On Monday, June 30th, the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its latest development, Micah’s Creek.
Micah’s Creek neighborhood will be made up of approximately 40 single-family homes, 15 two-bedroom bungalows, and 11 tiny homes. Non-profit Lydia’s Place will house working students dealing with housing insecurity within the bungalows, with the tiny homes housing veterans, artists, and musicians.
The groundbreaking project, named after the bible verse Micah 6:8, reflects the values that the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity hopes to bring to this community. The signs that will welcome residents into the neighborhood will display the phrases “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” as quoted from the verse.
The groundbreaking ceremony comes almost two years after unanimous approval from the ACC Board of Commissioners in December 2023.
The evening was an emotional affair, with 4 of the new homeowners who will be living in Micah’s Creek using golden shovels to throw dirt in the air, signaling the official groundbreaking.
Charles Smith is the VP of operations at the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity. He is grateful for the project’s push forward, “We’re just real excited that we’re finally breaking ground and this dream that has been discussed for quite some time is becoming a reality. We’re certainly grateful for the generous support we’ve received from our community.”
The project gained momentum after a 2017 research study revealed that families who become first-generation homeowners with a reduced mortgage would create generational wealth for their families in the future.
There will be a 5-7-year study focusing on the homeowners within the neighborhood who have been selected through a system connected to Gaines School Elementary. The expectations for the outcomes of this study are to see students educationally succeed when provided with a stable home.
Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. It is fully funded with over $9 million from state, federal, and municipal funds. However, the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity has only reached 60% of its fundraising goal. They are currently accepting donations to see their vision come to fruition.
Athens Area Habitat for Humanity is an underwriter of WUGA Athens.
