Cobb Habitat Interfaith Coalition’s 22nd build in Mableton is underway thanks to faith groups, corporate partners

The first walls were raised and nails hammered recently on the 22nd annual Habitat house in Mableton thanks to a partnership between Smyrna-based Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta and the Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition. 

Vernita, a restaurant worker, is the future homeowner. Her position at the restaurant gave her the flexibility through the years to take care of her daughter Diamond.

The family of two lives in a Villa Rica apartment where the living conditions are very stressful. Vernita was uncertain she could afford the down payment on a home but was approved for Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership program.

She looks forward to having her own place and spending time outside working in the yard at her future home.

This year’s faith groups include Smyrna First United Methodist Church, Bethany United Methodist Church, the Islamic Center of Marietta, East Cobb Islamic Center, Temple Kol Emeth, St. Thomas the Apostle, Log Cabin Church, Covenant UMC, Unity North Church, McEachern United Methodist Church, St. Catherine’s Episcopal, First Presbyterian of Marietta and Due West United Methodist Church.

This year’s corporate partners include Pinkerton & Laws Construction of Atlanta, Fortune Johnson, Foresite Group, Moore Colson, Atlanta West Carpets, and Nissan.

The CIHC coalition’s motto is “We Build to Coexist, We Coexist to Build.”

Jessica Gill, CEO, Cobb County Habitat Coalition said, “For more than two decades multiple religious organizations from many different faiths and denominational backgrounds, come together with corporate partners for the common purpose to build.”

“Despite obstacles, and regardless of the economy, for 22 years, this coalition stayed the course of showing selfless service and demonstrating faith in action,” said Henry Hene, longtime coalition co-chair.

For more information, visit habitatnwma.org or habitat.org.