It’s not often that Atlanta Habitat has the opportunity to celebrate both a home dedication and a birthday at the same time, but that’s just what we did with seven-year-old Antonio and his father Anthony H. on a perfect spring day in April.

Anthony, a hard-working single-father, barely held back tears of joy as he thanked Atlanta Habitat, volunteers and sponsors. “The people out here have kept me going every day and we finally made it to dedication day,” he said. “Honestly, I want to thank God because this house is more than everything I could imagine,” Anthony said.

Anthony and Antonio received a bag stuffed with household items and games, complements of Becca, daughter of Atlanta Habitat board member Bryson Koehler. Becca used her bat mitzvah as an opportunity to collect small gifts to give new homebuyers on dedication day, in partnership with the nonprofit Packaged Goods. Antonio was delighted and swooned over the new activity book he received and his surprise birthday cake. “Thank you everybody for building my house,” he said.

House sponsor volunteers from CHUBB, Church of the Redeemer, Cor Partners, Distinctive Atlanta Homes, Henry W. Grady High School, Plaza Midtown, Residential Capital Management, The Ritz-Carlton -Atlanta, Schiff Real Estate Team, Susan & Early Muntzing, and Synchrony Financial joined in singing “Happy Birthday” and congratulating Anthony.

Anthony, who left college several years ago to raise his son, announced his plans to return this fall to complete his bachelor’s degree. He feels that the solid foundation of homeownership gives him the stability he needs to complete his degree as he raises his son.

Anthony and Antonio move into their home next month and look forward to celebrating birthdays there for years to come!