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Articles
> One on One with Richard Rogers
News 12 26 On Your Side:
> Habitat Humanity Opens New Resource Center
> Augusta Habitat Included In CDS Bill
WJBF News 6 Article:
> Habitat Remembers President Jimmy Carter
Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2026
Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity Awarded $1.85 Million in Federal Funding to Build Affordable Homes in Turpin Hill
Augusta, GA — Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $1,850,000 in FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending to build new affordable homes in Augusta’s historic Turpin Hill neighborhood. The federal funding, secured with the support of Georgia’s U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, will expand housing opportunities for working families and revitalize one of Augusta’s oldest communities.
“Turpin Hill is one of Augusta’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods, a community built by generations of hardworking families whose roots run deep in this city,” said Bernadette Kelliher, President and CEO of Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity. “Its historic homes and streets tell the story of resilience, culture, and pride. With this investment, we have the opportunity to honor that legacy, preserving its history while giving new energy and opportunity to the families who will call Turpin Hill home. These new homes will reflect the strength of the neighborhood’s past while creating a foundation for families to build their futures. This is about restoration, dignity, and ensuring that the next generation can write their own chapter in this historic community.”
Senator Jon Ossoff commented, “Georgia families urgently need more affordable housing. That’s why Senator Reverend Warnock and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen the Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to build new housing units for families across Augusta and the CSRA. I thank Augusta Habitat for Humanity President and CEO Bernadette Kelliher for bringing this proposal to our offices and for her leadership in the community,”
Senator Raphael Warnock added, “After months of bipartisan work, I am thrilled that over $1.8 million has been secured to build new affordable homes for working Georgians in Augusta. This investment demonstrates what is possible when Congress works together to support communities and families in need. We are in a housing crisis. America is not building enough housing and costs are continuing to soar. I will keep fighting for legislation that supports housing construction and lower housing costs, and in the meantime, I am proud of my years-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help get working families in Georgia into affordable homes to begin building generational wealth.”
This federal investment strengthens ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities across Augusta and reflects a shared commitment among local and federal partners to ensure that families have access to safe, stable, and affordable homes.
Since its founding in 1986, Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families, volunteers, and community supporters to build and preserve homes throughout the Central Savannah River Area. Through affordable homeownership, Habitat empowers families to build equity, stability, and generational opportunity.
Bernadette M. Kelliher
President & CEO
Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity
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Frequently Asked Questions
Habitat for Humanity offers homeownership opportunities to families who are unable to obtain conventional house financing. Generally, this includes those whose income is 40 to 60 percent of the area’s median income. In most cases, prospective Habitat homeowner families make a modest down payment. Additionally, they contribute 300 to 500 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of their home or someone else’s home. Because Habitat houses are built using donations of land, material and labor, mortgage payments are kept affordable.
Housing studies show affordable housing has no adverse effect on neighborhood property values. In fact, Habitat houses have proven to increase property values and local government tax income.
While some Habitat homeowners receive Aid to Families with Dependent Children, many more are working people. Typically their annual income is less than half the local median income in their community.
Habitat homeowners are chosen without regard to race, religion, or ethnic group, in keeping with U.S. law and with Habitat’s abiding belief that God’s love extends to everyone. Habitat also welcomes volunteers from all faiths, or no faith, who actively embrace Habitat’s goal of eliminating poverty housing from the world.
Local Habitat affiliates are independent, non profit organizations that operate within a specific service area within the framework of the Habitat Affiliate Covenant.
Habitat for Humanity is not an arm of the government. Habitat is an independent, nonprofit organization that accepts some government funds and other resources to help provide houses for those in need. We accept these funds as long as they do not limit our ability to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. Additionally, our local affiliates insert specific guidelines as needed to avoid becoming dependent on or controlled by government funds.
Habitat was started in 1976 in Americus, Ga., by the late Millard Fuller and his wife Linda. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn (whose home is eight miles from Americus, in Plains, Ga.), have been longtime Habitat supporters and volunteers who help bring national attention to the organization’s house-building work. Each year, they lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project to help build houses and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.