Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) celebrated the dedication of Habitat House No. 29 on May 12, welcoming Candice Ellison and her family into a brand-new, safe, stable and affordable home built through the support of volunteers, community partners, donors and sponsors across Putnam County.
Friends, supporters and local leaders gathered for the dedication ceremony to celebrate the milestone and recognize the collective effort that made the home possible.
For Candice and her children, the home represents far more than just a house. It provides long-term stability, security and a foundation for future success. Affordable homeownership offers not only stability today, but also a stronger foundation for future generations.
Ellison serves as the bookkeeping operations clerk for The Peoples Bank and has worked hard to create new opportunities for her family. Her daughter, Amyah, recently graduated from Georgia Career Institute’s Master Cosmetology program and is preparing to launch her own business.
Her son, Jaevien, just completed his freshman year at Kennesaw State University with a 4.0 GPA while majoring in accounting, and her second son, Khaleb, will enter his senior year at Putnam County High School this fall, where he plays basketball and plans to pursue a career in the trades after graduation.
“This home represents hope, stability and opportunity for a local family already contributing meaningfully to the Putnam County community,” HFHP Executive Director Murali Thirumal said. “We are incredibly grateful for the volunteers, sponsors, churches, businesses and community members who came together to help make this dream a reality.”
Mike Gannon, store manager at Publix Lakeside Commons in Milledgeville, presented the ceremonial keys to Candice on behalf of Publix Super Markets Charities alongside representatives from Harbin Lumber, Interfor, Farmers & Merchants Bank and Putnam County government.
The project was supported through a combination of financial contributions, volunteer labor, donated materials and community partnerships. Publix Super Markets Charities previously awarded a major grant supporting Habitat’s homebuilding efforts and also participated in a volunteer workday at the home site. Tri-County EMC provided grant funding to support the project's electrical installation, while Citizens of Georgia Power volunteers assisted with landscaping.
Additional support for the home came from community partners, including Cosmo Cabinets, Whirlpool Corporation, and many local volunteers and donors who contributed materials, time, and expertise throughout the build process.
The home dedication also featured several meaningful gifts and contributions from local supporters, including refreshments provided by the Cuscowilla Women’s Club, a custom watercolor painting of the home gifted by Scarlett McAllister, a floral arrangement presented by Brandy Herrington, and handmade quilts for the family created by longtime Habitat supporter Renee Hoeprich.
HFHP continues addressing affordable housing needs in the community while expanding future homeownership opportunities through Carter Crossing, the organization’s new 30-acre affordable housing neighborhood development in Putnam County.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Putnam, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support its mission, visit putnamcountyhabitat.org.