Atlanta Habitat Unveils First Two-Story, Single-Family Home

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, known for building affordable, ranch- style houses for first-time homebuyers, will unveil its first two-story, single family home this Saturday.

The four-bedroom, 2.5 bath craftsman in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood represents Atlanta Habitat’s commitment to construct high-quality, energy-efficient homes that complement a neighborhood’s existing aesthetics. The 1,600-square foot house built in part by more than 150 volunteers and a single mother was sponsored by Dan Maddox and his family in honor of their late parents who had been Habitat for Humanity volunteers since the 1970s.

A dedication for the home located at 222 Hilltop Drive SW in Atlanta will be from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Saturday, August 24.

“This new two-story home is an exciting milestone for Atlanta Habitat. It is the latest in the refreshed design approach that we began about four years ago in affordable home construction,” said Lisa Y. Gordon, Atlanta Habitat President and CEO. It also represents the progress of our expanded mission to improve neighborhoods. Atlanta Habitat is designing and building homes that complement neighborhoods and accommodate different size lots; all while remaining affordable to low-income families.”

In keeping with Atlanta Habitat’s practices, Shaquanna Denson, a first-time homebuyer, contributed 250 hours of sweat equity to construct her home. As an Account Manager for a local security firm, she met Atlanta Habitat’s homeowner qualifications that includes completing homeowner education classes.

“This is really special to me because I can have my family over,” said Denson, who is the first person in her family to own a home. “I have already told my sister that I will host our first Thanksgiving dinner for the family this year.”

Maddox, one of the family members who sponsored Denson’s home, is Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Atlanta Habitat. Dan’s operations team was responsible for the new design and two-story model. He, along with his brother and a sister, sponsored and volunteered on the build. House sponsorships and volunteers help to offset construction costs that help make Atlanta Habitat’s zero-interest mortgages affordable.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Alma Hill, hillalmae@gmail.com; 404-502-5396 or Jill Strickland Luse, jill.stricklandluse@atlantahabitat.org