ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Two Georgia women have become first-time homeowners thanks to their own work and the efforts of several organizations. Tuesday was a life-changing day and the beginning of a brand new chapter in their lives.

Mariah Wynn, 11, said her favorite part of her new house is her room.

“That’s the part I love. It says: I love dancing because I love, love dancing,” Wynn said.

Her sister jumps around on her own bed. The girls see their mother Christine Bell’s dream, which she has been talking about for years, come true.

“She’s been talking about a house for a long time,” Wynn said.

“What most people don’t understand is that our families actually buy their homes directly from Atlanta Habitat and we help them build them themselves. We can do that as a lender, we offer our families a 30-year, interest-free mortgage, and we can do that as an affordable, sustainable home builder for families,” said Rosalyn Merrick, CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.

The home was funded by Habitat for Humanity, furnished by Aaron’s, and fully equipped by Warrick Dunn Charities (WDC). WDC also provided the family with $5,000 for their down payment.

“My work is my passion. The things that excite me are the things where I want to see someone’s life improve, see them move forward in life, live a better life, but also enjoy life at the same time,” says Warrick Dunn, former professional football player and founder of Warrick Dunn Charities.

Next door to the house is another home for Bell’s friend and new neighbor Genair. The same community partners were involved. Genair was so overwhelmed with emotion when she saw her house that she could barely stand on her feet. Both women are raising their children alone.

“Stability, peace, generational wealth. It just means we can do this. That’s one of my dreams,” Bell said.

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