In a heartwarming gathering this August, Browns Mill Village became the focal point of an exciting collaboration between Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo. The purpose? To honor the work and legacy of Former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter and to mark the beginning of an inspiring journey that will see the construction of six new homes in this charming 31-acre community, nestled southeast of downtown Atlanta.

What was once a vacant tire sanctuary, Browns Mill Village has evolved into a blossoming haven. Established in 2019, the community began with a vision to bridge the gap in affordable homeownership within the City of Atlanta. This remarkable neighborhood showcases Atlanta Habitat’s single- and two-story homes, enveloped by lush greenspaces, inviting recreation spots, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and comprehensive support services designed to ensure the enduring success of homeowners well beyond the completion of their new home.

“This is a very special opportunity for us. If you think about Browns Mill Village, you can see this is game-changing. This subdivision is absolutely life-changing,” said Tai Roberson, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “It’s going to help build wealth, increase families, and build community. We are so grateful for our partnership with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and for their vision to put this master plan community together.”

Amidst the anticipation and excitement, the event also held a special place in its heart for a duo whose impact on affordable homeownership has been nothing short of extraordinary. Former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter have, over the years, played an instrumental role in the endeavors of Habitat for Humanity, leaving an indelible mark on the cause. To pay tribute to their transformative efforts, the ceremony included a poignant unveiling ceremony, introducing the world to the newly christened “Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Way.”

The Carters are responsible for helping build over 43,000 homes in 14 countries around the world alongside over 100,000 Habitat for Humanity volunteers. Recalling her experience working alongside the Carter family at a 1991 Atlanta Habitat home build while a sophomore at Spelman University, Roberson recants one of the former president’s praises for the Habitat mission:

“Habitat provides a simple but powerful avenue for people of different backgrounds to come together to achieve those most meaningful things in life. A decent home, yes, but also a genuine bond with our fellow human beings. A bond that comes with the building of walls and the breaking down of barriers,” said President Carter.

The impact of the Carter family on quality, affordable housing is felt here in Atlanta and well beyond in the over dozen countries they’ve served in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Their work, according to Atlanta Habitat President & CEO Alan Ferguson, has been essential to the impact of the organization.

“Without how the Carter family has uplifted the message and really brought attention to this effort, there’s no telling where Habitat for Humanity International would be,” said Ferguson. “For us in our history to have been able to personally touch and connect with the Carter family through builds over the years, we feel a part of that legacy and I want you to know that our commitment to your families to carry forth that mission and that dedication going forward to create as many opportunities for families as we can.”

Joining the dozens in the crowd for the momentous event was Josh Carter, grandson of the former president and first lady, who accepted the dedication of the street in his grandparents name on their behalf. For him, the Browns Mill Village community is a brilliant culmination of their life mission and commitment.

“This is my first time here in the community. It’s very impressive. I’m very excited to come and see the community. I love Habitat. It’s been a big part of my family’s work for as long as I can remember,” said Carter. “It’s fantastic to see this community being built for amazing people. It is such an honor to see the community building that has always been central to his politics, his life in his hometown in Plains, Georgia, and essential to the mission of Habitat. You don’t build one house, you build communities. These communities come together and support each other.”

Today, affordable housing is a key focus here in the City of Atlanta. The city’s rapid growth due to boundless personal and professional opportunities has rapidly depleted its housing supply and led to vast unaffordability. Thankfully, local leadership, in partnership with Atlanta Habitat and other local housing nonprofits, has set their sights on finding a solution.

“This is an incredible project that represents what Mayor Dickens would say is Atlanta’s group project. Good powerful transformative things don’t happen in isolation,” said Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to Atlanta’s Mayor. “Transformation happens when we all come together. We set a North Star, we all get in the same boat and we row like the world is coming to an end toward that North Star. When it comes to affordable housing, we know that unfortunately for far too many families, their world is coming to an end. We have to get this housing out of the ground as fast as humanly possible.”

The collaborative public-private sector partnerships guiding the path for affordable housing in the city have had a visible impact on the lives of local residents – including Raven Thomas, a Atlanta Habitat Future Homeowner in Browns Mill Village.

“I am going to be living in this beautiful community. I am super excited. It took a lot of hard work,” said Thomas. “While I’m here, I want to talk about partnership. There’s a quote that says ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.’ Because of these partnerships, look how many people are going to be able to benefit from what you are doing. Look how far we are going. If it wasn’t for Habitat and their partnerships in the community, my home wouldn’t be thriving the way that it is right now.”

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we’re reminded that every brick laid and every garden tended in Browns Mill Village is a testament to the power of unity, community, and shared purpose. The groundbreaking ceremony not only signifies the commencement of six physical structures but also serves as a powerful symbol of hope, progress, and the unwavering dedication to making affordable homeownership a reality for all. With the spirit of the Carters and the collaboration of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo, the journey toward stronger, more inclusive communities is well and truly underway along the vibrant paths of Browns Mill Village.