Habitat for Humanity helps family get home for the holidays

A Stockbridge mother and are moving into a new home just in time for the holidays. The fresh start comes thanks to Habitat for Humanity and after a lot of hard work and patience.

Desiree Crawford has worked side-by-side with Habitat crews every Saturday since October to rehabilitate a house on Timber Lane in Stockbridge.

Now she and her 6-year-old son Jordan call that address home.

"Overwhelming emotionally, it's just like I'm just thankful about the whole process," said Crawford.

The house is one of six homes in Henry County donated by Bank of America to the Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity. But the backbone --  the heart and soul of the rehabs  -- are the volunteers.

"We put a lot of energy and work into it.  I think it's turned out really, really great. I think it looks like a new house," said Dave Hesterlee, a volunteer.

The keys to unlock a new beginning came on Desiree's 30th birthday.

"This is just the start of a new journey," said Crawford.

The move will provide stability for her son and flexibility that renting a home doesn't always allow.

"I can decorate if I want to. If I want paint the room green and red, I can. Whatever it I want to do, I can because it's ours. It's truly ours," Crawford said.

The property donations are part of Bank of America's national partnership, which will give away 2,000 vacant properties up for renovation over the next three years.