2024 Annual Report
CEO and Board Chair Letter
As we reflect on 2024, we are both humbled and inspired by the incredible impact we have made together. This past year for Atlanta Habitat was marked by new milestones, deeper community engagement, and the unwavering support of supporters like you. Every home we built, every repair we made, and every family we empowered is a testament to our collective commitment to creating a stronger, more equitable Atlanta.
With the dedication of more than 5,000 passionate volunteers who contributed an astounding 62,000 hours, we built 50 new homes and expanded our footprint into South Fulton. Our Repair with Kindness and Brush with Kindness programs brought essential improvements to 85 homes and brightened 90 more with fresh paint, ensuring safer living conditions for families across Atlanta.
Beyond housing, we continued to invest in people. Through our scholarship program, we awarded thousands in academic aid, helping families break the cycle of poverty through education. We also hosted our first Senior Saturday, equipping our aging neighbors with tools to navigate the ever-changing digital world. And in recognition of those who go above and beyond, we proudly honored five outstanding homeowners for their dedication to community improvement.
Last year, we also took bold steps toward the future, announcing our forthcoming development in the Sylvan Hills neighborhood, called Langston Park, which will introduce a broader mix of housing solutions to better serve the evolving needs of our city. Meanwhile, our ReStore achieved record sales, fueling our mission in new and impactful ways. We also appropriately renamed our faithful recurring donors to Habi-Heroes, strengthening our base of unrestricted giving to ensure sustainable growth.
While we celebrate these achievements, we also reflect on a profound loss. The passing of President Jimmy Carter, a steadfast champion of affordable housing, reminds us of the power of service and the lasting impact of a life dedicated to helping others. His legacy continues to inspire us, and we are honored to lead Atlanta Habitat forward in a way that reflects his vision and passion for this work.
With new leadership at the helm of Atlanta Habitat during this pivotal moment in time, we are excited about the possibilities ahead as we carry this mission forward. The foundation we built in 2024 positions us for a more impactful 2025 as we continue to create opportunities, strengthen communities, and transform lives.
None of this would be possible without you—our dedicated supporters. Whether contributing your time, talents or financial resources, your belief in our mission fuels our progress. This annual report showcases the remarkable strides we have made together, and we invite you to celebrate these successes with us as we look forward to another year of building, repairing, empowering and revitalizing our beloved city.
Our Impact in 2024
Spirits Under the Spirit
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity soared to new heights thanks to Delta Air Lines, which hosted a spectacular fundraising event, Spirits Under the Spirit, that raised an astounding $311,000 in support of affordable homeownership. This remarkable achievement not only exceeded expectations but also doubled the attendance from the previous year, showcasing Delta’s unwavering commitment to Atlanta Habitat’s mission. The event, the brainchild and vision of Atlanta Habitat board member Matt Sparks, was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in advancing affordable housing initiatives.
The evening was filled with excitement, philanthropy, and community spirit. One of the highlights was the silent bourbon pull, which featured an impressive selection of bourbons ranging in value from $60 to $1,000. Attendees eagerly participated, with each pull offering a chance to take home a prized bottle while supporting a great cause. To set the perfect ambiance, the Bourbon Bros provided live music, adding to the event’s lively and festive atmosphere.
Beyond the bourbon, the event featured an exclusive auction with sought-after items, including a full barrel of bourbon, two tickets to Punta Cana, an Atlanta Braves Suite experience, a Michter’s Bourbon distillery tour, and more. Guests enthusiastically bid on these unique offerings, further contributing to the record-breaking success of the fundraiser.
A special moment of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Thrive Awards, recognizing Atlanta Habitat homeowners who have made a profound impact on the Atlanta community. Khadijah was honored with the Thrive Award for her dedication, community impact and perseverance, while Zhonvieve received the Habi-Hero Award for her outstanding determination in entrepreneurship and achieving homeownership. Both awardees were chosen by Atlanta Habitat to be recognized for their commitment and hard work.
Through Delta Air Lines’ generosity and leadership, Spirits Under the Spirit not only raised critical funds but also reinforced the power of collaboration in transforming lives. With this support, Atlanta Habitat continues to empower more people in the city of Atlanta and South Fulton, ensuring that more families have the opportunity to thrive.
Honoring our 2024 Thrive Award Winners
Rayburn
Rayburn was honored with the Atlanta Habitat Perseverance Thrive Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to achieving homeownership. Despite facing numerous challenges, Rayburn's determination and resilience exemplify the spirit of determination that Atlanta Habitat celebrates. His journey serves as an inspiration to all, overcoming obstacles such as addiction, incarceration and insecurity. Rayburn's story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance in the pursuit of a better future.
Kory
Kory was honored with the Best in Class Award, recognizing his exceptional dedication to personal and professional development. Kory fully embraced Atlanta Habitat's Beyond the Build opportunities, participating in various educational and growth-oriented programs. His proactive engagement exemplifies the organization's mission to empower individuals through comprehensive support services. Kory's journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of seizing available resources to foster personal and professional growth.
Jacqueline
Jacqueline was honored with the Full Circle Thrive Award, recognizing her exceptional commitment to community building and entrepreneurship. Jacqueline's journey with Atlanta Habitat began when she volunteered on her brother's Habitat build. After qualifying for the program, she became a homeowner, too. She has since dedicated herself to fostering a sense of community in her neighborhood, organizing neighborhood events and summer movie nights for children – activities that reflect her passion for community engagement. Inspired by her son's struggle with eczema, Jacqueline developed a natural body butter which evolved into her business, "Butter Me Up by JRena." She participated in Atlanta Habitat's Vision. Goals. Action. (VGA) Launch! entrepreneurial series, honing her business skills to win a cash prize in a pitch competition that allowed her to expand the JRena product line. Jacqueline's story exemplifies the transformative power of community involvement and personal initiative.
Zhonvieve
Zhonvieve was honored with the Habi-Hero Thrive Award, recognizing her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to personal growth. In the earliest days of the pandemic, Zhonvieve discovered candle making as a therapeutic outlet to help manage her anxiety. This hobby blossomed into Eleven45 Candle Co., where she crafts a variety of candles for individuals as well as for special events and movie sets. Seeking to enhance her business acumen, Zhonvieve participated in Atlanta Habitat's Vision. Goals. Action. (VGA) Launch! program, which provided her with valuable insights into inventory management and cost analysis. Beyond her business endeavors, Zhonvieve is committed to giving back to the community by offering candle making classes to those seeking a therapeutic hobby. She also became an Atlanta Habitat donor. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of creativity and community engagement.
Khadijah
Khadijah Abdul Rahman was honored as our overall 2024 Thrive Award winner. Her inspiring journey from homelessness and domestic abuse survivor to public servant highlights the power of a stable home and community support.
Khadijah first encountered Atlanta Habitat when her family donated property. Years later, she found herself in need of a home and, despite self-doubt, was approved for an Atlanta Habitat house. It was a turning point in her life. With a new job and growing confidence, Khadijah embraced homeownership and later became an Atlanta Habitat ambassador, encouraging others to apply.
Khadijah’s drive led her back to undergraduate studies, law school, and ultimately, public office. She credits Atlanta Habitat for providing the foundation that empowered her and her children who now pursue careers in government and the arts.
Khadijah’s story is a testament to Atlanta Habitat’s transformative impact. We celebrate her achievements and reaffirm our commitment to empowering more families through homeownership.
New Vision: Atlanta Habitat’s Next Chapter
The air in Atlanta hums with possibility. A city built on resilience and reinvention, it is home to countless stories of transformation—stories that Atlanta Habitat for Humanity continues to write with every home built, every family empowered, and every community revitalized. Now, with the leadership of its newly appointed President and CEO, Rosalyn Merrick, the organization stands on the cusp of a bold new chapter.
Rosalyn’s journey to the CEO role is one of dedication, shaped by years of service to the very communities she now leads. With a deep understanding of Atlanta Habitat’s mission, she steps into the role with an unwavering commitment to tackling the growing challenges of rising land and construction costs. But for Rosalyn, challenges are not roadblocks—they are opportunities to reimagine what’s possible.
Laying the Groundwork for a Stronger Future
A house is only as strong as its foundation, and Rosalyn knows the same applies to an organization. One of her first major initiatives was a strategic restructuring of Atlanta Habitat’s leadership. This reorganization ensures that the right people are in place to expand our capacity and our reach, maximizing its ability to serve more families efficiently and sustainably.
Building More Than Homes: The Sylvan Hills Vision
Rosalyn also announced one of the most ambitious undertakings in Atlanta Habitat’s history—the construction of the organization’s second master-planned community in Sylvan Hills. Unlike past efforts focused on individual home builds, this initiative signals a shift toward something bigger: entire communities intentionally designed for affordable homeownership that will also include multifamily homes.
"I'm excited for our future growth and doing things that we have yet to do," shares Rosalyn. "Browns Mill Village, our first master-planned community, will be completed by the end of 2025. It’s one of our proudest achievements so far, and what we’ve learned informs how we’ll shape the future. Leveraging higher density as a strategy, we’ll add more build types to our portfolio with our next project.”
The success of Browns Mill Village, which began in 2022, is a testament to how Atlanta Habitat is reshaping affordable housing in neighborhoods across the City of Atlanta.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Growth alone is not enough—it must be responsible, sustainable and forward-thinking. With Rosalyn’s leadership, Atlanta Habitat is embracing green initiatives like never before. The installation of solar panels atop its headquarters marks a significant stride toward energy efficiency, reducing costs while minimizing the environmental footprint.
Our Atlanta Habitat homes are built with exceptional energy efficiency–so much so that operating their mechanical system is twice as efficient compared to a typical newly constructed home in the US.
Beyond energy solutions, the organization continues its efforts to reduce waste. Through its growing network of ReStores, donated furniture, appliances, and building materials find new life in Atlanta homes rather than ending up in landfills. Every item sold not only supports sustainability, but also helps fund affordable housing projects across the city.
A Legacy in the Making
For Rosalyn, this role is more than a leadership position—it’s a calling. “This journey was bespoke for me,” she reflects. “I could not have the confidence and gratitude to hold the seat of the presidency had it not been for the incredible team I have walked alongside doing this important and transformative work.”
With a steadfast vision and an unshakable belief in what’s possible, Rosalyn is poised to lead Atlanta Habitat into a future where homeownership is no longer a distant dream, but a tangible reality for more families than ever before.
And so, the story of Atlanta Habitat continues—more homes, more families and more communities.
Sponsor Spotlights
Clark Howard
In 1994, Clark Howard was inspired by Habitat for Humanity's mission and, alongside his wife Lane, began saving to sponsor their first home for Ms. Tinnie Prather. This sparked what the Howards call the "building bug," leading them to return every year to support the cause. Thirty years later, in 2024, the Howards reached an impressive milestone, constructing homes 98, 99, and 100. Clark reflects, "One of the greatest things you can do is create independence, and Habitat does that—one homeowner, one family at a time."
Atlanta Women's Build
In 2003, two friends rallied a group of women to sponsor an Atlanta Habitat build, launching a unique tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. Now, 21 years later, the Atlanta Women's Build continues to empower and uplift women through the power of community and construction, and celebrated building their 21st home with us in 2024.
Wells Fargo
In August of 2023, Wells Fargo joined us to unveil Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Way in Browns Mill Village and break ground on the first six homes on the street. A year later, as we honored the former president’s 100th birthday, we came together once again to celebrate the completion of those homes. Congratulations to Ebony, Jameka, Melissa, Nekeshia, Twantina, Wyleathia, and a special thank you to Wells Fargo for their continued investment in building up the community! generational wealth and affordable homeownership.
The Home Depot Foundation
In 2023, The Home Depot Foundation reinforced its commitment to affordable homeownership with a generous $1 million grant to Atlanta Habitat, enabling the construction of 10 new homes in just two years. A dedicated partner for over 20 years, The Home Depot has played a vital role in funding homeowner education programs and community repair initiatives, making a lasting impact on families and neighborhoods. Last year, the completion of this 10th home brought Home Depot’s total to 15 homes built in Browns Mill Village.
Delta Airlines
In 2024, Delta Air Lines completed four new homes in Browns Mill Village, matching their record-breaking achievement from the previous year. A dedicated supporter of Atlanta Habitat, Delta initially committed to building one home for each of Atlanta Habitat’s four decades of service in 2023 and has continued the tradition. Their impact extends beyond these homes, as they also sponsored the first home in Browns Mill Village in 2020, contributing to the growth of our 31-acre development community.
Novelis
Through the “Recycle for Good” program, Novelis and dedicated volunteers turned 3.7 million recycled aluminum cans into a new home on Atlanta’s Westside, using cans collected from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Continuing their commitment to affordable housing, Novelis also built a second home in the fall, their 19th new home build with Atlanta Habitat.
Supreme Lending
Since 2014, Supreme Lending has been a proud partner in strengthening communities through homeownership. In honor of Atlanta Habitat’s 40th anniversary in 2023, they built two homes—and continued the tradition in 2024 by constructing two more alongside enthusiastic families. With these efforts, Supreme Lending has reinforced its commitment to affordable homeownership, bringing the total number of homes supported with Atlanta Habitat to 19.
Building More, Together: A Record-Breaking Year for Atlanta Habitat ReStores
In 2024, Atlanta Habitat ReStores shattered records, proving that sustainability and affordability go hand in hand. With an impressive $2.5 million in revenue and 416,283 items sold and diverted from landfills, the ReStores reinforced their role as a cornerstone of Atlanta Habitat’s mission—providing quality homeownership opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship.
A major factor in this success was the expansion into South Fulton, bringing affordable home goods and building materials to an even wider community. This new location quickly became a hub for budget-conscious shoppers and eco-conscious donors alike. The impact was further amplified when the South Fulton ReStore expanded its operating days, increasing accessibility for customers and enhancing donation intake.
As we look ahead, the momentum continues. With increased awareness, strong community engagement, and a commitment to sustainability, the ReStores are poised for another year of impact—one sale and one donation at a time.
Senator Ossoff Secures $2M for Affordable Housing in Atlanta
U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff continues to champion affordable homeownership in Georgia. In April 2024, he announced that a $2 million bipartisan federal grant had been secured to support the second phase of Browns Mill Village, Atlanta Habitat’s first master planned community.
Joined by local leaders including Atlanta City Councilman Antonio Lewis, Senator Ossoff toured the development, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable housing. The funding will contribute to the construction of 20 additional homes, with phase two set to begin in 2025.
This investment will have a lasting impact on families and economic growth in south metro Atlanta.
Inside the House: A Seat at the Table with President and CEO, Rosalyn Merrick
At a special gathering of key stakeholders, Rosalyn Merrick, President and CEO of Atlanta Habitat, held her first intimate session with donors who have shown outstanding support through both financial contributions and volunteer efforts. This event provided a unique opportunity for these dedicated individuals to engage directly with Rosalyn and hear firsthand about the organization's current projects, challenges, and exciting future plans.
Rosalyn shared Atlanta Habitat’s strategic goals, highlighting ongoing initiatives and the positive impact these efforts are having in the community. She also discussed the vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and innovation in addressing housing needs and creating long-lasting change for families.
This event was a pivotal moment for strengthening relationships and reaffirming the commitment to Atlanta Habitat's mission of providing affordable homeownership with opportunities to thrive. The conversation was enriching and inspiring, and attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose in supporting our organization's transformative work.
Habi-Heroes: The Heart of Giving
At Atlanta Habitat, our Habi-Heroes are more than just donors; they are consistent champions for the work we do to empower families and transform communities across Atlanta and South Fulton. In 2024, we introduced the Habi-Hero name to appropriately recognize the dedicated donors whose monthly support enables more families to have the opportunity to build safe, stable, and thriving futures. Their consistent generosity helps Atlanta Habitat realize a reliable cash flow to fuel homeownership programs, critical home repairs, financial literacy workshops, and neighborhood revitalization efforts, allowing us to adapt and respond to the needs of our community. Thanks to their ongoing commitment, we’ve been able to build more homes, strengthen more families, and create more opportunities for success.
Become a Habi-Hero today and make a real difference.
South Fulton Declares August 27th ‘Habitat for Humanity Day’
On August 27, 2024, the City of South Fulton officially proclaimed ‘Habitat for Humanity Day,’ recognizing Atlanta Habitat’s impact building homes, empowering people and revitalizing communities. Mayor Khalid Kamau presented the proclamation to our President and CEO, Rosalyn Merrick, in a special ceremony honoring our dedication to providing affordable homeownership.
This recognition comes as we celebrate key milestones in South Fulton, including the completion of our first home build in the city last year and the opening of our South Fulton ReStore in 2021. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to transforming generations through the power of homeownership.
Atlanta Habitat’s Homebuyer Application Reopens—And the Demand is Clear
For the first time in three years, Atlanta Habitat has reopened its homebuyer application process, and the response has been nothing short of overwhelming.
On the first Monday of each month, our homebuyer interest form opens, allowing the first 50 individuals to take the next step toward homeownership. However, with more than 5,000 people visiting our website at the same time, the reality of Atlanta’s affordable housing crisis becomes unmistakably clear. The demand is immense, and for many, the opportunity to secure safe, affordable housing feels just out of reach.
We are thrilled to be moving homebuyers through our program again, opening doors—both literally and figuratively—for families who dream of the stability homeownership offers. But this incredible demand is a reminder of the critical need for affordable homeownership solutions in our city.
At Atlanta Habitat, we remain steadfast in our mission. Each home we build, each family we support, and each partnership we forge brings us closer to a future where more Atlantans have the opportunity to own a home. This work is not possible without our dedicated community of supporters. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more stable Atlanta.
Board of Directors
Rosalyn Merrick, President and CEO
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
Jeremy Silverman, Chair
Alston & Bird LLP
Althea Broughton, General Counsel
Arnold Golden Gregory, LLP
Michael Hibbison, Secretary
The Home Depot
Cecilia Bailey, Treasurer
Regions Bank
Krystal Barnett
Cox Communications, Inc.
Susan Boyd
Miller+Boyd
Stuart Bruening
JE Dunn Construction Company
Catherine Dixon
G. H. Smart & Company, LLC
Keisha Duck
BlueLinx
Robert Golden
3M
Christopher Goode
Goode Van Slyke Architecture
Isabelle Helms
Cox Automotive
Dewayne King
Fifth Third Bank
Andy Konieczka
Georgia-Pacific
Bryan Langley
Floor & Decor
Lillie Louis-Fils
Bank of America
Amber Murray
Jamestown, L.P.
Chad Plunkett
PulteGroup
Niya Randall
Gold Green Collectives
R. Kirk Rich
Avison Young
Greg Schlicht
Novelis
Courtney Showell, Sr.
PwC
Matt Sparks
Delta Air Lines
Advisory Council
Isabelle Helms, Chair
Cox Automotive
Brantley Barrow
Community Volunteer
Susan Bixler
Bixler Consulting Group
Jorge de la Cova
Community Volunteer
William M. Earnest
Community Volunteer
Cindy Ethridge
Warren Averett LLC
Adrienne Findley
Community Volunteer
Catie Mannarino
Delta Air Lines
Kirk Ossewaarde
Community Volunteer
Linda Parrish
Community Volunteer
Jeff Pierce
Berkeley Capital Partners
Mark Pighini
Deloitte US
Barbara Reid
Non-Profit Accounting Consultant
Kristina Kopf Thomas
Eversheds Sutherland LLP
Ken Thrasher
Bennett Thrasher LLP
Alison Drane Waterson
Wood Partners
