Braves Break Ground on Habitat Home in Austell

AUSTELL — The first nails were hammered on Habitat for Humanity’s latest house-building project Wednesday morning. The Atlanta Braves Foundation is partnering with Habitat’s Northwest Metro Atlanta branch for the first time to build a home for Quintasha Swanson and her daughter, Angel.

Swanson, 49, works as executive assistant to Austell Police Chief Orrin Hamilton. When the project is complete, she will be the first in her family to become a homeowner. Chief Hamilton called Swanson’s new home a “true blessing” and a testament to her dedication and hard work.

“This is an incredible opportunity that Quintasha has been praying for,” Hamilton said. “She tirelessly serves our community without asking for anything in return. It’s heartwarming to see the community rally together for someone who has given so much. Quintasha truly embodies the spirit of service, and this moment brings all that she has done full circle.”

Last year, Swanson was approved to purchase a Habitat home after a year of applying. She first applied for the program in 2022, but did not meet all the necessary requirements.

Swanson and her daughter, Angel, 17, originally lived in College Park, but lost their home and had to live in the Austell Efficiency Lodge. They now rent a place in Austell that is too small for their family, according to a Braves representative.

After being approved for a Habitat home, Swanson said she was thankful, grateful and excited.

“Nothing beats a failure but a trial,” Swanson said. “We do reap what we sow, whether it is good or bad.”

In June, Swanson learned the Atlanta Braves Foundation would be sponsoring the construction of her future home while she was at work. The foundation teamed up with Austell Mayor Ollie Clemons and Angel to surprise her with the news.

“We thought we were having an employee luncheon, but come to find out, it was a main celebration for Angel and I,” Swanson said. “If I had never been a Braves fan before then, I am one now!”

Christine Morris, Habitat’s chief development officer, said the organization matches future homeowners with land that is bought by or donated to the organization. They then assign each project with a potential sponsor.

According to Morris, the Atlanta Braves Foundation wanted to get involved in more community efforts in Austell, calling it a “priority city.” Habitat decided to pair the foundation with Swanson’s project since the foundation’s goal best matched her family’s story.

On top of making consistent payments on an interest-free mortgage, future Habitat homeowners are required to complete 200 “sweat-equity” hours. These volunteer hours can be completed through the construction of their own home, other homes, as well as volunteering at local Habitat ReStores, which are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations.

Homeowners also complete a financial education course to “set them up for success with first-time homeownership,” Morris said.

A ceremony was held prior to beginning construction featuring a performance from Heavy Hitters, drumline for the Atlanta Braves, and guest speakers such as Morris, Clemons and Commissioner Monique Sheffield.

Danielle Debasse, executive director of the Atlanta Braves Foundation, said Swanson’s project is a perfect example of the foundation’s goal of “building community through baseball.”

Swanson took a moment to thank the volunteers for all their work, her coworkers for their support, as well as her daughter during a speech before the build.

“(She is) my baby. Angel has been a trooper through our journey,” Swanson said. “When we lost our home in College Park, we had to live in the Efficiency Lodge.”

Day one of the nine-week build required assembling the framing of the home. The worksite team consisted of Braves front office staff along with experienced Habitat volunteers to help guide the process.

Upon completing the project, Swanson said she is most looking forward to meeting her new neighbors, whose houses she unknowingly helped build while completing her sweat-equity hours.

“I can’t wait to go take them some cookies when we get moved in,” Swanson said. “I like to know who lives close by and let them know who I am. Hopefully we can start supporting one another and just make this one of the best communities in Austell.”

The project is scheduled for completion in September.

Braves front office staff will be volunteering throughout the weekly building schedule. Morris said the site needs a minimum of 25 people to complete all the tasks for the day. If the team is short-staffed, Morris said the public will have opportunities to fill in empty spots.

To volunteer for future builds with Habitat for Humanity, visit the organization’s Northwest Metro Atlanta page at habitatnwma.org and visit their “Get Involved” page.