Atlanta Habitat unveils documentary, Rooted, at ‘Inside the House’ event

Atlanta Habitat welcomed community leaders, partners, and advocates to Atlanta Tech Village’s Sylvan Building on October 22 for Inside the House: Setting the Table, a conversation inspired by the premiere of Rooted, Atlanta Habitat’s first-ever documentary.

Rooted tells the stories of three inspiring homeowners — Rayburn, Jasmine, and Jameka — whose paths to homeownership reflect the deeper meaning of building a home: stability, legacy, and belonging. Their journeys reveal both the promise and the challenges of achieving affordable homeownership in a rapidly changing Atlanta.

Real data, real stories

As the city continues to grow, the path to homeownership has become steeper, especially for Black families. The homeownership gap between Black and white households is now wider than it was decades ago, and home prices have quadrupled since a generation ago. From the documentary to the conversation afterward, attendees were encouraged to see these statistics not as numbers, but as stories that shape real families and futures.

“Atlanta Habitat’s work goes beyond building houses — it’s about transforming generations,” said Rosalyn Merrick, President and CEO of Atlanta Habitat. “By breaking barriers and planting roots, we’re helping families build stability that lasts for generations.”

Conversation for change

Following the documentary screening, guests heard from a dynamic panel moderated by Saba Long, Executive Director of Atlanta Civic Circle. Long, a respected voice in civic journalism and community engagement, guided a conversation with leaders in housing, education, and real estate. 

Panelists included: Althea Broughton, Partner, Arnall Golden Gregory and General Counsel for Atlanta Habitat;  Jaron Trimble, Principal, Humphries Elementary, the school where homeowners in Atlanta Habitat’s first master-planned community, Browns Mill Village, reside; and Tia McCoy, Neighborhood Engagement Director for Atlanta Habitat. 

Together, they explored how collective action can expand access to quality, affordable homes across Atlanta’s legacy neighborhoods.

In closing, Merrick reminded guests that the stories shared in Rooted are reminders of hope and resilience. “Behind every statistic is a story of persistence and the desire to belong,” she said. “Each of us has a part to play in building an Atlanta where homeownership — and the stability it brings — is within reach.”

The morning ended with a sense of connection and purpose — and a renewed commitment to ensuring Atlanta remains a city where every family can put down roots and thrive.