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Macon grandmother is mortgage-free after paying off Habitat for Humanity home she bought in 1998

Affordable housing is impacting people across the state. After years of Keshia Harpe not knowing where she will live now she's entering 2024 as a homeowner

MACON, Ga. — "I closed on this house July of 1998. (It) was the best day of my life," says new homeowner Keisha Harpe.

After years of renting, moving, and not knowing how ends would meet Keshia Harpe finally found a place in Macon. She and her kids could call home. 

"I knew my children did not have to face homelessness anymore," explained Harpe.

Affordable housing is an issue Harpe faced decades ago and is still an issue many run into in Macon. Through Macon Area Habitat for Humanity Harpe got to move into a habitat home.

"Construction is getting more expensive an home ownership. Our commitment to our families is that they will not pay more than 30% of their income on housing," says Ivey Hall executive director of Macon Area Habitat for Humanity.

Hall says they are seeing more people looking for help. Working with donors and Macon-Bibb County helps make it possible for more to move into habitat homes.

"We've served over 130 families. Just in 2023 alone we have 7 families that are now homeowners. We are starting the year with 6 houses under construction and several more to start next year," says Harpe.

2023 marked the year when Harpe paid off her habitat home.

"I have no more mortgage and I did it before 30 years," says Harpe.

Habitat works with families to help build houses, but they also get to be their mortgage company throughout the process. A link to apply to be a potential homeowner with them is here.

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