Barry Krebs submitted the following report and photos from the ribbon-cutting for a Habitat for Humanity house in Austell:

The Habitat For Humanity celebrated the ribbon cutting at their new house in the Bowden Street area in the City of Austell. The recipient of the interest free loan after many other conditions were met is the City of Austell Police Dept Administrative Executive, Quintasha Swanson.

Under this project, she was able to inspire over 2,500 hours of volunteer “sweat equity” along with an estimated 208 administrative hours. In addition to having the love of her friends and neighbors, and her adopted daughter (who now attends Georgia State University) dedicate many hours helping others and mentoring high school student through their Haven Of Help non-profit. Quin is also the City of Austell appointee to the Keep Cobb Beautiful Board of Directors and has instituted the City of Austell Adopt-A-Street Program which motivates local citizens to keep their streets looking clean and litter-free.

Habitat For Humanity VIP’s such as Jessica Gill, Micheal O’Brien and Craig Thiman did an excellent job in coordinating the ribbon-cutting, Golden Hammer presentation and bestowed the Front Door Key to Quin and Angel. Inspirational words were offered by Mayor Clemons, Commissioner Sheffield, Police Chief Hamilton, Pastor Malcolm Lewis and others. City Councilwoman Sandra Leverette, Sweetwater Mission, Keep Cobb Beautiful, Austell Community Taskforce, Beacon Of Light Church and South Cobb Lions Club dedicated “sweat equity” hours and were also present.

None of this would have been possible without the help of our sponsors such as The Braves and NAPA Auto Parts. This house cost approximately $165,000 for the land, construction supplies and specialized labor. This house along with the other two other Habitat Houses really brighten up Bowden Street. This is the eleventh Habitat House in the City of Austell. We appreciate their willingness to allow Habitat For Humanity to continue to build and bring up property values in the area.