Atlanta Habitat honored with Distinguished Affiliate Award at HFHI Global Conference

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is being recognized for its work as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. The organization is one of 23 Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) affiliates to be selected as an “Affiliate of Distinction.”

Habitat for Humanity established the Affiliates of Distinction program to honor local Habitat organizations that meet or exceed best-practice standards and to uphold their work across the Habitat network.

In competing for the highly-coveted honor, Atlanta Habitat notes its progress with empowering working families and neighborhoods to thrive in Atlanta. The nonprofit homebuilder makes an annual estimated $6 million economic investment in Atlanta. In 2016, it partnered with more than 200 sponsors and new homebuyers to build nearly 50 homes. The economic impact of these new homes creates more than $550,000 in property taxes. The organization completed $260,000 worth of Repair with Kindness projects with homeowners in targeted Atlanta Habitat neighborhoods and acquired 138 lots for a future mixed-income/mixed-use subdivision.

“We appreciate this honor and are proud to be part of Habitat International’s network of 1,360 affiliates that believe everyone deserves a safe, decent place to live with opportunities to thrive,” says Darryl A. Hicks, Atlanta Habitat board chairman.

With its expanded mission, Atlanta Habitat supports homebuyers beyond the build with education and scholarship programs to achieve goals that promote social mobility as well as mentoring initiatives for Atlanta Habitat children.

“Homeownership is foundational for families to create stability and self-sufficiency, and in many instances, it changes the future of the next generation. It is a catalyst for educational attainment, earning job promotions, starting a business and much more. At the end of the day, every Habitat affiliate is investing in real change for every homebuyer and the communities we serve,” says Lisa Y. Gordon, president and CEO of Atlanta Habitat.

Habitat for Humanity International considered four criteria for the honor: building a sustainable organization, building community impact, building sector impact and building societal impact.

Hicks, Gordon and the Atlanta Habitat executive team received the “Affiliate of Distinction” award at the 2017 Habitat for Humanity Global Conference in Atlanta March 29.