Dear Atlanta Habitat Partner:

As Atlanta Habitat carefully implements our phased reopening plans, our priority continues to be the health and safety of our staff, homeowners and volunteers. Like you, we have been watching closely and following the guidance of public health officials and local leaders regarding the global coronavirus pandemic.

With reports of increasing numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in Fulton and surrounding counties, Atlanta Habitat has made the difficult decision to cancel on-site volunteer opportunities and house dedications for the remainder of 2020. Additionally, out of an abundance of caution, homebuyers will not be working on build sites.

Since May 18, Atlanta Habitat construction and warehouse teams, as well as other staff, have been building houses for homebuyers who were expecting to move into their homes by this summer. Our build progress is much slower without volunteers; however, we believe that for the safety of everyone, this is the best decision at this time. Our volunteers are a critical part of our mission. Each year, 13,000 volunteers help us to build homes, work in our ReStore and provide homeowner education classes, saving us about $3 million in labor costs.

Additionally, and despite this crisis, many volunteers continue to be a vital part of our work. In the first two quarters of 2020, nearly 2,000 volunteers donated almost 20,000 hours of service to our families, saving the organization $500,460 in labor costs. Please consider these virtual opportunities to remain connected to the organization and the families we serve during this time.

This change also includes house dedications, which will be postponed until it is safe to gather and celebrate. Our sponsorship team will be contacting house partners about opportunities to connect with families. Many of our sponsors have generously agreed to support our homeowners and the building of their homes although they cannot physically raise their hammers. We are beyond grateful to those sponsors who have remained committed, knowing that the most important thing is for families to have a safe and affordable home.

These uncertain times have upended the lives of many of our families who have lost jobs and are struggling to pay their mortgage. We invite you to consider supporting a family with a donation to our Home Matters mortgage relief fund.

We trust that you are well and safe, and until we can safely meet and celebrate again, thank you for helping us to Build. Thrive. Grow.

Sincerely,

Lisa Y. Gordon, CPA
President and CEO