Habitat Happenings Homeowner Newsletter Summer 2007 Homeowner Garden Contest Winner Congratulations to Alphonsine Mfwamba who won first prize in the Homeowner Garden Contest, including a $50 gift certificate to The Urban Gardener garden center in Grant Park. Win a new digital camera! Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is looking for 25 families to help us celebrate successful homeownership. This is your chance to brag about your family or another Atlanta Habitat family. Send us a photo of the Atlanta Habitat family in front of their home. Along with the photo, let us know Alphonsine Mfwamba working in her garden. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Celebrates 25 years in 2008 how homeownership has impacted the life of the family. Families can nominate themselves or be nominated by friends, family, Atlanta Habitat staff or volunteers. Continued on page 2 Homeowners Make a Difference!!! Inside Habitat Happenings page 1 Family Photo Contest Atlanta Habitat Homeowner Ambassador Committee Special thanks to all of the homeowners who have participated on the Ambassador and Advisory committees. Your input prompted the return of the homeowner picnic this year. We all had a great time at the Atlanta Habitat Family Reunion Picnic on June 10, enjoying music, food, activities, prizes and connecting with wonderful neighbors! If you missed the picnic this year, make sure to attend the next one. To get involved in homeowner activities and enjoy the fun, call Economy Jackson at 404-233-5180, ext. 168. Page 1 page 2 New Director of Family Services page 3 Homeowner Spotlight page 4 Referral Contest
HABITAT HAPPENINGS is an informational newsletter produced three times each year for Atlanta Habitat homeowners. Executive Editor Amy Macklin Managing Editors Economy Jackson Shannon Sanders Contributors Geneva Hall-Shelton Economy Jackson Melissa Klein Sarah Lasswell Andrea Pendleton Family Services Staff Economy Jackson, ext. 168 Director of Family Services Carlos Almeida, ext. 105 Hispanic Outreach Consultant Geneva Hall-Shelton, ext. 124 Homeowner Selection Manager Homeowner Outreach Coordinator, ext. 133 Melissa Klein, ext. 163 Homebuyer Education Liason Andrea Pendleton, ext. 169 Homebuyer Outreach Administrator Contact Information Phone: 404-223-5180 Fax: 404-223-5103 www.atlantahabitat.org Holiday Closings Atlanta Habitat will be closed: September 3, 2007 in observance of Labor Day November 22 & 23, 2007 in observance of Thanksgiving Meet the New Director of Family Services As the new Director of Family Services, I bring you greetings. My personal mission in life has always been To use the gifts and talents that God has given me to foster equality for all people. To fulfill my mission, one goal is to use my education and life experiences to help develop communities that enhance the quality of life for all families. My formal education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from New York Institute of Technology. I am a former employee of the City of Atlanta and Charis Economy Jackson Community Housing. Most recently, I focused on quality early learning opportunities for children from birth to five years of age while working at United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. The Director of Family Services position at Atlanta Habitat is a great opportunity for me Celebrates 25 years in 2008 Continued from page 1 to use my combined skills and experience in furthering the Atlanta Habitat mission of building houses and building hope. One of the primary goals of the Family Services Department is to support you in becoming and staying a successful homeowner. With that in mind, you are welcome to call me at 404-223-5180, ext. 168, if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to getting to know you and building an enjoyable working relationship you. Sincerely, Contest Guidelines 1. Send in your photo(s) 3.5 x 5, 4 x 6, or 5 x 7 print by mail to Economy Jackson, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, 519 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, or a digital photo by email to economy.jackson@atlantahabitat.org On the back of the photo or in the email, list full names of each family member in the photo and the ages of the children. Note if the photo documents the celebration of a special occasion. (i.e. graduation, wedding, etc.) 2. Tell us your story In 200 words or less, describe one or more of the following: How has buying an Atlanta Habitat house helped the family? What significant family accomplishment(s) have occurred since the purchase of the Atlanta Habitat home? (i.e. children or homeowner going to college, graduations, marriages, starting a business, promotion, etc.) How has Atlanta Habitat helped the family be a successful homeowner or helped the family become more involved in the community? All entries are due by August 17, 2007. All nominated families will be entered into a randomly selected drawing to receive a new digital camera. The 25 homeowners will be selected based on the contest guidelines and successful homeownership. If you have any questions about the contest, please contact Economy Jackson at 404-223-5180, ext. 168. *Submission of photographs and information is presumed to be intent to allow Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta, Inc. ( Atlanta Habitat ) to use of the photographs and stories for its purposes. All photographs and stories will become the property of Atlanta Habitat and will not be returned. Page 2
Homeowner Profile: Kinsheka Lockett Kinsheka Lockett moved-in to her Atlanta Habitat home in 2001 with her mother, Helen, her son, Antavious, and daughter, Alexia. Homeownership was first on a long list of goals that Kinsheka has worked hard to achieve. After moving from apartment to apartment, where the rent was high and her children had to share a bedroom, Kinsheka made it her goal to build a more stable life for her family. To that end, she felt homeownership was the first step. Kinsheka heard about Atlanta Habitat on Clark Howard s radio program and she knew that this was her opportunity to buy a home. I am so glad I was able to buy my house through Atlanta Habitat, says Kinsheka. She appreciates the value of the savings that Atlanta Habitat s no-profit, nointerest homebuying program offers. Referring to her friends with highinterest rate mortgages, she states, Now they complain that almost all of their paychecks go to pay the mortgage. With my Atlanta Habitat house, I don t have that worry. The low monthly payment allows her to save money for other important goals on her list like finishing her degree and then providing for her (L-R) Alexia, Kinsheka and Antavious Lockett children to follow in her footsteps. Achieving her goals did not stop with homeownership. While working full-time for Fulton County as a human resource manager (where she has worked for the past 13 years), Kinsheka received her undergraduate degree in Human Resources. She will finish her Master s degree in Human Resource Management this year and is in the process of applying to PhD programs in Organizational Behavior and Psychology. With her education and experience, Kinsheka is starting a human resource consulting business and is planning to write a book on human resource training. In addition, she is on the board of directors of Fly Girlz, a non-profit organization that mentors young women pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. She helps teach these young women how to achieve their dreams without jeopardizing their self respect and personal well-being. I want to show these girls and my children that they can achieve their goals. I didn t have that. Kinsheka recounts that many people, including family members, told her that as a single mother of two she could not buy a house. With her strong determination and Atlanta Habitat s affordable homeownership program, Kinsheka proved that she could. I love my house and living in the city so close to my work, explains Kinsheka. As a homeowner, she enjoys home improvement projects like the new floors she recently installed, which she bought at 75% off retail at the Atlanta Habitat ReStore. What a bargain! Clark Howard would be proud. When asked what insight she could share with new Atlanta Habitat homebuyers, Kinsheka replied, I would just tell them that it s worth it the time you spend building your home, the education classes it s all worth it. Inspired by Kinsheka s story and those of numerous other Atlanta Habitat homeowners, everyone who helps keep Atlanta Habitat going strong would surely agree it is all worth it! Staff Changes in the Family Services Department The Family Services staff has worked extremely hard supporting Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and you over this past year. We will see some changes this fall as some staff members complete their commitment to Atlanta Habitat and pursue new opportunities. Sarah Lasswell, homeowner outreach coordinator, will leave in July to work on her Masters Degree in Public Health at Emory University. Andrea Pendleton s service term as an Ameri- Corps volunteer will end in August. When she started, Andrea s career goals included law school. Because of her positive experience with Atlanta Habitat, she has decided instead to pursue a career in the non-profit community. Sarah and Andrea s hard work and dedication have helped Atlanta Habitat exceed its outreach goals in the community. We wish them much success as they face new opportunities in their lives. Family Fun Days in Centennial Olympic Park This FREE award-winning event series features: Concerts and performances Games and contests Children s crafts and educational programming And much more! Saturday, July 28, 2007, 12 4 pm Theme: It s All About Sports Saturday, August 25, 2007, 12 4 pm Theme: Games and Gadgets Saturday, September 22, 2007, 12 4 pm Theme: Great Outdoors For more events at the park, visit www.centennialpark.com. Page 3
519 Memorial Drive SE Atlanta, Georgia 30312-2218 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit# 4292 Dallas, Texas Bring in this coupon and receive an additional 30% off a single item at the Atlanta Habitat ReStore! Location: 519 Memorial Drive at the corner of Memorial Drive and Loomis Avenue, next to the Atlanta Habitat office Store hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9 am 4 pm Shop for your home improvement projects or for household items. Up to 75% off retail pricing. For information, call 404-525-2114 or go to www.atlantarestore.org. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Only one coupon per visit. Not valid on gift certificates or Atlanta Habitat merchandise. Expires: 10/15/2007 HHSum07 Refer New Homebuyers and Win! Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is looking for homebuyers. Refer your friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers to our homebuying program. To reward your hard work in spreading the word, we have two referral contests: The person who refers the most approved applicants within six months wins a $100 Target gift card. Awarded in June and December. Every month, homeowners who refer one or more approved applicants are entered in a drawing for a $50 ReStore gift certificate. In order for your name to be entered in the contests, each approved applicant that you refer must write your name on their application. Use the coupon below. Homeowner Referral Coupon Call 404-223-5180, ext. 100, for more information on buying a new, attractive, affordable home at 0% interest through Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Atlanta Habitat Homeowner Name Page 4 GAH02_NH7
Home Smart, Atlanta Habitat s homeowner education program, is open to ALL Atlanta Habitat Homeowners! Pick up a schedule in the lobby or visit www.atlantahabitat.org. For more information, call Melissa Klein at 404-223-5180, ext. 163. Get Involved! Stay Involved! Get Money Smart! This three-part series will provide you with all the tools you need to achieve financial security. July August July 7 Saturday Class: Home Room I 9-10 am 12 Thursday Homeowner Advisory Committee 7-8 pm 14 Saturday Class: So You Want to Build a Shed/Fence? 9-10 am 17 Tuesday Class: Understanding Credit 7-8 pm 17 Tuesday Class: HOME Room 7-8:30 pm 26 Thursday Homeowner Ambassador Committee 6:30-8 pm Aug 4 Saturday Class: Home Room I 9-10 am 11 Saturday Class: Job Searches and Resume Writing 9-10 am 21 Tuesday Class: Ensuring Your Child s Success in School 7-8 pm 21 Tuesday Class: HOME Room 7-8:30 pm 25 Saturday Class: Home Room I 9-10 am 30 Thursday Homeowner Ambassador Committee 6:30-8 pm SeptemberSept October 1 Saturday No Class due to Labor Day Holiday 3 Monday Labor Day, Atlanta Habitat office is closed 8 Saturday Class: Money Smart, Part I 9-11 am 18 Tuesday Class: Energy Use in Your Home 7-8 pm 18 Tuesday Class: HOME Room 7-8:30 pm 27 Thursday Homeowner Ambassador Committee 6:30-8 pm 6 Saturday Class: Home Room I 9-10 am 11 Thursday Homeowner Advisory Committee 7-8 pm 13 Saturday Class: Money Smart, Part II 9-11 am 16 Tuesday Class: Holiday Savings 7-8 pm 16 Tuesday Class: HOME Room 7-8:30 pm 25 Thursday Homeowner Ambassador Committee 6:30-8 pm Classes and meetings are held in the Homeowner Education Room. Enter at 500 Woodward Ave. The Homeowner Advisory Committee meets every three months to provide important feedback, ideas and advice to Atlanta Habitat. The Homeowner Ambassador Committee helps promote the Atlanta Habitat homeownership program by speaking at events. All are welcome! For more information, please call Economy Jackson at 404-223-5180, ext. 168.
Atlanta Habitat Staff Contacts If you have questions about any of the items below, call the person listed. If you are not certain, call the Director of Family Services. The main office number is 404-223-5180. Director of Family Services, Economy Jackson, ext. 168 Serious homeowner issues Work Orders Neighborhood issues Financial concerns Homeowner Selection Manager, Geneva Hall-Shelton, ext. 124 Build dates Houseleader contact information Issues related to the move-in process Homeowner Education Liaison, Melissa Klein, ext. 163 Home Smart, the homeowner education program Sweat equity and education requirements Money Smart financial education workshops Homeowner Outreach Coordinator, ext. 133 Resources for outreach events Prospective homebuyers Ambassador Committee Advisory Committee Mortgage Services Associate, Paul Tomlinson, ext. 145 Maintenance account requests Account balances Payment history Mortgage Services Manager, Jennifer Chisholm, ext. 132 Property insurance Property taxes Termite treatment Solid waste and sanitation bills Homestead exemption Accessing Your Maintenance Account Obtain written approval from Atlanta Habitat before making any permanent changes to your property. Submit written request at least six weeks before funds are needed (request forms in the lobby). If the request is over $500, then three estimates for repairs are needed (otherwise one estimate). Atlanta Habitat audits your account to determine if funds are available and notify you of approval. Once work is completed, submit the bill to Atlanta Habitat for payment. Processing takes one week. Legal Department, Katherine Thomasset, ext. 126 Leases Mortgages Selling your house Scheduling an appointment to create a Will (free service) Kids Eat Free* Every Day IHOP Kids eat for free 4-9 pm with the purchase of an adult meal. Wednesdays Cici s Pizza Buffet Kids eat free every Wednesday night. Thursdays and Saturdays Piccadilly - all locations 99 cent Kid s Meals and $1.99 Big Kid s Meals all day Thursday and 11 am - 4 pm Saturdays. The offer includes an entrée, two sides, Jell-O or pudding or cupcake and a kid s drink. *We recommend that you call ahead to verify that these offers are still valid and to find out the rules. Visit www.kidseatfree.com for more offers. How to Use Your Maintenance Account Periodic maintenance to the house, such as interior or exterior painting Replacing appliances Emergency repairs necessary for you to live in the house Repairs necessary to maintain security of your property Requests must be for amounts over $100 Maintenance Tips Clear the air conditioner unit of tall grass, leaves, weeds and other debris. Keep shades or curtains drawn to block the sun 20% of the air conditioning bill can be due to sunlight coming through unshaded windows. Inspect and repair window and door screens and weather stripping. Replace the furnace filter in September and make sure it is working before it gets cold. Check and replace smoke detector batteries. Prune tree or shrub branches away from the house. Before watering plants or washing the car, check water restrictions. Call the Department of Public Works at (404) 612-8097 or ww2.co.fulton.ga.us.