Advancing its commitment to create affordable housing, but now in a new and innovative way, Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia has received approval to build its first-ever, 50-unit single family residential townhome community of affordable housing in Cherokee County’s Holly Springs. The community will create a pipeline of affordable housing for qualified families who find home ownership just beyond their grasp due to market issues. 

Founded in 1994, Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia, which serves Cherokee, Dawson, Forsyth and North Fulton counties, enables individuals to build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

“During this period when real estate values are rising, demand is increasing, mortgage rates remain high and the number of homes for sale is decreasing, our mission to create affordable housing options is now more important than ever,” said Mike Stafford, president and board chair of Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia.  “This is a project that will have a generational impact on families living, working and building better lives for themselves in our service area.”

“For several years now, we have known that we need to have some higher density settings in order to make home ownership affordable to the growing number of qualified Habitat for Humanity families,” Stafford continued. “Affordable housing is needed in our community and higher density housing addresses that need in an efficient and cost-effective manner.”

“We have seen a tremendous response to Pinewood Heights, our 14-lot Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia neighborhood in Gainesville,” said Steve Napier, executive director of Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia. “This new community will build on that success and provide volunteers and sponsors with new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the people who make Georgia’s growing economy possible.”

At its session on Thursday, January 18, 2023, the Holly Springs City Council unanimously voted to approve a request from North Georgia Community Housing Development Corporation, a part of Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia, to annex and rezone a little over six acres on Edmondson Lane off Old Highway 5 from single family residential (county) and general commercial (county) to traditional neighborhood development (city).

A year in the making, HFH-NCG participated in public hearings and community events as the nonprofit helped current residents learn more about the review and qualification process for Habitat homeowners. 

“We appreciate the leadership of the city and county officials who advanced this initiative,” said Napier. “Much thanks goes to our many board members who made this project possible, especially Mike Pennington, chair of the Land Committee.”

Individuals looking to volunteer can find more information at https://habitat-ncg.org/volunteer/. Home sponsorship information is available athttps://habitat-ncg.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Habitat-NCG-House-Sponsor-Opportunities.pdf.

Recently named to the 2023 GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Nonprofit list, Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia offers:

+ New home construction and rehab programs focus on helping families become first-time home buyers.

+ Home Repair Program serving the needs of current non-Habitat seniors, veterans, and disabled homeowners.

+ Corporate team building activities.

+ Student engagement programs involving high school students from local area high schools.