HOMEFRONT. Our Mission. Weekday Consumer Advocate, Weekend Dreambuilder SPRING How I got Involved with Habitat

Transcription

1 HOMEFRONT SPRING 2005 How I got Involved with Habitat By Clark Howard My father grew up in New York City during the Great Depression. Twice he came home from school to find his family's possessions on the sidewalk. They had been evicted from their apartment for non-payment of rent. The experience stayed with him forever. He was very lucky as an adult and lived a very comfortable life. In the winter of 1984, six homeless people froze to death in his adopted hometown of Atlanta. He was outraged that in the most affluent society in human history that people would die for lack of shelter. My sister asked him, "Why don't you start one?" And, with that, my Dad opened a shelter at our synagogue. The Temple Zaban Night Shelter is now 20 years old. I used to argue with my dad about the fact that although the shelter was great, affordable housing was also part of the problem. He said to me, "If you think you are so smart, do something about it." I did. I founded a company called Cardinal Industries that had a design to build homes in a factory for $19,000. My dad and I were going to go visit the company in Ohio in However, my dad had terminal cancer and was never able to make the trip. Cardinal Industries went under and I forgot about the whole thing. Then, five years later, I learned the story of Habitat for Humanity. Based on Midwestern barn raisings of the 1800's, volunteers came together with the homeowner-to-be and built nice houses for extra cheap. My wife and I started saving money and I donated all my speaking fees to a building fund at Habitat for Humanity. By 1996, I had enough money for the first house, which I was honored to build with the volunteer labor of my listeners and the family of our very first homeowner, Tinnie Prather. Weekday Consumer Advocate, Weekend Dreambuilder You might know him as a talk show host, a best selling author, a TV reporter or a newspaper columnist. To most, he is a resource for sound advice on how to manage money. He does all he can to "keep people from getting ripped off." To us at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, though, Clark Howard is someone else. Clark is a builder. He is a builder of homes, of community and of hopes and dreams. Since 1996, Clark has sponsored one, two or three homes each year with Atlanta Habitat. This year, Clark and Atlanta Habitat are reaching some impressive milestones - Clark is building his 19 th and 20 th homes, and his 20 th also happens to be Atlanta Habitat's 800 th house! To recognize and celebrate these outstanding achievements, Clark Howard, Atlanta Habitat and the Pittsburgh community have teamed up to continue the building momentum begun in late Six more affordable, attractive homes and six committed, qualified homebuyer families will bring more stability and prosperity to the Pittsburgh neighborhood. On January 15 th, the first build was kickedoff with an enthusiastic team made up of volunteers from 11 Cox-owned companies - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AutoTrader.com, B98.5FM, Cox Communications, Cox Enterprises, Cox Newspapers, Cox Radio, Cox Television, Manheim, WSB- Radio and WSB- TV. January 22 nd brought about another house start with a unique sponsor, Central M i c h i g a n University. Clark received his Master's in Business Management from the university's Atlanta campus in Volunteers rallied from among the nearly 1,900 CMU alumni that reside in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Two more houses began the next weekend, January 29 th. One led by Georgia-Pacific Corporation, the other a partnership between Andersen Corporation, HomeVestors and First Preston Management. Clark's two homes began mid-february as others were well under way. The first build day of Clark's homes was completely staffed with volunteers from the Atlanta Police Department. Nearly 100 men and women in blue came out to Clark Howard proudly presents an Atlanta Habitat home nearing completion as the volunteers pause for a lunch break. (continued on page 8) Our Mission Atlanta Habitat for Humanity partners with low-income working families, sponsors and communities to build affordable quality homes and to provide support services that promote successful home purchase and ownership.

2 HOMEFRONT is an informational newsletter produced three times each year for donors, sponsors, volunteers and friends of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, one of the largest builders of affordable single-family homes in Atlanta. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Amy Macklin MANAGING EDITOR Justine Brantley CONTRIBUTORS Gloria Alamares, Melissa Bowman, Justine Brantley, Denise Childs, Clark Howard, Steven Jenkins, Tim Johnson, Amy Macklin, Chris Martin, Larrie Del Martin, Jill Redman, Donna Risteen DESIGN Fletcher Martin Ewing and Grizzard LAYOUT AND PRINTING Grizzard MAIL PROCESSING Grizzard DEADLINES Please send story ideas and/or photographs by the first Monday of January, May or October to EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Larrie Del Martin BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda Arnold Parrish, Chair Dan Maddox, Vice Chair Alan Arnold, Secretary Dan Pattillo, Jr., Treasurer Phillip A. Bradley, General Counsel Mary T. Benton, Dan Boone, III, Danny Branch, Adrienne Findley, Allegra J. Lawrence, Mary N. Long, Arthur McClung, John S. McColl, Thomas J. McMahon, Melanie Platt, Donald R. Ramon, Kevin G. Salwen, Ruby Swann, Sue Wieland, Gregory Worthy ADVISORY COUNCIL Barbara Reid, Chair Saleemah Abdulghafur, Frank Alexander, Tom Chapel, H. James Dallas, William M. Earnest, Kathy Harber, Darryl Hicks, Carol Jackson, Katharine Kelley, Charlie King, Charlie McDonald, James O. Rogers, Alexis Scott, Jim Sibley, Polly Simpson, Steve Smith, J. Ron Terwilliger, Donna C. Williams ATLANTA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 519 Memorial Drive, SE Atlanta, GA Phone (404) Fax (404) Executive Director s Report Larrie Del Martin Atlanta Habitat is off to a great start in We celebrated another milestone in February with the building of our 800th house. This event was doubly exciting because it also happened to be Clark Howard's 20 th house build! However, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to share with you some of the incredible accomplishments achieved by the organization during With your support, Atlanta Habitat exceeded our revenue goal, raising the much-needed funds for our 2004 operating budget. We are very grateful to all of the sponsors, donors, and foundations for believing in this mission and providing the necessary support. Additionally, we constructed 45 new homes - all meeting the EarthCraft certification standards. As a result, it is estimated that our homeowners will see a 10% - 15% savings on utility expenses. A special thanks to Southface for partnering with us on this important effort. To underscore that affordable housing can be attractive, Atlanta Habitat received an award for Special Achievement in Design from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Please read more about this marvelous recognition on page 8. One of our new projects, "Buildable Hours," brought many smaller law firms and professional service firms together to sponsor the building of a house. It was rewarding to see so many lawyers and legal staff investing in our community. With such a successful effort, Atlanta Habitat plans to add more opportunities for law and professional services firms in Thanks, folks! Another first was our partnership with the Pittsburgh Community Improvement Association and the Annie E. Casey Foundation in constructing a cluster of homes in the Pittsburgh neighborhood. We are delighted to be able to work with such dedicated partners to strengthen the community, and we are continuing to build in the Pittsburgh neighborhood in 2005 with the help of Clark Howard and other devoted partners. During the past 30 months, Atlanta Habitat has undertaken an effort to survey a majority of our homeowners about their experiences with Atlanta Habitat's program and their neighborhoods. While we have gleaned much information, an important finding for Atlanta Habitat is the high level of overall satisfaction with our program and organization. Of the 550 homeowners surveyed, 99% said that they have or would recommend Atlanta Habitat to friends and family. In closing, I would like to thank the board, staff, volunteers, donors and sponsors for your amazing efforts on behalf of Atlanta Habitat and its mission to build quality, affordable housing in this city. We are a family, and it takes each and every one of us to create the opportunity of successful homeownership for working families in our community. Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and to making adequate shelter a matter of conscience and action. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity has an open-door policy: all who desire to be a part of this work are welcome regardless of religion, race, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, marital status, age or veteran status as protected by law. This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, financial supporters and homebuyer applicants. Page 2

3 Homeowner Profile: Ability House Kawa Talabani, his wife Amina Shaheen and their four children are the recent homebuyers of an Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ABILITY House. Their new house is the result of a partnership between Atlanta Habitat, ABIL- ITY Magazine, and BellSouth. Like all other Atlanta Habitat homes, it is affordable and handicapped visitable, but it is also unique. ABILITY houses are built specifically for families in which one or more members have disabilities. During construction, volunteers with disabilities help build from start to finish. In November 2003, Amina experienced a lifethreatening split in the wall of one of her major arteries. She has since had coronary bypass surgery and has an implanted defibrillator, which will shock her heart if it stops beating for too long. The device causes weakness and discomfort in her left arm. She is frequently exhausted, and has difficulty reaching, opening doors, and performing routine household tasks. Amina does not let this stop her thoughshe is the mother of a 14-year-old daughter, Ghadir, a 12-year-old son, Ali, a four-year-old son, Naley and a 15- month-old daughter, Saley. The family's new ABILITY house helps Amina in her day to day routine through features like a no-step entry and lever door handles rather than knobs. Amina, Kawa and their four lovely children at home on the couch. Kawa is Kurdish and was born in Northern Iraq. Because of Sadaam Hussein's desire to "eliminate" the Kurds, Kawa fled for his life to Syria in June of In Syria, Kawa met Amina, fell in love and married. He was also granted political asylum in the United States. Kawa is a surveyor for S&N Engineering and a huge fan of Clark Howard. He listens to Clark's program each afternoon and interprets Clark's tips to his wife in Arabic. Amina is unable to work, but loves sewing and cooking in her new kitchen. Amina played four years of basketball in high school, but because of the discomfort in her left arm, she cannot currently play basketball with her children. The family's friends have complimented Amina's cooking, and she hopes to some day open her own restaurant. Ghadir excels in school. Her favorite subjects are math and science. She enjoys basketball and swimming. Ali likes math, but likes playing football with his friends more. Naley likes basketball, swimming and watching movies. Saley loves to hear stories read to her, watch cartoons and to her parents dismay, play with the telephone. Kawa and Amina are proud of their family and their new home, and are looking forward to many years of togetherness. Visit Atlanta Habitat's New Website! Atlanta Habitat is proud to announce the launch of its new and improved website where visitors can read the latest news, learn about homeowner programs and discover many ways to begin or continue support for affordable housing in the City of Atlanta. TechBridge ( an Atlanta-based nonprofit working to supply other nonprofits with technology at an affordable rate, helped Atlanta Habitat with the redesign of the dynamic new site. TechBridge will host the new site as well as provide support services and maintenance as needed. Visit our new web address, to see exciting features including easier navigation, expanded ReStore information with current and upcoming bargains, a Spanish section including information about how to contact our bilingual Outreach Manager, and links to donate on-line to Atlanta Habitat through Network for Good, Benevolink or Collective Good. The website is a resource for job openings, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer needs and myriad ways to donate financial or in-kind resources. The new website is an excellent tool for sponsors, donors, volunteers, homeowners and people who are newly interested in Atlanta Habitat and want to learn more. Please share the new web address with friends and family and then rush to a PC to check it out in person! Page 3

4 Laura Heath Photography Laura Heath Photography Governor Perdue, Clark Howard and Larrie Del Martin chat at the entrance of the Governor's mansion. Clark Howard mingles with volunteers from the Women's Build. "Firm Foundations" to Help Atlanta Habitat In 2002, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity launched the "Firm Foundations" planned giving program, honoring donors who have named Atlanta Habitat as a beneficiary of their estate plans. The philanthropy of these donors will help Atlanta's low-income families and communities well into the future. It is with deep and sincere gratitude that we acknowledge the following individuals and their investment in Atlanta Habitat: Ms. Jeanette Allen Anonymous (4) Ms. Sharon Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Lewis M. Manderson, Jr. Rev. Nancy Noblin Ms. J. Waltraut Stein Ms. Virginia B. Wohlford Naming Atlanta Habitat in your will is a wonderful way to create affordable homeownership opportunities for Atlanta families. You can set aside a specific dollar amount or leave a percentage of your estate. Besides wills, there many other giving options that provide tax benefits. These include real estate in Atlanta or elsewhere, retirement accounts, and paid life insurance policies, among others. Consult with your advisor to make arrangements for such a gift. If you have named or would consider naming Atlanta Habitat for Humanity as a beneficiary of your estate plans, please contact the Development Department at , ext Foundation 1000 Donors enjoy a stately evening at the Governor's Mansion Atlanta Habitat for Humanity's annual Foundation 1000 event celebrates the generosity of donors who give $1,000 or more in the span of a year. The 2004 event was a reception hosted by Governor and Mrs. Sonny Perdue at the Governor's Mansion in early November. In addition to touring the mansion, guests enjoyed the soft music of classical guitarist Mary Akerman, a delicious buffet prepared by the Governor's chef and sharing stories with fellow Atlanta Habitat supporters. The program included inspiring speeches from Governor Perdue, consumer advocate Clark Howard and Georgia-Pacific executive James Dallas - all avid supporters of Atlanta Habitat. Governor Perdue emphasized the importance of affordable housing in Georgia and how the work and mission of Atlanta Habitat fits into the overall housing picture. Clark Howard encouraged guests to think of new means of support as he related his experience as a house sponsor and volunteer. James Dallas, remembering the positive impact on his family, reminded the audience that homeownership greatly improves lives and communities. Atlanta Habitat would like to extend a special thank you to all our speakers and guests who made the 2004 Foundation 1000 event a worthy, memorable occasion. Page 4 Laura Heath Photography Left to Right: Larrie Del Martin, Atlanta Habitat President and Executive Director; Mrs. Sonny Perdue; Governor Sonny Perdue; Clark Howard; James Dallas; Linda Parrish, Atlanta Habitat Chair of the Board of Directors. Carpenters Club Members The following individuals are members of the Carpenters Club, a giving program that offers donors a direct, convenient way to champion affordable housing. Members provide a continuous stream of support, either monthly or quarterly, that insures Atlanta Habitat can continue to build houses and offer homeowner education. Atlanta Habitat offers enormous gratitude to this dedicated group for their meaningful investment. For information about joining Carpenters Club, please visit our website, or call , ext Jane Barwick Winifred G. Daniell Maxine M. Denniston Caroline Ellison Amy D. Macklin Robert E. Manka Joe and Larrie Del Martin Bobbie Mathis Ray and Mary Maynard Jeanne C. McAfee-Samuels and Bobby Samuels Kevin M. McCluskey Eva McMillan Mr. and Mrs. Chris Moore John and Agnes Nelson Howard and Julie Stahlman Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Wichman

5 3rd Annual Golden Hammer Award Presented to Phil Bradley In 2002, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity established the Golden Hammer Award to recognize a person or organization that demonstrates outstanding dedication to affordable homeownership and enduring commitment to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Larrie Del Martin, Executive Director of Atlanta Habitat, says, "We created the Golden Hammer Award for a group or individual who has gone above and beyond the call of service and inspired others to do so. It was an easy choice to select Phil Bradley as the 2004 recipient and honoree." Phil supports Atlanta Habitat in so many different ways; it is difficult to know where to begin listing them all. His official role is to serve as General Counsel and member of the Board of Directors, providing legal guidance to the organization. He is available day and night, weekdays and weekends, without complaint, and always provides the same exceptional service to Atlanta Habitat that he affords his clients as the Office Managing Partner of McKenna Long Aldridge, LLC. Phil provides, pro bono, the highest quality legal services that otherwise would be unaffordable to a nonprofit like Atlanta Habitat. As a member of the Board of Directors, Phil is exemplary, attending meetings, providing leadership in setting strategic direction, developing policy and helping secure house sponsorships and donations on behalf of the organization. In 2004, he helped spearhead the new "Buildable Hours" program, targeting participation among small- and mid-sized law firms that had not previously been involved with Atlanta Habitat. Equally impressive is Phil's role as a construction volunteer on Saturdays. Whether he is working side-by-side with his colleagues from McKenna Long Aldridge or with fellow parishioners from Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, Phil is on site with hammer or paintbrush in hand several Saturdays throughout the year. Through his dedication to being a hands-on participant in Atlanta Habitat's program, he has earned great esteem and respect among other volunteers, staff members and fellow board members. Phil is a wonderful example and inspiration to all. In addition to generously giving his time, talent, expertise and wise counsel, Phil and his wife, Cathy Harper, make generous, annual financial donations as members of Foundation 1000, once again leading by example. Atlanta Habitat is fortunate and grateful to have the dedicated support of Phil Bradley, who gives of himself generously and tirelessly to help Atlanta Habitat meet the needs of low-income families who dream of homeownership. Thank you, Phil! In-Kind Donation Program Laura Heath Photography Phil Bradley shakes hands with Governor Sonny Perdue after receiving the 2004 Golden Hammer Award. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity benefits from the support of local and national companies who donate building supplies and materials for use in the construction of our houses. Atlanta Habitat would like to issue heartfelt thanks to the following companies who provided exceptional support in 2004, through donations of supplies or materials for the construction of 45 new houses: Alcan Aluminum Corporation The Dow Chemical Company Eaton Corporation Hunter Douglas, Inc. Smithville Industries Super-Sod Valspar W.A.R. Trucking Whirlpool Corporation Yale Residential Security Products In 2005, Atlanta Habitat will formalize an in-kind donation program for building supplies and materials needed for house construction. As costs for property and construction materials continue to rise, Atlanta Habitat will work to procure additional donations to keep house prices as low as possible. If you would like more information about our in-kind donation program, please contact Chris Martin, Project Consultant, at chris.martin@atlanta-habitat.org or by phone x 117. Priority donations of new supplies and materials we are seeking include: Hardiplank siding Drywall Lumber Concrete Toilets and sinks Washers and gas dryers 40-gallon gas water heaters Trees and shrubs Page 5

6 Strong Safety Initiatives in 2005 Houseleader Denise Childs and volunteers don new hard hats. To start the New Year off right, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity has strengthened safety procedures for construction sites to further protect volunteers and staff members as they build quality, affordable homes. On Saturdays, volunteers will encounter a new system to ensure all volunteers have signed in and completed the Release and Waiver of Liability form. The homebuyer on site will distribute wristbands as soon as each volunteer has signed in and turned in a waiver. Wristbands are the ticket to enter the build site and begin the day's work. They indicate to the Houseleader that all volunteers are accounted for and can therefore be properly insured. For fun, the wristband is bright pink and declares, " I volunteer for Atlanta Habitat." A second initiative involves strengthening the existing hard hat policy. The guidelines for wearing a hard hat have been rewritten clearly to state exactly when everyone on site will wear a hard hat. New identifiable helmets will indicate staff members (green), skilled supervisors (orange) and the homebuyer (red). Atlanta Habitat takes its safety procedures seriously to ensure that all staff members and volunteers have a positive, safe experience on construction sites. If you have questions or concerns, please call Ray Maynard, Construction Director, at , ext Atlanta Habitat Looks to Expand Unique Building Program During the summer of 2004, with the support of seven law and professional services firms, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity celebrated the successful completion of its first-ever "Buildable Hours" house. Collectively these firms made financial contributions and provided more than 2,000 volunteer hours of labor to build a beautiful new home for Ms. Cinnamon Murray and her family. Launched three years ago, Buildable Hours is a nonprofit that partners law and professional services firms with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to build a home in the community. Buildable Hours allows firms to continue the volunteer work that many of their associates started in college. As well, the model serves as a perfect opportunity to engage small to mid-size firms that might not be able to commit to the larger financial and volunteer commitment required to build an entire home participants included The Boston Consulting Group; Drew Eckl & Farnham, LLP; Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough, LLP; Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco, PC; Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.; Hartman, Simons, Spielman & Wood, LLP and Atlanta Legal Aid Society. In 2005 Atlanta Habitat seeks to engage more firms, possibly building two homes, thereby helping two hardworking families purchase quality, affordable homes. Construction is scheduled to begin in June. For more information, please call Sponsorship Manager, Jill Redman at , ext Climb a real ladder for a change Page 6 House sponsors know the real meaning of advancement Kim Mac Donald/Habitat for Humanity International Through committed partnerships with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, more than 100 house sponsors - businesses, civic groups, schools and faith-based organizations - provided affordable homeownership opportunities to qualified, lowincome families in Atlanta Habitat's house sponsors logged approximately 100,000 hours of volunteer service constructing homes and building stronger communities. Atlanta Habitat's house sponsors set the standard for good citizenship and civic responsibility by working diligently to improve the City of Atlanta. For more information about how you can join in strengthening Atlanta - one home and one family at a time - please contact Atlanta Habitat for Humanity at (404) , ext. 130, or sponsorahouse@atlanta-habitat.org.

7 Thank You Volunteers! The following individuals volunteer to teach Atlanta Habitat's hands-on HOME Room Class at the end of the education series. Lisa Manka Jeff Pennell The following attorneys give generously of their time to ensure that all Atlanta Habitat homeowners who desire one, have a will. King & Spalding LLP attorneys Benjamin H. Pruett, Esq. The following attorneys give generously of their time to ensure the property Atlanta Habitat acquires/owns is free of legal issues that will hinder the future development of the property. Jim McGuire, Esq Kutak Rock, LLP Sutherland Asbill & Brennan, LLP King & Spalding LLP Alston & Bird, LLP The following attorneys give generously of their time to help Atlanta Habitat with issues related to property rights, contracts and other legal issues which arise. Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan Ellen S. Smith, Esq. King & Spalding LLP Timothy M. Sullivan, Esq. Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson Victor A. Cavanugh, Esq. Miller & Martin David O. Eldridge, Esq. Weissman Nowack Curry & Wilco George E. Nowack, Jr., Esq. The following individuals are members of the Family Selection Committee, which reviews homebuyer applications, interviews potential applicants, checks employer references, and meets monthly to make recommendations for approval of applicants. Chandra Dennis Agatha D. Ellis Gloria Favors Kim Gardenhire Randy Grayson Ronnie & Dhruti Jakes Mary Johnson Sandra Kerr Mary Jane Kettler Ian & Susan Lipsitch Charlotte Lusby John McKenna Allison Middleton Jayne Morgan Ruth Morton Paul Norton Nicola-Ann Nunes Kirk Ossewaarde Sandra Pardue Tony Parris Stephanie Stewart Deborah Stisher Brent Torgrimson Tiffany Tucker Wanda Willis Moke Wolfe The following individuals and organizations give generously of their time to teach or help run Atlanta Habitat's series of education classes. Diane Badger, City of Atlanta, "Water & Energy Conservation" Steve Barnard, Metro Crime Prevention, "Crime Prevention" Jane Barwick, Atlanta Habitat's Attorney, "Your Mortgage" Chiquita Board, Dekalb County Coop Extension Service, Budgeting CCCS, "Holiday Savings" Greg Levine, Trees Atlanta, "Trees Atlanta" Theresa Manuel, Inman Middle School, "Parent Involvement" Inspector Ruby Naylor, Atlanta Police Dept., "Neighborhood Watch" Damon and Michell Redding, da'chell designs, "Redecorating on a Budget" Matt Robinson, Urban Pest Control, Termites Wendy Scruggs-Murray, City of Atlanta, "Community Involvement" Spalding Garden Club, Landscaping Stephanie Stewart, Education class volunteer assistant Luther Washington, Metro Insurance, Insurance & fire safety Homebuyer Application Workshop volunteers serve at monthly sessions where potential applicants are invited to learn about Atlanta Habitat qualifications. After a one-hour presentation given by Atlanta Habitat staff, volunteers assist applicants with completing applications. These volunteers calculate income and debt-to-income ratios and help applicants determine if they are ready to submit an application at the time of the workshop. Application Workshop volunteers are patient and sensitive while managing a variety of individual applicant situations. Craig Adams Caroline Barragan Robin Boggs Chandra Dennis Agatha D. Ellis Sandra Kerr Mary Jane Kettler Liza Littrell Allison Middleton Donald Pfaadt Stephanie Stewart Tiffany Tucker Alma Winkel Moke Wolfe Skilled Supervisors are important volunteers who serve at build sites, assisting houseleaders with instruction of unskilled volunteers. Houseleaders are more effective at leading their large groups of Saturday construction volunteers with Skilled Supervisors on hand. Sonya Arundar David Beall James Brown Lael Butler Mark Butler Gary Byam Niels Caminada Donna Chronic Ron Collins Bertrand Comet Carol Comstock Delle Taylor Alex Duran Jeff Edlund Robert Edwards Richard Evors Jeff Folger Joel Fortgang Mike Gilroy Monique Granville Mark Gravel Brian Gross John Hagan Kathy Harber Amber Hartsfield Harvey Henson Stuart Ivie Nitin Vir Jain Su Kim Grant Kinnett Michael Kraus Allison Laird Lance Linsell Michael Maples Kevin Martin Pat McGauley Ralph Meyer Charlie Minor Thomas Mitchell Jeff Moore Romy Myszka Marilyn Nolte Jim Nork Tommy O'Brien Ron Oldham Michelle Oliva Howard Page Tom Peacock James Perner Mary Pienton Michael Pursley Jonathan Rehm Peter Rehm Robert Richardson Thomas A. Robinson Nancy Rorabaugh John Schmidt Jeff Scoynes Don Shaw Keith Shuler Rick Sibly Tom Solley Adrain Taylor Mike Thompson Gina Ulrich Robert Wartchow Tate White Mike Will David Willard Page 7

8 Weekend Dreambuilder continued from page 1 raise the walls! The remaining days have been staffed by Clark's faithful listener audience. In all, and in just 12 weeks, close to 2,000 volunteers and Clark Howard will collectively log roughly 15,000 hours of service toward building homes, community, hopes and dreams for six hardworking families. The dedication celebration will be held March 19 th. Atlanta Habitat Earns Recognition for Outstanding Home Design in 2004 The feature article of the summer 2004 issue of Homefront, "Quality, Affordable and Attractive: Benchmarks of Atlanta Habitat Design," showcased efforts to construct homes that are beautiful and blend into surrounding neighborhood design while maintaining affordability. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs recognized Atlanta Habitat for Humanity for this innovative strategy on November 10 th at its Fourth Annual Housing Georgia Conference and Magnolia Awards Program. "DCA hosts the Housing Georgia Conference each year because of the important role affordable housing plays in the health of Georgia communities," said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty. "It is an exciting and interesting day where we hear success stories from around the state and share ideas on how to make high quality, affordable housing a reality for more Georgians." Commissioner Beatty presented an award for Special Achievement in Affordable Housing to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. The South Atlanta community and the Adair Park historic district are two neighborhoods where Atlanta Habitat has implemented its design strategy. Each home 2004 Volunteers Appreciated at Trolley Barn Party On Sunday, October 14, approximately 150 of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity's regular volunteers and staff members converged on Inman Park's Trolley Barn for an evening of fun, delicious food and dancing. After planning special events, helping with office tasks, offering program support and contributing to the successful completion of 45 homes during 2004, the volunteers deserved to be celebrated. This year volunteers contributed over 129,000 hours to the mission of Atlanta Habitat, valued at the conservative estimate of $3,250,000. A buffet dinner was provided by Atlanta Habitat and catered by A La Carte Foods. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, great music, seeing friends and sharing stories. Atlanta Habitat is grateful for all the volunteers who make building affordable homes for hardworking families possible. Though it is a large group of volunteers, it still feels like a close group of friends and family gathering each year at the Trolley Barn. Thanks volunteers, for being the great group of giving, warm and friendly people you are! On the far left and right, DCA representatives Carmen Chubb, Director of the Housing Finance Division and Commissioner Mike Beatty pose with Atlanta Habitat employees Justine Brantley, Amy Macklin, Executive Director Larrie Del Martin and Ray Maynard. is built with specific technical, structural and decorative elements according to agreements with the neighborhood associations of South Atlanta and Adair Park. Homes include elements such as side or back landings, spacious porches, special columns, decorative brackets, variations in roof pitch or exposed rafters to add to the aesthetic value and blend with existing houses. Even with these variations, Atlanta Habitat maintains affordability thanks to the use of volunteer labor for construction. Executive Director of Atlanta Habitat, Larrie Del Martin, explains, "Through building attractive, interesting, affordable homes that intermingle with existing housing stock, Atlanta Habitat builds neighborhood pride and a strong sense of ownership. We are honored to receive an award in the Superior Design category because it indicates we have been successful." The Magnolia Awards Superior Design category was created to identify and celebrate outstanding design that is compatible with the surrounding environment, a perfect definition of what Atlanta Habitat is working to accomplish. Page 8 Do you own vacant land? Atlanta Habitat, one of the city s largest builders of affordable homes (under $100,000), needs to obtain land at a reasonable cost in order to continue providing this service for hardworking, low-income families. Do you own land that you would like to donate or sell? We Buy Vacant Lots ext. 116 You can receive tax benefits while helping to revitalize Atlanta communities. Please contact Donna Risteen at (404) , ext. 116, or at donna.risteen@atlantahabitat.org.