Rosalyn Merrick, the President and CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, reflects on the significant importance of Juneteenth in her life and her community. Growing up in Thomaston, Georgia, she cherished the annual Juneteenth parade, which not only celebrated freedom but also brought families and friends together for a joyful reunion.
Merrick recalls these moments vividly, contrasting them with the disparities present in the American landscape today. As she matured, she became increasingly aware of the systemic inequalities that hinder access to the American dream, particularly the aspiration for affordable housing. She notes that many of those historically marginalized in the U.S. bear a resemblance to her, as they represent the descendants of those who rejoiced upon their liberation on June 19, 1865.
At Atlanta Habitat, 93% of families served are Black, highlighting the organization’s desire to address these economic disparities through various programs. Merrick emphasizes that homeownership is not merely a means of financial investment; it is a form of liberation that can transform family trajectories for generations.
June serves as National Homeownership Month, which Merrick believes aligns meaningfully with Juneteenth. According to her, owning a home provides families with the stability needed to pursue educational and financial advancements, such as debt reduction, retirement savings, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Through Atlanta Habitat’s Vision. Goals. Action! program, at least 10% of their homeowners develop critical skills required for entrepreneurship, empowering them to access capital for business growth or initiation. By focusing on homeownership and property preservation, Atlanta Habitat lays the groundwork for families to take charge of their futures.
Merrick expresses her commitment to making the American Dream of homeownership accessible to more families in Atlanta. She believes that liberation should be attainable for individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or situations, and she advocates for a more equitable Atlanta where every family has the opportunity to secure a home.
As an organization, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity stands as one of the most consistent investors and builders in Atlanta’s legacy neighborhoods. Over its 42 years of operation, the organization has enabled working families, who have faced systemic barriers to financial progression, to fulfill their homeownership dreams.
Families aspiring for homeownership go through a comprehensive selection process that requires investing 250 hours of ‘sweat equity’ as well as participating in 17 courses covering financial education and home maintenance. After fulfilling these requirements, aspiring homeowners sign a 30-year, interest-free mortgage on a home they helped build with community assistance and the contributions of volunteers.
Merrick’s rise within Atlanta Habitat has been marked by her dedication to the community and her leadership capacity. Joining the organization as the Chief Development Officer in November 2020, Merrick soon became the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer in January 2023 before being appointed as President and CEO in May 2024. A magna cum laude graduate from Georgia State University, she has spent over two decades cultivating leadership experience across various esteemed organizations.
Merrick, a native Atlantan, continues to reside in Tucker with her husband and two sons, nurturing her commitment to the community and its welfare. She envisions a future where the equity gap in homeownership is bridged through concerted efforts, one family and one home at a time.
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity remains focused on their mission, reinforcing the belief that everyone deserves the chance for a better tomorrow through homeownership. By combining resources and community support, they aim to create a thriving environment for families that echoes the fond memories of Merrick’s grandmother’s neighborhood in Thomaston.
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