March 5 | The Second Sunday of Lent

A “go to” gas station in Sandy Springs is the Chevron Food Mart on the corner of Mt. Vernon and Boylston Dr. Just a block off Roswell Rd, the pumps are rarely busy and it feels like a village apart. I had just pulled up to the pumps - prepared to pay $4.89 a gallon (then) into my GMC Yukon with its ravenous 26 gallon capacity. Calculated to be $137.36. C‘est la vie.

Then it was that she came rumbling in, her 1993 Buick Century coughing and wheezing. “Oh Whee” she cried “Look at that gas price. This old baby is thirsty. Gonna do me in. Hey Mister, is 285 West….Where am I going to get there?” 

“Not far. Not far, just take Roswell Rd. and there it will be - less than a mile.”
“God, these are tough times. I got to get to Macon and see my daughter who is not doing well at all.”
“Sorry to hear that. What’s wrong?”
“Long story. Complications. Are you a believing in the power of the Lord man?”
“Yes.”
“Please pray for me and my child. Her name is Imani Elizabeth.”
“I’ll tell you what. Let me give you some money for gas. I’m flush today.”
“You ain’t real, sir. You ain’t real. You must be an angel.”

We finished the gas duty at the same time - and we said goodbye and she drove off in her Buick Century - never to be heard of again.

I am part of a conspiracy. A conspiracy of goodness and generosity. A parishioner here at Holy Innocents has been known to slide me an envelope filled with twenty dollar bills, with the understanding that I pass them out to the needy and deserving. I do that faithfully, adding some of my own. It is our little thing - a small rebellion against the powers of darkness. My friend is the angel of mercy. I am just the conduit. Still it is so wonderful to be a part of something so worthwhile. After all, love is all we can hold against the darkness.

“You are given one little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”

-Robin Williams

ATLANTA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 

There are many benefits to owning your own home. You can better control housing costs. You can build equity with each month’s payment. Home values rise as you pay. Ownership is a cornerstone for wealth. You can build credit. You build self confidence. You experience pride of ownership. Commitment to Atlanta Habitat has long been a priority for our parish community. Habitat is a non-profit organization that assists qualified people already in the community to improve the place they call home. Affordable housing is the strongest component in the building of stable communities.

Two bedroom rental apartments in Atlanta can start at $1,400 - $2,200 a month. And can cost much more. That is a heavy lift - impossible for many who dream of owning their own home. 

“When I arrived at the site in the Lakewood neighborhood, I was immediately struck by the energy and enthusiasm. The homeowner was there as well, speaking of the circumstances that led her to Habitat. I found her story both heartbreaking and inspiring. I had minimal construction experience but I was made to feel a welcomed, trusted, and integral member of the team. It was a truly rewarding experience. This has changed the lives of everyone involved.” 

-Doug Peterson

“I have participated in a Habitat build for many years. What impresses me so much is to learn and understand what a qualified homeowner has had to overcome in life. You learn firsthand how the new owner has been mentored and prepared for his or her ownership. It is just a win/win opportunity and changes the lives of everyone there.” 

- Andre Touzet

“I have never been disappointed. Participating has been a wonderful experience - more so than I expected. No matter how inexperienced or experienced you are, there is your contribution and it is so rewarding. To see the structure rise into place before your eyes and to hold such meaningful conversations with the family who will own the home. I can’t wait to do this again.” 

- Steve Taylor

How does Habitat work? Qualified low income wage earners receive a 0% interest mortgage loan as a stepping stone toward home ownership. They qualify after having completed a course in home and financial management and having demonstrated that they are motivated and responsible participants in the community. 

The construction of the house is under the supervision of professional employees of Habitat, with the assistance of volunteers from neighboring congregations and organizations. The recipient of the Habitat loan is part of the working team, and hearts swell with pride as a home rises from the ground, ready to embrace the new owners.  

Just recently, Holy Innocents’ helped Ivonne McCarthy, a single mother who works as an aide at a local assisted care facility, fulfill her dream of a lifetime.

Before the Build gets underway there will be a call for volunteers. Volunteers need not be carpenters equipped with construction skills. Volunteers do need a sense of pride to join with the worthy recipient beginning the wonderful journey to home ownership. Working with other organizations and faith communities is a major part of the experience. 

Confidence and Dignity are the gifts that keep on giving.

“When I saw the completed house standing there, I had a deep sense of happiness and warmth for the homeowners and a sense of gratitude for the work of Habitat, and a small dose of pride for my small role in the project.” 

- Doug Peterson