Dear Atlanta Habitat Volunteer:

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.

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 their build sites. As a volunteer, you are a vital part of our work; however, we believe this decision protects everyone at this time.

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. We have implemented CDC public health safety practices and the Mayor of Atlanta’s phased opening and operations guidance that includes limited gatherings of people.  Our build progress is much slower without volunteers; however, we remain committed to our mission.

Each year, you, along with 12,000 others, work in every facet of our operations, saving Atlanta Habitat about $3 million in labor costs. You 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. We also urge you to stay in touch via our Volunteer newsletter, virtual engagement and social channels.

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

We trust that you and your family are remaining safe during the pandemic, and until we can safely meet and build together again, thank you for helping us to Build. Thrive. Grow.

Sincerely,

Lisa Y. Gordon, CPA
President and CEO