In a recent generous donation, American author and philanthropist Mackenzie Scott contributed $436 million to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity International and 84 additional U.S. Habitat affiliates. With a mission to provide access to safe, affordable housing for all, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity received $13.5 million to further its efforts substantially.
“Since 1983, Atlanta Habitat has served more than 6,000 family members in over 100 neighborhoods across our various programs and initiatives,” Rosalyn Merrick, interim president and CEO of Atlanta Habitat, said. “We hope this gift will inspire others to contribute to Atlanta Habitat’s mission. The affordable housing shortage is affecting families throughout our communities, and we are grateful to Ms. Scott and other like-minded champions who are helping us make Atlanta a place where all people have access to quality affordable housing in safe, vibrant neighborhoods with opportunities to thrive.”
The Atlanta affiliation announced a portion of the donation will provide secure, quality homeownership to families across the metro area. The funds will support the organization’s efforts to address rising housing costs, owner-occupied housing and disproportionate entry-level renting rates. The donation will also boost efforts to recover from the 2015 to 2019 drop in African American homeownership throughout metro Atlanta.
“Specifically, the donation will allow Atlanta Habitat to accelerate current plans to diversify our construction portfolio while safely navigating through an affordable housing crisis aided by a changing economic environment, escalating materials and land costs, a corresponding tight labor market and a global health pandemic,” Merrick said. “Ultimately, this gift enables us to serve more families in metro Atlanta.”
Other Georgia-based affiliates that will receive funding include Columbus Habitat for Humanity, Gwinnett County Habitat for Humanity, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity and Houston Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity International announced it will use $25 million of its portion to increase advocacy and programmatic efforts to dismantle systemic racism in housing. Through its Cost of Home campaign, the international chapter targets systemic barriers by advocating for policy proposals and legislation that will provide millions with access to affordable housing. The campaign also leverages innovative capital investments servicing communities of color to increase Black homeownership.
Since 1983, Atlanta Habitat has served over 2,100 families and made an estimated $40 million impact on affordable housing in the metro area in the last six years. One of the largest Habitat for Humanity affiliates, the recent 2021 expansion will allow the organization to serve 1,200 additional families in East Point, Atlanta, South Fulton and Fairburn through 2025 with its renowned critical repair, rehab and first-time purchase services.
For more information about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity or to discover volunteer opportunities, visit www.AtlantaHabitat.org. Support the organization online by shopping at ReStore for gently-used furniture, brand-new items, building supplies and more!