Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit well known for its work in communities across Georgia and the nation. One couple helped propel the organization across the globe – Former President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Inspiring millions over the last three decades, President and Mrs. Carter worked alongside more than 104,000 volunteers strong across the U.S. and in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair more than 4,000 homes. In Cobb County, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta (Habitat NWMA) spent the beginning of 2025 honoring the life and service of the former president. President Carter spoke often about the work of Habitat and his faith. He said, “Habitat gives us an opportunity which is very difficult to find: to reach out and work side by side with those who never have had a decent home-but work with them on a completely equal basis. It's not a big-shot, little-shot relationship. It's a sense of equality.” He also said, "I haven’t been on a Habitat project that I wasn’t thrilled and inspired and wept.” The affiliate which covers Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties built a President Carter Memorial Door and Frame project erected at the Habitat Smyrna ReStore and allowed the public to sign and leave personal messages of gratitude. “Raising a frame with a door symbolizes the many doors of opportunity that President Carter helped make possible through his life of service to others,” says Jessica Gill, CEO, Habitat NWMA. “He dedicated his long life to opening doors for others through affordable homeownership.” Habitat’s mission statement is “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.” In Cobb County, Habitat NWMA annually partners with coalitions like the Cobb High School Coalition, Cobb Interfaith Coalition, Lutheran Coalition and Catholics4Habitat; municipal partners like the City of Marietta and City of Austell; specialty builds like Veterans Builds and the upcoming Women Build in May; as well as many dedicated corporate sponsors such as The Atlanta Braves Foundation, Home Depot, Genuine Parts, Publix, Assurant, Berkadia, and more.
In 2024, the affiliate had two “Legacy Builds”— the Terwilliger Family, who built for a Veteran; and the Kenney Family, who sponsored a full house to honor the family’s late wife and mother who loved Habitat. Her legacy lives on through giving a family a firm foundation for the future with a zero-interest mortgage in a safe environment. In 2024, local volunteers logged nearly 2,000 hours working alongside homeowners to build their homes. Longtime volunteer crew leader Susan Chang loves sharing the journey to become a homeowner with families. “I love this organization and the way it helps the deserving families,” she says. “The work is all worth it when I see how happy and appreciative they are at their home dedications.” Recent homeowners in Cobb include teachers, a school bus driver, school cafeteria manager, City of Austell Police Department employee and City of Marietta employees. Partnerships like the City of Marietta Public Service program allow public servants to afford to live in the community they serve. “Living where you work is a key component in building community,” says Jessica Gill, CEO, Habitat NWMA. “Many of our teachers, city employees and first responders cannot afford the escalating prices of our local housing.” There are many ways to volunteer, donate, and sponsor a Habitat home.
For more information on how to get involved, fundraise, and make a difference in your community: https://habitatnwma.org Follow @HabitatNWMA on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
"Bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope." said President Jimmy Carter.