Homeownership is Liberation

I grew up celebrating Juneteenth as a little girl visiting my maternal grandmother’s  hometown of Thomaston, a small town in middle Georgia with fewer than 10,000 residents. Each summer, my cousins and I made the return voyage to Granny’s neighborhood for a few days to enjoy the spoils of the season.

One of my favorite memories was the Juneteenth parade, and it was the biggest celebration of the year. It was like a reunion, not just for our family, but for neighbors and friends throughout the community. It was a joyful day of remembrance and connection.

Disparity as Reality

I cherish those fleeting childhood moments. But adulthood has opened my eyes to a stark truth: disparity is woven into the fabric of our nation. It makes the American dream — especially the dream of a decent, affordable place to live — out of reach for too many.

Many of those historically excluded from economic opportunity in America look like me. We are the descendants of the very people who first rejoiced upon hearing of their freedom on June 19, 1865. And we see these descendants today in the families we serve — 93% of whom are Black — through our new construction, home preservation, education and legacy-building programs at Atlanta Habitat.

Homeownership is Liberation

June is National Homeownership Month, and the proximity to Juneteenth is no coincidence to me. I understand deeply that homeownership is a form of liberation.

Owning a home can fundamentally shift the trajectory of a family for generations. It creates opportunities for financial advancement. With the stability of a quality home and an affordable mortgage, Atlanta Habitat homeowners can focus on reducing debt, pursuing higher education, saving for retirement and even investing in their own businesses.

In fact, at least 10% of our homeowners are entrepreneurs who benefit from our Vision.  Goals. Action! program which helps them develop critical skills and access capital to grow or launch a business.

Through our work empowering families to own and preserve their homes, Atlanta Habitat helps set the foundation for families to shape their destinies. And they are worthy of a destiny that includes homeownership. It’s a cornerstone of financial security in this country — and financial liberation often begins with owning a quality, affordable home in a thriving neighborhood. Just like my Granny’s neighborhood in Thomaston.

Committed to Closing the Gap

Homeownership is one essential facet of the American Dream, and I remain committed to making that dream real for more families right here in my hometown.

I am committed because I believe everyone deserves liberation in America, regardless of their background or circumstances. I am committed because I believe in a more equitable Atlanta — a place where every family has a fair chance to achieve the dream of homeownership.

Our work is not done. History is not that distant. Together, we can continue closing the equity gap — one home, one family, one future at a time.

About Atlanta Habitat for Humanity

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is one of the largest and most consistent investors and builders in Atlanta’s legacy neighborhoods. For 42 years, the organization has offered working families who have been systemically squeezed out of financial opportunities for upward mobility the chance to achieve their dream of homeownership. Each aspiring homeowner goes through a selection process that requires them to invest 250 hours of ‘sweat equity’ and participate in 17 financial education and home maintenance courses. Upon completion, the homeowner signs a 30-year, 0% interest mortgage for a home they helped build with the support of volunteers and with the investments of community partners. Learn more: www.atlantahabitat.org.

About Rosalyn Merrick

Rosalyn Merrick leads the organization’s strategic direction in her role as president and CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. She joined the organization as chief development officer in November 2020 and was promoted to executive vice president and chief operations officer in January 2023 before being named president and CEO in May 2024. A native Atlantan and magna cum laude graduate of Georgia State University, Merrick’s 24-year career includes previous leadership roles at Georgia Community Foundation, Mount Vernon School, The Ron Clark Academy and United Way of Greater Atlanta. Rosalyn currently resides in Tucker with her husband and two sons.