NFL players and Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association team with HomeAid Atlanta

DECATUR, Ga. - Oct. 31, 2013 - PRLog -- Families served by Decatur Cooperative Ministry’s Family House Transitional program now have a brighter, upgraded home where they can rebuild their lives, thanks to the efforts of HomeAid Atlanta and its partner groups, the NFL former Players Association (NFLPA), the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA), and the Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) of the HBA.  Two HomeAid Care Days were held at the same Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) family home.  During the first care day on October 12, the HBA and the NFLPA teamed together and the PWB followed up on October 25.

The HBA and NFLPA were represented by 15 volunteers who worked diligently to repair and beautify the house and property.  Old fiberglass bathtubs were removed, new acrylic tubs installed, new cabinet faces added, new dishwasher installed, new microwave/vent hood combo installed, floor prepped for vinyl tiling, the home’s yard received much needed attention! During the second care day on October 25, 12 volunteers from the PWB painted the entire interior of the home. The repairs and upgrades are valued at approximately $7,500.

“As former players in the NFL, we have had wonderful opportunities and want to help the community that we live in.  A great way to do that is to take part in activities like the HomeAid Care Day as part of our Touchdown for Homes program.  This is the third year we have partnered with HomeAid, and each time our members get to do a lot of meaningful work and have a fun at the same time.  We hope that every family will have a nice home to live in as they rebuild their lives, particularly at the holiday season,” said Tim Broady, NFLPA Atlanta Chapter president.

Thank you to HBA volunteers: Bonnie Nelson, project leader, Vincent Longo, Francisco Mendez, Renee Rodriguez, John Cooper, Luis Rincon, David Ellis, Erin Pelletier, and Bob Matthews who worked alongside NFLPA members Tim Broady (Philadelphia Eagles) Atlanta chapter president, Ken Parker (New York Giants), Dewey McClain (Atlanta Falcons), Henry Hipps (LA Rams), Fred Banks (Miami Dolphins), Andrew Bolton (Detroit Lions), and Lewis Scott (Denver Broncos).  The HomeAid Care Day project was part of Touchdown for Homes, a nationwide charitable outreach program of the National Association of Home Builders and the NFLPA that is bringing together local home builders’ associations and former NFL players to strengthen communities by building or renovating homes for people in need.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to team up with HomeAid Atlanta and members of the Atlanta NFL Players Association to make a difference in the lives of families served by Decatur Cooperative Ministry,” said David Ellis, executive vice president of the HBA.  “As members of the homebuilding industry, we know builders talents are being used well when we help those in transitionally homeless facilities.”

Christine Fortenberry, PWB member and project leader, stated, “The Professional Women in Building (PWB) have been looking forward to partnering with HomeAid Atlanta in assisting groups such as Decatur Cooperative Ministry. Our new PWB chapter, formed in 2012, was thrilled to put on our painter's hats to lend a helping hand to make ready a home for family of six.  We look forward to assisting HomeAid again in 2014.”

The Professional Women in Building were represented by Christine Fortenberry, Diedra Sorohan, Josie Sorohan, Grace Strickland, Jill Wise, Tangela Martin, Donna Tyler, Julianna Ryan, Irene Hall, Meg Thompson, and Monica Saunders.

Thank you to the volunteer groups and project donors Lowe's Home Improvement, Ferguson Enterprises, StrucSure Home Warranty, JWB Properties, BBC Builders, Our Way Café, Sherwin-Williams, O’Kelley & Sorohan, Attorneys at Law, and to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for your assistance!

About HomeAid Atlanta: Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  www.homeaidatlanta.org
About the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association: The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) is a 900-member, not-for-profit trade association affiliated with the Home Builders Association of Georgia and the National Association of Home Builders. The HBA is the sixth largest local homebuilders association in the nation and is dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving home ownership by maintaining the housing industry as a viable economic force in the Atlanta area.  www.atlantahomebuilders.com
About Decatur Cooperative Ministry: Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) alleviates and prevents homelessness, particularly among families.  DCM was founded in 1969 and has been actively involved in serving the Decatur/DeKalb area ever since.  The organization operates a transitional housing program for homeless families as well as an emergency shelter for women with children.  DCM works to prevent homelessness by providing assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, and food.  DCM provides its clients with personal growth and development opportunities such as financial management education, computer training, and support groups. www.decaturcooperativeministry.org
About the NFLPA: The NFL Players Association is the exclusive collective bargaining agent for all players employed by clubs of the National Football League. Founded in 1956, the NFLPA works to ensure that the rights and interests of NFL players are protected. In addition, the NFLPA strives to be a valuable resource and to maximize player opportunities on and off the field through membership programs and community activities. www.NFLPlayers.com
About the Professional Women in Building: TheProfessional Women in Building is a council of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and the largest national chapter in association with the National Alliance of Home Builders.  Its members work in all aspects of the building industry—as owners, builders, remodelers, architects, suppliers, marketing experts, designers and in finance and real estate. We are a strong and diverse network making advancements for women working in the building industry.  www.atlantahomebuilders.com