It was another big night at the 2nd annual Gwinnett Lights
January 30, we gathered to celebrate our second annual Better Homes, Brighter Futures Campaign in Lawrenceville, Ga. We were joined by members of our community who came together to learn about our vision: a world where everyone has a safe, decent, affordable place to call home.
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity has a goal to do this locally, and with the help of our donors, we will make is possible. By working together with local businesses, churches, and individuals, we can construct new homes, preserve older homes through repairs, and build safer communities to raise our families.
In the first year of this campaign, 41 families have received better homes and brighter futures through the new construction and A Brush With Kindness programs.
Brent Bohanan
As the night continued, local officials, previous homeowners, and speakers in the community shared their stories. Featured keynote speaker, Rennie Curran, moved the audience with motivating words that were sure to stay with everyone. He told stories of the hard times that he endured during his childhood and the moment he learned about being selfless. He firmly believes that “Everything starts at home.” He owes it all to the “game-changers” that he met along the way: pastors, coaches, teachers, all of those that stepped in when God knew he needed them. He has taken the knowledge and guidance he received in life to pass it on to others.
When the 2019 homeowners took the stage, they shared about peace, dignity, and stability. These five extraordinary women went from strangers to friends over the course of the last build season. We heard of their struggles and how homeownership changed each of them. Stories like these didn’t leave a dry eye in the room!
This evening closed with inspiring words from Louis Fawcett, of NANOE. He stated, “We are here with our minds and hearts to help other families.” God shined a light into our lives over the evening. Through the generous hearts of our donors and their pledge commitments, we totaled $215,880 in just two hours! As individuals we are strong, but as a community, we stand stronger. We are thankful for this community.
Are you interested in finding out how you can help?
Join us in building better homes and brighter futures in Gwinnett County.
Make a donation. Every gift helps to build strength and stability through affordable housing in Gwinnett County. There are many ways to give including financial contributions, donor-advised funds, IRA contributions, stock donations, donation or reduced pricing on land, in-kind materials or labor, car donations, and legacy giving. Make a financial donation here.
Volunteer with us. Volunteers are the heart of Gwinnett Habitat. We welcome all ability levels and ages (16+) to volunteer with us on our new home construction build sites and A Brush With Kindness repair projects. For more information, or to sign up, check us out here.
Purchase or donate home goods. Visit our ReStore at 2100 Riverside Parkway in Lawrenceville where you can purchase or donate furniture, appliances, building materials and other home goods. All sales benefit the Habitat mission.
For more information on the first annual Gwinnett Lights in 2019, read here.