Habitat for Humanity is helping turn Vacant Lot into a Home

Habitat for Humanity has been in Southwest Atlanta for days now, turning what was once a overgrown eye sore into a home for 1 lucky resident.

Portia Davis is a single mother of three that previously lived in a 2 bedroom apartment in Southeast Atlanta near Turner Field.  She will soon be my new neighbor and the owner of a brand new 4 bedroom and 2 bath house in SW Atlanta.

Ms. Davis' story is one much like other Habitat for Humanity homeowners, but one she does not dwell on.  It is part of her past now, and Portia Davis is looking only towards the future.  What has already been a 6 month process will soon come to an end as she plans to move into her new home in mid-August.

Over 20 volunteers were working on building her home when I spoke to her. 

"This is absolutely amazing," she said.  "The progress we made on this home today is incredible."

During the 6 month process and before even getting a chance to build her home, Portia said that, "you have to go to workshops, watch video, counseling, etc." Program participants are asked to give 250 hours of their time learning and helping others in their same situation.  "I helped someone else build and move into their home, and now it is finally my turn." she said with a big grin.

Paying it forward must be a hallmark of the Habitat for Humanity program, because while I was on the construction site I saw another young family helping Portia build her home with great excitement and anticipation for the day that they get to watch their own home being built.

Portia Davis said she has not met many of the neighbors yet, but I told her we will welcome her with open arms.  I know other fellow neighbors were wondering what was actually being built once we saw them knock down the vacant home and begin putting up the new home. 

As a community I think that we all win, because now there is a beautiful new home, where there once was a foreclosed, overgrown, vacant house.

Congratulations Portia Davis on your new home and welcome to the neighborhood!