Leading with Purpose: Meet our Interim Executive Director

As Habitat Forsyth enters an exciting new chapter, we’re proud to introduce our Interim Executive Director, whose leadership is grounded in collaboration, compassion, and a deep commitment to our mission. With a strong connection to the work and the families we serve, she is focused on maintaining momentum, supporting our team, and continuing to build strength, stability, and opportunity across our community. Get to know Paola Candelaria.

What inspired you to step into the role of Interim Executive Director at Habitat Forsyth?

"Stepping into the Interim Executive Director role was driven by my deep commitment to our mission and the families we serve. There was a clear need, and I felt motivated by the incredible staff who show up every day with passion and purpose. Having worked closely with our programs, I saw this as an opportunity to provide stability, support our team, and keep our work moving forward during a time of transition."

What are your top priorities during your time in this role?

"My focus is on maintaining strong program delivery, supporting and empowering our staff, and strengthening relationships with our partners and community. We have big things on the horizon, so it’s important that we don’t lose momentum. At the same time, I want to be thoughtful and intentional about how we continue building toward the future of Habitat Forsyth."

What does Habitat’s mission mean to you personally?

"I became a first-time homeowner at 25, and at the time, I didn’t fully understand what I was doing or the long-term impact it would have on my life. Looking back, I realize how much that experience set me up for stability, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I had from family and friends. Not everyone has that kind of guidance, and that’s where Habitat comes in. To me, this work is about creating opportunity, stability, and generational impact. It’s about providing the resources and education that help level the playing field for families who may not otherwise have access to that knowledge. I’ve seen firsthand how homeownership can transform a family’s future and that’s what drives me every day."

What do you hope our community better understands about Habitat Forsyth?

"I hope our community sees Habitat as more than what meets the eye. We are a multi-pronged organization working across construction, retail, mortgage services, and family support. Each piece intentionally connected to create long-term impact.

Our homeowners are deeply invested in the process, they commit their time, energy, and ultimately purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage. What we provide is the structure, education, and support to help make that possible.

Beyond homeownership, our work extends in many directions. Our ReStores give gently used furniture a second life while keeping thousands of items out of the landfill. Our Youth Empowerment Program (YEP!) creates opportunities for teens to learn skills and gain exposure they may not otherwise have access to. We also support existing homeowners through critical repairs and accessibility modifications so they can safely remain in their homes.



And when a need falls outside of what we offer, we don’t stop there, we work closely with partners across the community to help connect families to the right resources. That’s the part people don’t always see, but it’s essential to how we serve."

How would you describe your leadership style?

"I lead with collaboration, transparency, and a strong focus on people. I believe in setting clear expectations, showing up for my team in whatever way is needed, and making decisions that align with our mission and values. At the end of the day, my goal is to support our team so we can continue to grow our impact."

Do you have a favorite Habitat story or moment that has stayed with you?

"Home dedication days are always incredibly meaningful. Seeing a family receive their keys after all their hard work never gets old. But what has stayed with me most are the quieter, more personal moments. I think of a senior who hadn’t been able to shower for months due to medical challenges and, through our repair program, was finally able to safely use a walk-in shower again. Or an elderly couple who regained the ability to go outside independently because of a ramp we built.

I also think of a homeowner who, at one point, struggled to save anything. Through the program, she built the habit of consistent saving and began to understand the long-term impact of financial stability, something that will benefit her for the rest of her life.

There are countless stories like these. Habitat changes lives in very real, very personal ways. It’s both inspiring and humbling to be part of this work and to lead such an incredible team."

One word to describe Habitat Forsyth

"Transformational."

A Long Journey Home: Iris' Dream Becomes Reality

It has been a long journey to homeownership for Iris. She first inquired about the Habitat program around 2013 but did not qualify. In 2022, she applied and was accepted. Unfortunately, a kitchen fire in her apartment meant she had to spend money she had been saving for a Habitat house for repairs instead. Finally in 2026, her dream is coming true.

As an employee of The Parenting PATH, a nonprofit that works to prevent child abuse by strengthening families, Iris does home visits to mothers of newborns and very young children. Like many families in today’s high-priced rental market, she and her five children, ages 8 to 18, live in an apartment that is too small for their needs. Iris currently shares a room and a bed with her 8-year-old twins and her 12-year-old daughter. “I want my children to have enough space, and I want them to have a place to call home, a house to call our own,” she said.

Habitat’s homeownership classes have prepared her well. “We have learned about saving, credit, repairing things around the house, and Second Harvest Food Bank came in to teach us how to cook and eat healthy foods.” Volunteering in the ReStore and helping to build other families’ homes have also been good experiences, she said.

Iris becomes emotional when talking about her new Habitat home. “I’ve waited so long,” she said. “I’m just thankful. Habitat gives people the chance to own a home based on their income. Without Habitat, I would never be able to buy the four- or five-bedroom house that my family needs.”