Here it is, the first newsletter of 2026 and – just wow, has it been an incredible last few months at Habitat For Humanity of NE GA. It's hard to think of where to begin as there’s been so many blessings of late, but here goes…

Habitat Partner Family Program Update:



At Habitat for Humanity of NE GA, WE BUILD! WE BUILD because we believe that everyone, everywhere should have a decent, affordable place to call home. Our Mission of putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope, is the guiding principle for all that we do each and every day. And, when a Partner Family’s journey to homeownership is celebrated by the closing of a mortgage on a home they can call their OWN, we continue our steadfast dedication to being - and always remaining, a Mission driven organization.

In support of our Mission and Partner Families, Habitat of NE GA is proud and honored to introduce its newest Habitat Homeowners.

Please join all of us here at Habitat of NE GA in congratulating them on their new Habitat Home!

Habitat Home Construction Update:

At Habitat of NE GA, we believe that by working together, great things can be achieved and a profound difference can be made. In November, a Veteran Build was held with members from the Disabled American Veterans and VFW Post 7720 taking part in the construction of House #82. This Habitat House had been selected for The Cattanach Family and Nick Cattanach is a U.S. Army Veteran. For 3 days, Veterans came together to volunteer in the build of Nick Cattanach’s Habitat Home.

Now, this Habitat House is becoming more than a Habitat Partner Family’s home, it is now a symbol of gratitude, appreciation and commitment to those who have selflessly served our country.

Habitat For Humanity of NE GA is reaching out to all Veterans - whether to be a part of a Veterans Appreciation Build Day or to apply for Habitat Homeownership, as we want to give back to those that have given so much for our country. To find out more, please email Brian Young, Executive Director, at: director@habitatnega.org.

The 47^th Annual Hogpen Hillclimb 18k & Georgia Mountain Coaster 5k…it’s a wrap!

The 47^th Annual Hogpen Hillclimb 18k & Georgia Mountain Coaster 5k was held on January 17^th …and what an amazing event it was! More than 200 runners took part with over 40 local businesses and groups serving as sponsors. And, there was a Title Sponsor for the first time ever – Georgia Mountain Coaster! In addition; there was a DJ at registration and at the finish of both the 5k & 18k, The Rolling Rice Food truck served all participants amazing post-race grub, some great goodies from many of our sponsors could be found in the t-shirt bags given to all participants, hand-crafted one-of-a-kind awards to top male and female overall finishers of each race and category winners were provided, a pre-race raffle was held, a revamped 5k course welcomed racers to a scenic route along the Chattahoochee River to Hardman Farm, there was an on-course photographer and the GDOT allowed the Richard B Russell Parkway to be closed to northbound traffic to ensure runner safety while climbing the mountain to Hogpen Gap.

In the end, more than $45,000 was raised - which is an absolutely incredible accomplishment and truly a blessing as all proceeds from the Hogpen go directly back into our Habitat Home Builds! And, most importantly, funding from the Hogpen enables Habitat of NE GA to continue to serve our Mission of putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

There are so many who helped make this the most successful Hogpen ever! From the participants and sponsors to the Helen PD and White County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Helen, GDOT, Georgia Parks Service, Hardman Farm Historic Site, US Forestry Service-Chattahoochee-Oconee District, the Helen Chamber of Commerce, The Piedmont University Men’s Tennis Team, Pebble Ministry and the many other volunteers providing race support. A complete listing of 2026 sponsors can be found at the conclusion of this newsletter. And, to all, “Thank You…it would have been impossible to have done it without you!”

Finally and even though it’s almost a year away, planning is underway for the 48^th Annual Hogpen Hillclimb 18k & Cool River Tubing 5k. And, the Georgia Mountain Coaster will remain a primary sponsor as will Fourth Mountain Real Estate of Helen.  And, we are currently working with USATF to certify the 5k course in hopes of it becoming a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier by race day next year!

It’s never too early to become a part of the 48^th Hogpen, so if you’d like to sponsor the 2027 edition of this amazing event – or take part in another way, please email Brian Young, Executive Director at: director@habitatnega.org.

The ReStore

If you haven’t been to the ReStore in a while or if you were just there, its likely something new has been brought to the sales floor since your last visit. The ReStore Team of Gabe, Aaron, Shelby and Tiffany are making sure new items are brought out to the sales floor daily! So, if you didn't find an item you were looking for on your first trip to The ReStore, it may be there on your second - you just never know. AND, by shopping at The ReStore or making a donation to it, you're directly supporting a Habitat Home Build and, most of all, a Habitat Partner Family's home. The ReStore, is located at 1085 Rocky Branch Rd, Clarkesville. We hope to see you soon!

Habitat For Humanity of NE GA – Leadership.

The Leadership Team at Habitat for Humanity of NE GA spearheads our Affiliate’s strategic vision and operational effectiveness while ensuring adherence and passionate dedication to our Mission of putting God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

While fostering a collaborative culture of excellence critical to the fulfillment of our Mission, the Habitat For Humanity of NE GA Leadership Team works together to empower, strengthen and engage the communities we serve through the building of safe, decent and affordable housing.



Meet Your Affiliate Leadership Team & 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee

Brian Young- Executive Director, is a member of the 2025/26 Class of "Leadership Habersham". Being a part of this initiative is a tremendous opportunity to join forces with other Habersham County Leaders to work towards the common goal of strengthening the community in which we all serve. Through various activities and projects, "Leadership Habersham" raises awareness and provides insight into the economic, educational, social and civic aspects of Habersham County which, in the end, will allow each participant and their organization to better meet and achieve their own Mission to serve.

Please donate to help keep your community thriving at:

https://habitatnega.org/make-a-one-time-donation/