Habi-Heroes: Michelle Henkel

There aren’t many homeowners, if any, who have gone through this program without working with Michelle. Tragically, on May 3, Michelle suddenly passed away. She was a great woman who influenced countless lives. Without her, the road at Atlanta Habitat will be tough and very different for many of us for some time. In the meantime, we continue her work while keeping her smiling face, happiness, enthusiasm and unbridled joy about this work with us at every turn.

Michelle was always present as a joyful staff member, a faithful donor and skilled supervisor. She embodied the spirit of Atlanta Habitat on every level. We challenge each of you, as we challenge ourselves, to always be connected to something you’re passionate about. We’re reminded of the many lives we can touch, and the dreams that, together, we can help come true.  This is the legacy that lives onward after each of us.

Our homeowners will always remember Michelle as the person who helped them first choose their lots and lastly, the person who handed many of them their keys. To our volunteers, she was a skilled supervisor and a leader on a build site putting in countless hours of work on the homes she helped lead our homeowners to. To our staff, she will always be a person who led us back to our homeowners and the true reason why we do what we do. And she will always remain one of our donors most connected to the mission and vision of this organization.

As we continue this work, Michelle is present in every thread and fiber. For years to come, we will stand beside homebuyers starting their builds, dedicating their homes, closing on their homes and paying off their mortgages in large part because of the steps they took with Michelle to get them to this point.

A Habi-Hero possesses a spirit of kindness and is a source of good in the world that sticks with us long after they’ve transitioned out of this life. Michelle is a shining example of that and so we honor her and the legacy she left within so many families today and to come. Our thoughts are continuously with Michelle’s family and friends and all who loved and knew her.

Next year, we hope you support and build with us for the house that will be dedicated in Michelle’s honor.

Donate Today: give.atlantahabitat.org/michellehenkelmemorial