Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Names Six to Construction and Development Teams

by Sarah E. Fedota

Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is pleased to welcome six AmeriCorps members who have joined us to help forward our mission of affordable homeownership to qualified families in the city of Atlanta and surrounding area.

Joining our Construction group are Martin Hafner, construction systems (VISTA), Patrick Nelson, assistant house leader; William Johnson, assistant house leader; and returning for a second year, Laurel Briglevich, assistant house leader. Also, Ayaan Harper is with us as a Family Services assistant, and Jessica Plante, volunteer services assistant, serves on our Development team.

The AmeriCorps program is divided into two groups with slightly different focuses: AmeriCorps Nationals provide direct service, such as building homes, mobilizing volunteers, and supporting homeowners. The AmeriCorps VISTA program supports efforts through indirect service to overcome poverty housing issues through community empowerment, capacity-building, and sustainable solutions.

“Each of our talented, energetic service members have committed to serve full-time over the next year,” said Larrie Del Martin, president and CEO, Atlanta Habitat.

“Atlanta Habitat began its participation in the AmeriCorps VISTA program in 2002, and in 2004, we began hosting AmeriCorps National Direct members. Since 2002, we’ve hosted at least 17 AmeriCorps VISTAs and 38 AmeriCorps National Direct members who have helped us fulfill our mission by serving in Development, Real Estate, Construction, Volunteer Services, Family Services, and our ReStore.”

Ms. Fedota is communications consultant for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.