Becoming a homeowner epitomizes the American dream for millions of people and the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity is making this dream a reality. Also known as Habitat Savannah, they are hosting two National Homeownership Month events to celebrate the beginning and ending of several local families’ journeys to owning their own homes.
The first event, a groundbreaking, will begin Thursday, June 24 from 9-10 a.m. at 144 Darling St. on the construction of three homes while a Mortgage Burning event will be held the same afternoon at 701 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. This event will celebrate several Habitat homeowners’ saying goodbye to their monthly mortgage payments and burning their paid-in-full mortgage notes.
“We are excited to announce that there will be multiple families retiring their low- to no-interest mortgage debt with Habitat Savannah,” said Development Director Julie A. Schwartz. “Family members will set ablaze their mortgage note, signifying the accomplishment of completely paying off their mortgage, thus creating generational wealth for their family and moving closer to being completely self sufficient.”
The Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity subscribes to a vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. This affordable homeowner ministry aims to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope while being committed to partnering with low-income, working families. This partnership allows homeowners to realize their dream of owning quality, affordable and energy-efficient homes in safe and revitalizing neighborhoods in Chatham County.
Habitat partner families are selected based on need, ability to pay and willingness to partner. They are required to complete financial literacy classes, homeowner education and work closely with the Homeowner Services Manager to determine qualification.
Over 150 homes have been built since the organization was founded locally in 1983 and current homes are built by community volunteers through partnerships, sponsors and grants.
Future homeowner Tamika Jackson-Gregory said, “Being a Habitat for Humanity partner family means a great deal to me and my family. I am so looking forward to my very own groundbreaking ceremony, because I will be one step closer to fulfilling my dream of homeownership. Not only am I gaining the tools that I need to obtain a home, but the knowledge to secure and maintain it. I look forward to the day that I can burn my mortgage and then I can truly say that my home is all mine. Until then I will celebrate those that are breaking ground and burning their mortgages.”
National Homeownership Week began in 1995 as a strategy of President Clinton’s administration to increase homeownership across the nation. In 2002, President George W. Bush expanded the observance to the entire month of June.
These events are free, open to the public and all are encouraged to attend to see Habitat Savannah in action.
“Press is definitely invited and encouraged to attend so the community can learn how Habitat is joining forces with the City of Savannah and other entities to develop affordable housing through ownership,” Schwartz said. “Community historians, local dignitaries and community members will be present. As with all events at Habitat Savannah, everything begins with prayer.”
For information, visit habitatsavannah.org.
This article appears in 06-23-2021.