Story

HabiLove

February 13, 2019

On a sweltering summer day in 2010, dozens of volunteers gathered on a mission…to help build a home with a new Atlanta Habitat homebuyer. Supporters from all walks of life mediated their task, painting, caulking and shingling the roof. While most of the volunteers were making casual conversation and networking as they work. Scott M. found the love of his life.

“We’d spent the day talking and working on the roof. I thought she was a great girl,” said Scott. “I wanted to get to know her, and she felt the same.”

Their union was created out of pure chance. A Friday weekday build is a rarity at Atlanta Habitat, which can make it difficult to volunteer. “I wasn’t working at the time” said Latessa. “I just got back from deployment earlier that year, and I was waiting to start my new position.” Scott had Fridays off due to cutbacks from the recession. “I guess you can say the recession brought us together,” he said.

“He asked me out that same night,” said Latessa. This year, the pair will celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary. One three-year-old daughter and nine years later, Scott and Latessa are living Habbily-ever after.

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