Atlanta Habitat and National Church Residences help Seniors remain safe and well

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s partnership with National Church Residences helps homeowners age safely in their homes.

The two leading nonprofit organizations provide critical home repairs such as roof replacement, exterior painting, home-safety guards, and health and living assessments. The unique combination of services supports a quality, safe living environment for homeowners aged 55 years and older.

“Atlanta Habitat’s partnership is a holistic approach to helping longstanding homeowners and neighborhoods. The critical repairs allow homeowners to protect their greatest asset and reside safely and independently in their homes while also having the respected resources from National Church Residences to support their wellbeing. Our legacy homeowners are often the bedrock of a community; we want to help them remain there,” says Atlanta Habitat President & CEO Lisa Y. Gordon.

Since its launch in 2018, the partnership has benefitted over 150 homeowners who do not own an Atlanta Habitat house. The holistic services have proven to be valuable during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that is especially dangerous to this population group.

Homeowner Mildred Rollins cares for her 11-year-old grandson and now struggles with keeping him focused on remote school. National Church Residences has shared strategies on navigating this pandemic with Rollins.

“All the check-ins really make a difference for me,” says Rollins, about the visits and calls she describes as “always right on time.” “To be able to talk to somebody, it makes me feel like I’m not so alone, and I’m absolutely loving my new bathroom!” Atlanta Habitat contractors renovated her bathroom to include a walk-in shower and other amenities for her safety.

Homeowners are currently required to own and live in their home to begin the qualification process and meet income requirements. In addition, homeowners must have:

• an active homeowner’s insurance policy
• S. citizenship or a permanent legal residency
• current mortgage and property tax payments
• no major liens against the property, as determined by public legal records

There are other requirements including the house needs to be at least 15 years old and has served as the homeowner’s primary residence for at least one year.

“Many of our clients are seniors with underlying health conditions or mobility issues.  I know they appreciate the personalized approach of National Church Residences when I reach out and call them to address their needs, while they remain safe at home,” says Heather Murray, Home for Life coordinator.

Homeowner and U. S. Military Veteran Willie Hardeman and his wife are having their HVAC unit repaired along with extensive carpentry work that involves leveling their home’s flooring and adding safety railings. “So far, so good,” Hardeman commented on the contractors. “I’m really appreciative of this work on our house and how Ms. Murray goes above and beyond to make sure we are comfortable during this process.”

For more information about the partnership services contact, Stefanie Gough 404-465-1068 or stefanie.gough@atlantahabitat.org

About Atlanta Habitat for Humanity

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity transforms communities through neighborhood revitalization, education, innovative development, and partnerships. As one of the largest affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, Atlanta Habitat impacts the lives of approximately 6,000 family members in 100 neighborhoods. In addition to constructing affordable, energy-efficient, well-built homes, the nonprofit homebuilder renovates blighted properties and completes critical repairs for qualifying homeowners. Houses are sold to first-time homebuyers through zero-interest mortgages in Atlanta and South Fulton County. Keep informed at www.atlantahabitat.org and follow Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

About National Church Residences

National Church Residences serves more than 42,000 seniors through its array of housing and health care services. The not-for-profit organization is driven by a vision of advancing better living for all seniors, enabling them to remain home for life. With 340 communities in 25 states and Puerto Rico, it is the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators. The organization also offers residential senior communities, home and community-based services, and permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled. For more information, visit us at NationalChurchResidences.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Jill Strickland Luse jill.stricklandluse@atlantahabitat.org