to better serve the needs of the entire state. HomeAid builds, renovates, and maintains facilities for nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness. HomeAid has completed over 200 construction projects at locations for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, veterans and more, utilizing connections with building industry professionals and community organizations. HomeAid also provides essential items like diapers, wipes, and hygiene products to those affected by homelessness. HomeAid Georgia is the designated charity of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. Learn more at www.homeaidgeorgia.org.