In 40 years, we have served countless Atlanta residents with a vision for an Atlanta where all people have access to quality affordable housing in safe, vibrant neighborhoods with opportunities to thrive.

Whether it was through our first-time homebuyer program or any of our beyond-the-build opportunities, many have achieved a personal goal through Atlanta Habitat.

When Rayven was introduced to Atlanta Habitat as a college athlete volunteering with her team, she knew she found a fun and fulfilling way to give back to her community. She connected with our mission and was eager to find more ways to get involved.

At the end of her senior year, she found out she was having her son, Sheldon, and immediately turned to Atlanta Habitat.

“I have a whole kid I have to live for now,” Rayven recalled. “So, because my college introduced me to the program, I immediately got on the waitlist.”

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, Rayven waited four years to build and move into her new home. During that time, she had unique opportunities to collect her sweat equity hours that allowed her to work alongside Habitat staff on more behind the scenes work.

Rayven attended various beyond the build classes and programs like My Money, My Future, and the VGA (Vision. Goals. Action.) series. As she learned more about the aid we provide to our community, she wanted to step up and become more involved before she even finished building her own home.

When build volunteer opportunities began to open again, Rayven was excited to get her hands dirty.

“The best part was going out on those build because I learned more skills and after volunteering, I’m like, ‘I can really do this, I got this in the bag.’

“I applied to be the skills supervisor and they actually were more hands on, and it was more intimate. So, I learned how to put in doors and windows. I learned how to do roofing.  So, let’s say I’m the shingle lady,” she joked.

Rayven quickly became an unofficial spokesperson for Atlanta Habitat. She would regularly share what she learned with her community and family back in Las Vegas, and even shared our impact on her at an event with city officials.

Eventually, Rayven realized her calling was with Atlanta Habitat.

“I always was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to be a House leader.’  But every time it was time for me to actually go and apply, I’m like, ‘I just got another opportunity. Let me go try to embark on this opportunity first,’” Rayven said.

After putting it off for a few months, she became the first homeowner in our history to go from program participant to a full time House Leader.

“Someone’s going to be able to say, Rayven helped me build my home,” Rayven explained. “And now that I am the House leader, I can honestly say there has not been one day where I wasn’t just excited, overjoyed, and empowered, that I did something for my community. Not one day.”