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Construction Staff & House Leaders
Alex Cook
Alex enjoyed his first day of volunteering in 1999 so much that he returned each week until the house was completed. After that build, he began to volunteer regularly, becoming a skilled supervisor, and then joined Atlanta Habitat in 2007 as a house leader.
“Interaction with the homeowners and changing their mindset from having a place to stay to having a home and community is the most gratifying part of my job,” said Alex.
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Brian Findley
Brian began with Atlanta Habitat in 2008 as a house leader, where he enjoyed working with volunteers and sponsors. After three years, he was promoted to construction manager, and in 2012, he also assumed the role of safety manager.
Brian, a native of Atlanta, takes pride in being part of an organization that strengthens our community by providing working families the opportunity for affordable homeownership, ongoing education classes, and financial guidance. Brian is also proud of the initiative Atlanta Habitat takes to build energy-efficient homes without sacrificing affordability and quality.
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Caleb Starr
Caleb lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before making his home in the slower-moving South. He originally came to Atlanta for Mission Year, a Christian urban outreach program.
“Atlanta Habitat gives volunteers a great hands-on experience. We work with volunteers to do everything from framing to roofing to paint to cabinets to trim. Even if you have never done anything like this in your life, with a great attitude and some hard work, we will accomplish a lot together,” said Caleb.
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Denise Childs
Denise grew up in many places, but she spent her junior high through college years in Chicago. Denise started out as a volunteer at Atlanta Habitat and then became a skilled supervisor. She enjoyed the job so much that she left her job in sales to become a house leader.
She has now been with Atlanta Habitat for 10 years. “The most rewarding part of my job is turning the keys over to the homebuyer,” said Denise.
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Harley Armstrong
Harley grew up as an “army brat,” so he lived in many different places. He was born in Pensacola, Florida, and graduated from high school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He served five years in the Marine Corps, which he attributes to teaching him integrity and discipline.
He enjoys helping people and was involved in the nonprofit industry for several years. That experience led him to Atlanta Habitat. “At the end of the day, seeing the accomplishment of the finished product is very rewarding,” said Harley.
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Irene Kagika
Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Irene moved to Atlanta eight years ago. She has been with Atlanta Habitat for four years; two years as an AmeriCorps member.
“Atlanta Habitat gives me the opportunity to be of service to others, to make homeownership a reality for the families, and to use my God-given skills in construction. It also gives me a chance to meet great volunteers and families,” said Irene.
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Jason Owens
Jason was born and raised here in Atlanta, around the downtown area. He worked for a contractor who had done business with Atlanta Habitat, and when the contractor slowed down, he suggested Jason join our construction team. That was 14 years ago.
“Being able to build homes for the families and meet new volunteers makes my job rewarding,” said Jason. As for his most memorable build, he says, “all the Youth Builds.”
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Jim Blackstone
A native Georgian, Jim has been with Atlanta Habitat for 11 years. As construction director, he oversees all building or renovation for each of our homes.
“I’m extremely proud of the work we do here,” said Jim. “My favorite part of working with Atlanta Habitat is the people drawn to the mission – sponsors, volunteers, my fellow employees, and everyone involved.” Jim oversees our green building program, safety training, and management training with construction staff.
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Laurel Briglevich
Laurel joined AmeriCorps to gain perspective on what she wants to do when she returns to school, and ultimately what she wants to do with her life. She enjoyed her first year so much that she has re-upped to serve again as a house leader.
A native Georgian, Laurel enjoys being a part of the impact Atlanta Habitat makes on the city. “My focus is the homebuyers. I love working together through the construction process and then watching them take ownership of their homes and communities,” said Laurel.
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Reid Lockwood
Reid grew up in our country’s capital, Washington, D.C., where he lived for 19 years. He became involved with Atlanta Habitat because he believes in our mission to partner with working families, sponsors, and communities to build affordable, green, quality homes and provide support services that promote successful home purchase and ownership.
“There are challenges working with the timelines, but the reward is getting to interact with the families,” said Reid, who has been with us for almost six years.
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Jacob Rufenacht
Jacob’s wife, a Ga. Tech grad, brought this Ohio native to Atlanta. He was with Sherwin-Williams for three+ years before joining us as warehouse and inventory coordinator. “I really like that Habitat’s model works in Atlanta and across the world,” said Jacob. “It’s great to see the hard work that all the volunteers put in and to work alongside them to make things go smoothly.
Jacob enjoys being part of the development going on in the city. He plays guitar and basketball and enjoys spending time with his daughter.
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Martin Hafner
AmeriCorps Vista member
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William Johnson
AmeriCorps member
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Patrick Nelson
AmeriCorps member
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Quen Darnell
Mission Year member
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