HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Earlier this year, Houston County Habitat for Humanity secured enough funding to invest in an unprecedented step forward in their mission to help supply people quality, affordable housing.
They announced they were building four homes at once, something the chapter hasn't done before.
Three of the homes sit on Orchard Way in Warner Robins. On Saturday, the nonprofit gathered with some of those families to celebrate completion of the new homes.
Jessica Bembry, a mother of two, said this purchase gives her the power to create a better life for her family.
"I'm nervous, I'm happy, I'm just ready to start a new beginning," Bembry said.
Bembry said that, before securing this property, her family stayed in public housing, and she feared for her babies' lives.
"We lived in housing apartments and a lot goes on over there, like shooting and stuff, so my kids couldn't come out like normal kids because I was scared that they might get shot," Bembry said. "...Now I feel like they can just come out and enjoy in their own yard and not worry about is a bullet gonna hit them or not."
Bembry said this means she can take her dreams off hold. The new homeowner will receive her high school diploma in November and is looking for a new job.
"Just doing a lot of stuff to better myself and put a smile on their face," Bembry said.
Houston County Habitat for Humanity said they love seeing families thrive through this partnership.
"We're setting them up for the rest of their lives with a very affordable mortgage, and they learn how to take care of their home," Executive Director Bill Goggin said. "It's just a great program, there's nothing else like it."
He said homeowners contribute sweat equity, which means they invest volunteer hours to pour back into their local Habitat for Humanity projects.
For some, families this could be their own property. Sweat equity tasks varies from family to family.
Bembry said it's a blessing to seek homeownership while housing costs skyrocket.
"You can't find anything for a decent price to live in to be comfortable with your kids because everything is so expensive now," Bembry said. "So it's most definitely a blessing to have Habitat and places like that."
Houston Habitat said the families will close on their houses this week. The fourth home, in Perry, is nearing completion.
The next slated for construction on Orchard Way will be sponsored through their veteran housing program.