Lennar & HomeAid Add Affordable Housing
"It was an honor for Lennar to be selected to work on Building C at Veterans Empowerment Organization. Derrick and I were overjoyed to have the opportunity to serve the heroes who have served our country. Knowing that we have created a home for nine veterans and their families fills us with joy and pride,” said Adam Paterson, Lennar Builder Captain.
Home builder Lennar has long supported all facets HomeAid Georgia’s mission. In addition to participating in several HomeAid Care Days and major projects including the 2021 plumbing repair and restoration project at The Drake House, Lennar and Builder Captain Adam Paterson have been integral in HomeAid’s efforts to increase affordable housing options across metro Atlanta.
In June 2023, supporters of HomeAid Atlanta, Lennar, and Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC) celebrated the completion of Gwinnett County's first Homeowner Resource Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony. GHC is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 development organization with a focus on creating, rehabilitating, and operating quality affordable residential housing. The Homeowner Resource Center will offer educational resources for families of low to moderate income seeking homeownership in Gwinnett County, including housing counseling, referrals for down payment assistance, access to non-profit developers, lenders, owner-occupied rehabilitation, and home modification activities. The Homeowner Resource Center is set to open to potential home buyers next month.
Adam Paterson, Lennar Area Construction Manager, volunteered as HomeAid Builder Captain to lead renovations on what was a vacant eyesore in downtown Norcross. The transformation began on March 24, 2023, when Lennar and Complete Permitting Services employees joined a HomeAid Care Day, a volunteer workday, to complete demolition, cleanout, and landscaping work. Paterson and his Lennar team and trade partners continued work throughout April and May. A second Care Day with Lennar volunteers wrapped up the project with painting and more on May 19. Over $60,000 in labor and materials were donated to transform the once dilapidated house, thanks to Lennar and the following companies that provided materials, labor, and expertise:
In October 2024, HomeAid Georgia, Lennar, and Veterans Empowerment Organization (VEO) celebrated the completed renovation of nine units of affordable housing for veterans. Located on VEO’s Atlanta campus, this renovation is a significant step in helping veterans rebuild their lives. VEO has offered a range of services for over 16 years, including housing, mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and workforce training, empowering veterans to achieve self-sufficiency.
The completion of Building C, which provides nine affordable apartments for veterans and their families, was made possible through the leadership and dedication of Adam Paterson and Derrick Valeriay, Area Construction Managers for Lennar Atlanta, who volunteered to lead renovations as HomeAid Builder Captains. With their guidance, the project – a year-long effort starting in September 2023 – took shape, driven by the generosity of Lennar and numerous trade partners. Collectively, approximately $300,000 in labor and materials were donated, transforming the building into a haven for veterans. Lennar also surprised VEO with an additional $50,000 donation during the October 17, 2024 ribbon-cutting ceremony, further underscoring their commitment to providing homes for veterans.
In addition to projects and Care Days, Lennar supports HomeAid Georgia’s community engagement initiatives including the annual Essentials Drive, and serves on HomeAid Georgia’s Board of Directors.