At the site of Habitat for Humanity’s soon-to-be Langston Park development, the international nonprofit passed its “Golden Hammer” to the Atlanta chapter on Nov. 12 as it readies for the 40th annual Carter Work Project building blitz.
From May 3-8, 2026 an estimated 2,000 volunteers will descend on Sylvan Hills to build 24 homes in Langston Park, marking the 40th anniversary of the annual Jimmy + Rosalynn Carter Work Project — and the first time since 1988’s Edgewood homes that the project will head to Atlanta.
In a formal declaration, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity International Vice President of Global Housing Opportunities and Mission Engagement Natosha Reid Rice started the 172-day countdown before the building blitz begins. The Hammer transitions from last year’s Austin work project to Georgia for 2026.
“Beginning this day and for generations to come, the Langston Park neighborhood will empower families to thrive in a safe, stable and connected community,” Rice said.
Langston Park is Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s first high-density development. In total, it will have 10 single-family homes, 18 duplexes and 40 townhomes. The Carter Work Project will build 24 of those homes for chosen homeowners.
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity CEO Rosalynn Merrick said three people are already in the “home buying pipeline.” To join in the build and become homeowners, they will put in 250 hours of “sweat equity” and take 17 financial and home maintenance courses. Then, they will receive a 30-year mortgage at zero percent interest.
Merrick said the nonprofit received over 900 inquiries the day Langston Park made it on the map, but she encouraged anyone who is a fit to apply. Habitat for Humanity generally looks for applicants who make 30 to 80 percent of the Area Median Income, which is $67,500 for one person.
“The goal would be to identify all 24 of our home buyer families in advance of the kickoff of the project so they can be here with us,” Merrick said. “A part of this amazing legacy moment with the Carter Work Project and building on site that week as well.”
The Langston Park development has been in the works for years. Habitat for Humanity Atlanta first acquired the plot from the state around 2015, then spent years rehabilitating and cleaning up the land. Staff picked up tires and trash and dismantled a skate park, all to prepare the property for future development.
Habitat for Humanity kicked off neighborhood engagement in 2018 and did extensive work on community buy-in. Surveys, meetings, popsicles and more worked out; the Neighborhood Planning Unit approved the development unanimously.
“It is truly mind-blowing and truly an honor and a joy for all of us to be a part of this mission,” Rice said.
Two of the soon-to-be homeowners also attended the ceremony. Lauren Clarke, a real estate agent, and Daniel Dunbar, a photographer, will be two of the 24 people working with volunteers to build their homes from the ground up.
“I’m very thankful and grateful to have the opportunity to own a home in Atlanta, but not even just own a home,” Clarke said. “To grow the skill set of actually constructing a home, that’s what makes this opportunity so unique; it’s just constant development in different aspects of your life.”
Dunbar said the future home will give him “personal freedom.” He found out about it as a contractor for the nonprofit, when a coworker mentioned there were open homes to apply for. Clarke learned about it through her work in real estate.
Together, they will join a bevy of volunteers from across the country to celebrate 50 years of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and do “some good old-fashioned sweat equity” in the nonprofit’s home state.
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