GWINNETT HABITAT IN THE MEDIA
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Eric Miller and Jen Welch on The Marc McMain Podcast (February 16, 2026)
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Interview Transcript
Marc McMain: And welcome back, Marc McMain, our guest, Eric Miller, Executive Director of the Walton County Walton Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Jennifer Welch, the Deputy Executive Director. So I'm going to throw a question back to you guys: If somebody wants to volunteer, what is their first step? Did they go to a website and sign in to be sure this is the right match?
Eric Miller: Yeah, so they can just go to our website. You can just Google Gwinnett Walton Habitat for Humanity, put in an interest form. It'll come out to us, or go specifically to Scott, who's our volunteer coordinator. And we'll do our best to match you with the right opportunity. Of course, new construction opportunities are probably what we're most well known for. But also we have volunteer opportunities in our ReStore. We need people to come out and help us run that organization. That's really big for us, it helps us kind of cut down on overhead. And you know, it also allows for a different type of volunteer to get engaged. Someone who may not be as interested or even physically capable.
Marc McMain: So, somebody that maybe can't hammer a nail, but they still want to come help do what you're doing? You've got a spot for them?
Eric Miller: Absolutely, but of course new construction is the bread and butter of our organization. And I think it's a really beautiful thing. They come out, it's not just we don't throw you to the wolves and put you on a chop saw immediately. There's a lot of training that goes along. You get a lot about both the history of Habitat for Humanity, but how to exist safely and constructively on a construction site. But it's awesome, you get to come out and actually learn a new skill.
Jen Welch: I would say one of the biggest questions that we always get to ask is, do I have to know how to do something before I come out? I always say no, as long as you have a heart willing to serve, we'll teach you the skills that you need. It's so cool to see whether it's a guy or a gal who comes out to the work site, feel empowered after learning how to use a table saw or to use a ram set. Just learning these new skill sets, it's really nice to see that.
Marc McMain: I was thinking if it's a strong back, you can tote lumber. You get lumber from point A to point B.
Eric Miller: If nothing else we'll have you tote some stuff around, you can get a good workout.
Marc McMain: You always need some mules to help carry things around. So Chasity, tell me about some of your volunteer experiences. What have you been doing there?
(Producer) Chasity: I love it, so I'm one of the only ones at one of the houses we did here in Monroe that would climb the ladder to get to the gate. The ladders are always a big deal, no one wants to get on a ladder. Nobody w anted to get on it, so I climbed up there. And I had to even wrap it, you know, wrap the house and then even paint it up there. I spent a lot of time at that house, it was lovely. Once the whole side of the house, you would think that would take you a while. But actually once you get a rhythm and kind of go in, wrap the whole side of the house. And then even when it was time to put the frame into the concrete. And that big old hammer thing that just, you know, you had to hold on. But all of that, and then cabinets and the placement of the knobs.
Marc McMain: You've done it all, you've done it from the framing down to the finishes inside. It sounds like you built that house in one way.
Chasity: I think you just leave around the house and come back in a week and it's done. Oh I would love it, I love it. It's such a humbling experience, and these guys, Jennifer, they're just amazing.
Eric Miller: Yes, Jennifer is amazing.
Marc McMain: And how many feet were you in the air on the ladder? I knew you'd be on the ladder.
Chasity: It literally was at the top, so you know how the gable kind of decided the house. The homeowner, she held the ladder the whole time. She just was so worried about me.
Eric Miller: I'm so glad to hear that we were OSHA specific. I appreciate that. If my insurance carrier is listening, I'd like them to take note.
Marc McMain: She is a daredevil, there's no doubt about it. She wants to climb the tower here at WMOQ, but we can't have that. That goes 300 feet in the air. Let's talk about this, how does somebody qualify? We talked about the volunteer side of the equation that somebody wants to get involved. They want to roll up their sleeves, they want to help you. And folks, I couldn't encourage you more to do something like this. I think there's always opportunities in your community to do something that benefits your community. So whether it's through the church, the Rotary Club, whatever you're part of. But if you haven't found that thing yet, and you're sitting around and you're thinking, man, I sure like, I've got two or three hours on a Saturday to come help out. You will. This sounds like a great thing to go and do.
Chasity: And you will be hooked, I promise you will be hooked. You will want to see the whole project through.
Marc McMain: Yeah, you're listening to the Marc McMain show, our guest, Eric Miller, Jennifer Welch. So now let's talk about the second side of this equation. So you've got a family, whether it be a single mom, whoever it may be that qualifies. How do they get into the conversation if it's a person that's looking for a home but they can't buy a home under traditional circumstances? How do they find their way to you?
Eric Miller: So anytime we are ready to build any slate of homes, we'll put out a call to the community for applications. And they'll basically be invited to an orientation initially so they can understand what the program is. Because believe it or not, a lot of them think that we give houses away. So it's really educating them that we serve between 30 and 80% of area median income. And that's a lot of folks, you know, the middle class is just gigantic at this point. Sure, there's also some other financial requirements, that income ratio is credit scores and that sort of thing. If you get vetted through all of that and you're looking fairly good on paper for being a good candidate for our program, you'd go through to the Homeowner Selection Committee, which is a committee of volunteers that work with us. And they select our homeowners based on three criteria. Demonstration of need, you have to be able to demonstrate a need for our services. Willingness to partner, that's doing the class work and the sweat equity and taking that partnership on. But of course, the last one, the ability to pay. Because we are trying to set you up for success. So if we find that you're interested in the program but we can't, through the economics of building a house, sell you that house at a mortgage payment that's below 30% of your gross monthly income, I don't want to sell that house to you. And there's nothing against you. It's just that I've got to set you up for success. And we know, speaking economically, left, right and center, it's not even a political thing. All economists agree, if we can keep you below that 30%, you're going to be able to save more money, do more for your children and set your family up for success. So that's really the metric that we're looking for. We're trying to set up people to just really improve their lives and move forward.
Marc McMain: I don't know that there's a better example of the phrase, this is a hand up, not a hand out. You're helping people, yes, there's support you're giving them that they wouldn't find in traditional sources. But there's no better example of you are helping them get on their way, but you're expecting them to carry the load and fulfill their obligations.
Eric Miller: In the best of circumstances, we are simply setting the conditions for success and allowing these people and these families to become the best versions of themselves.
Marc McMain: Look, it's tough for anybody right now, not just a young person. It's tough for anybody to get into home ownership. When you look at the interest rates, you look at the inflation, what it costs to just get into a starter home. And that applies not just to Walton, that's Morgan, Barrow, Oconee, good lord. It's not cheap to get into a house. So it is a great service which you guys are providing. Before we get into, because I also asked each of you to kind of cue up some, whether they be heartwarming success stories or just a story that you want to share that you think the listeners would enjoy listening to. What about maybe businesses or community partnerships? If somebody says, "Hey look, I just don't have the time but I want to contribute," I'm assuming financial donations. I'm not talking about the store, I'm talking about the actual construction of the home. What can they do to help?
Jennifer Welch: One thing that Eric hasn't mentioned yet, I don't think, is that why we sell these houses to the families–it is a no-interest mortgage. So being able to have a no-interest mortgage that we provide to these families, we have to have donations and funding come in to support the cost of building a home. So we need companies, we need individual donors who are able to help us cover the cost of building materials when we go vertical, the house. Without that we wouldn't be able to do the interest-free home ownership program.
Marc McMain: Yeah, because you've got people pitching in and helping out with you. Brilliant, brilliant.
Eric Miller: At the end of the day I think that we feel simply that the more resources that come to have a relationship with our organization, the more powerful and the more successful our organization is going to be. So financial donations, absolutely. But at the end of the day, we partner with a lot of roofing companies and a lot of lumber companies that maybe sometimes want to donate in kind materials or labor, which every little bit of that helps out massively. Because it's just cutting off costs at the end of the day and really helping us produce homes a little bit more affordably. Still very beautiful, very custom homes. But it's helping us spread our dollars over more units and serve more families within the community. So relationships are the key. And I think we live in a world of abundance. There's a lot going on out there. And if we simply put out the call, we're not high pressure salesman at Habitat. We want you to be with us because you love our mission and you believe in what we're doing. I say come have an experience with us. If it touches your heart and you want to take the relationship to a financial place after that, then we're here for that. But just come check us out.
Marc McMain: Our guests, Eric Miller, Jennifer Welch. They're with the Walton Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity. So I asked each of you to queue up a little story. Have you ever seen a story that just, I'm sure every single one of them hits home, but is there one that jumps out at you that was extra special?
Eric Miller: Since I got here, you know, I was drinking through a fire hose pretty well my first three or four months here. But my second month, I think, my first home dedication here in Monroe was with a gentleman named Nick. He's a veteran and a very adorable little daughter. And we got to put him into his house. And I remember chatting with his little kid about how much he was excited about playing soccer in her new yard. But that was also something that I'd never experienced at my last Habitat affiliate. We partnered on that home with Warrick Dunn Foundations. And he came out with his team. It's a great experience. But it's kind of crazy. We just hand them the keys to the house two weeks, they tell us we can't go in. We can't be near the house. They got to keep us away because it's supposed to be a surprise. So we just got to stay away and let them do their thing. And on the day of, you know, they come up with some kind of story to get the homeowner out there. And he has filled the entire home up with furniture with art on the walls, filled up his shed with lawn mowers and weed whips and that sort of thing, and they've stocked his pantry and his fridge with food.
Eric Miller: When you talk about someone seeing like graciousness and someone who's as grateful as a human can be like in person, it's overwhelming. It's overwhelming. Like I'm getting chills sitting here talking about it. And Nick is a really, really wonderful man. Really humble, really introverted guy. But he takes care of his business. He's a great dad. And he's really thriving since he got in that house. But that one really knocked me over as soon as I got here, it was really cool.
Marc McMain: Love hearing that, especially for a veteran. That's a great story. Jennifer, one jump out at you?
Jennifer Welch: Yeah, I think I want to share a home repair story that we had. Family, the Moore family. And as a husband and wife. And the wife had a stroke and was battling cancer. And unfortunately, like a lot of homes in Gwinnett and Walton, you have your master bedroom on the second floor and you have your bathroom that you can take your showers in on the second floor.
Marc McMain: That's right, yeah.
Jennifer Welch: And after you have a stroke, oftentimes, this homeowner was now wheelchair-bound. And so they kind of converted her living room into a "bedroom" for her. But she wasn't able to have a full shower for two years because she wasn't able to climb up the stairs anymore and go get a shower. So we were able to partner with a lot of different entities and electricians and plumbers to be able to convert their garage into a fully ADA-accessible bedroom and bathroom. So that they could move out of their living room and be able to welcome folks over again. But have a place where she'd be able to safely shower and live with her and her husband again and not have to worry about falling and those kind of things that happen after you fall when you're older. So I think that's one of the most rewarding repair projects we've ever done is the repair projects.
Marc McMain: So it doesn't have to be an original Habitat for Humanity home.
Eric Miller: So I'm so glad Jen brought that up because I'd be remiss if we left you today without mentioning A Brush with Kindness, which is our critical repair program. Existing homeowners who are having a difficult time coming up with the money they need to complete critical repairs in their home and return them to safe, sanitary, and secure conditions. That is another program that we run. We've got an incredible repair team headed by Patrick, who's our repair program manager. That is as well oiled a machine as we have it at Gwinnett Walton Habitat. Those guys serve hundreds of families every year. And that's a real opportunity for existing homeowners to reach out. We can come help you with your siding or your porch or sometimes a subfloor sinking. Maybe you have roof issues or that sort of thing. So make sure.
Marc McMain: Can only imagine there's a lot of families in a predicament.
Eric Miller: Absolutely.
Marc McMain: That they're in dire straits but they don't have the means or the methods to get it repaired.
Eric Miller: Absolutely.
Marc McMain: Yeah, never thought about that. What an additional wonderful service. You're listening to the Marc McMain show, our guest, Eric Miller, Jennifer Welch there with the Walton Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity. Guys, in the closing minute that we've got here, I'm going to let each of you just kind of say something on the way out. Anything that I've left out. Anything that you want to share as far as what's next for Habitat for Humanity. Or if you want to revisit the website if people want to get involved.
Eric Miller: Yeah, I would encourage anyone to Google Gwinnett Walton Habitat and come check us out. There's a lot of different ways to get involved with us. We did last year, I think, receive a CHIP grant from the federal government for 1.45 million to build eight homes, vertical construction for eight homes in the city of Monroe. So we have a couple lots right now, but we are seeking more land opportunities. I think Jen and I are actually going to go drive by a lot right after this. So many projects coming to the Monroe area in the near future. And we look forward to partnering with that amazing community.
Marc McMain: That's fantastic. Jennifer, what's next for you?
Jennifer Welch: Well, we're just relatively new still to Walton County. We just merged with this old affiliate back in 2021. So Chasity is a great advocate for us. But our volunteer base out in Walton County is smaller than in Gwinnett because we've just been out here less time. So if you know anyone who wants to volunteer, whether they have a skill set or don't have a skill set for construction, send them to us, habitatgwinnett.org. And we'll be able to get everyone signed up. And we really just need more hands and more hearts really to serve at Walton County.
Marc McMain: Well, I appreciate both of you taking the time. I know you're busy coming in. This is great. Yeah, hopefully give some extra eyes and ears on what you're doing.
Eric Miller: Thank you, brother.
Jennifer Welch: Thank you, guys.
Marc McMain: Thank you. And thank you, Chasity.
Eric Miller: Thank you, Chasity.
Marc McMain: You are the queen volunteer of Walton County. There's no doubt about it.
Chasity: Oh, no, I'm not. There's so many more that do more. But like I said, once you just go there one time, I promise you'll want to continue.
Marc McMain: Eric, just keep her off a ladder. God bless you, I appreciate it. You're listening to the Marc McMain Show. Take a quick break, we'll be right back. Thanks, guys.
Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity and A Brush with Kindness Receive Grant
From staff reports
Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity has received a grant from See Beautiful for the A Brush with Kindness program.
The funding will support critical home repair projects for income-eligible families in the Gwinnett and Walton County areas, helping to ensure safe, affordable housing for those in need, the nonprofit said.
See Beautiful is a philanthropic company with a mission to provide inspiring, ethically-sourced products to create more beautiful in the world. The nonprofit said the grant will allow Gwinnett/Walton Habitat and A Brush with Kindness to carry out essential repairs like roofing, accessibility improvements, and safety upgrades for vulnerable homeowners who may not have the resources to complete these on their own.
"Receiving this grant from See Beautiful allows us to expand our capacity to help even more families in our community," said Jan Mayheu, Director of Philanthropy of Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity. "Our mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope, and this partnership with See Beautiful empowers us to continue that work, ensuring families have safe, healthy places to live. We're grateful for See Beautiful's support."
Since its inception, See Beautiful has donated over $200,000 through its grant program, contributing to causes that make a meaningful difference. Their continued partnership with organizations like Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity reflects a shared belief in creating a more beautiful world through impactful, community-driven action.
For more information on the Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity and their programs, or to learn more about the A Brush with Kindness initiative, please visit habitatgwinnett.org.
Lawrenceville and Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity are partnering to build four houses. The city’s Housing Authority is not only donating land for the homes, but Lawrenceville is providing $100,000 using American Rescue Plan Act funding for the construction.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2022
Media contact:
Melissa Hardegree
City of Lawrenceville
Melissa.hardegree@lawrencevillega.org
678.407.6651
City of Lawrenceville and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity Partner on Housing Project
City employees and community leaders to assist with the build
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – December 14, 2022: The City of Lawrenceville and the Gwinnett County Habitat for Humanity are partnering in a project to build four houses in the city limits of Lawrenceville in 2023. At the December 14 meeting, the City Council approved an agreement allowing the project to begin in first quarter 2023.
Part of Habitat for Humanity’s business model is for future owners and community leaders to work side-by-side to make their dreams of homeownership a reality. Unique to this project is the support of city employee volunteers, who will participate in two of the builds by working in 15-member shifts on weekends.
“The City Council and I are delighted to partner with Habitat for Humanity. This initiative supports affordable housing and unites our employees and community leaders in service to our fellow man,” said Mayor David Still. “And we are just getting started!”
The City of Lawrenceville will provide $100,000 to the project using ARPA funding for construction. Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity will sell the homes to individuals meeting the income requirements of the Habitat program. The homes shall contain at least fifteen hundred square feet of heated space, a two-car garage, and a working fireplace and chimney.
“Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity is so excited about our partnership with the City of Lawrenceville to build four affordable homes in Lawrenceville in 2023,” said Brent Bohanan, Executive Director of Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity. “It has been a long time since we have built in Lawrenceville due the lack of appropriate and affordable land. The land provided by the city is perfect for our program and will benefit four hard-working families in our community. The other great part of this partnership is that city employees will be volunteering to help build two complete homes. This project demonstrates the city’s commitment to its community and affordable housing for its citizens. We are grateful for the city’s support and look forward to working together to change the futures of four families in 2023.”
Additional information regarding volunteering for the project will be shared at lawrencevillega.org as it becomes available. For information regarding the Habitat for Humanity housing program, visit habitatgwinnett.org.
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Press Release – November 18, 2022
Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity receives $78,000 grant from Lowe’s to improve home safety and health outcomes in Gwinnett/Walton Countries.
Press Release – March 22, 2022
Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity International and 83 Habitat affiliates receive transformational $436M gift from MacKenzie Scott
Thousands of dollars were pledged to Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity’s Better Homes, Brighter Futures campaign during the organization’s recent Gwinnett Lights event.
Interview with Grace at the Warrick Dunn Charities Home for the Holidays reveal. Video 1 of 2.
Interview with Grace at the Warrick Dunn Charities Home for the Holidays reveal. Video 2 of 2.
Interview with Grace at the Warrick Dunn Charities Home for the Holidays reveal.
Interview with Crew Leaders Maria and Oscar.
Private fundraising to benefit Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity.
Veterans Build supported by veterans.
Local Wells Fargo employees volunteer around Metro Atlanta, including with Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity.
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity receives $15,000 for the "A Brush With Kindness" program.
2018 wish list for Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofits.
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity participates in Norcross Housing Expo.
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity moves to new office building with other nonprofits in centralized Lawrenceville.
30th Anniversary celebration.
2017 Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity wish list.
Nyshawn and her children celebrate the dedication of their new home and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity's first veterans build.
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity’s ‘A Brush With Kindness’ helps the community.
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity receives $5,000 grant.
A Brush With Kindness project in Peachtree Corners.
Lula and her son are surprised with a fully furnished home.
Silver70, a 70-mile fundraising bike ride, raises money for Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity.
Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity's 132nd home is in Snellville.
