NFL Players Team Up with HomeAid to Help Decatur Co-op

HomeAid Atlanta, a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, assisted the Decatur Cooperative Ministry in the maintenance of one of their family homes.

HomeAid partnered with the NFL Players Association's, Atlanta chapter of former players and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association to make repairs and upgrades at the home, and HomeAid returned with the Professional Women in Building to continue work at the same location.

HomeAid's mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.

Families served by Decatur Cooperative Ministry’s Family House Transitional program now have a brighter, upgraded home where they can rebuild their lives, thanks to the efforts of HomeAid Atlanta and its partner groups.

Two HomeAid Care Days were held at the same Decatur Cooperative Ministry family home in preparation for a family with five children who will move in once the home is ready. During the first care day on Oct. 12, the HBA and the NFLPA teamed together. The work they completed was followed up by the efforts of the PWB on Oct. 25. 

The HBA and NFLPA were represented by fifteen volunteers who worked to repair and beautify the house and property.

Old fiberglass bathtubs were removed, new acrylic tubs installed, walls were primed, new cabinet faces added, new dishwasher installed, new microwave/vent hood combo installed, floor prepped for vinyl tiling, the home’s yard received much needed attention.

The repairs and upgrades were made at no cost to Decatur Cooperative Ministry and are valued at approximately $7,500.

“As former players in the NFL, we have had wonderful opportunities and want to help the community that we live in.  A great way to do that is to take part in activities like the HomeAid Care Day as part of our Touchdown for Homes program," Tim Broady, NFLPA Atlanta Chapter president, said in a statement. "This is the third year we have partnered with HomeAid, and each time our members get to do a lot of meaningful work and have a fun at the same time.  We hope that every family will have a nice home to live in as they rebuild their lives, particularly at the holiday season."

HBA volunteers included:

• Bonnie Nelson, project leader
• Vincent Longo
• Francisco Mendez
• Renee Rodriguez
• John Cooper
• Luis Rincon
• David Ellis
• Erin Pelletier
• Bob Matthews 

• Tim Broady (Philadelphia Eagles) Atlanta chapter president
• Ken Parker (New York Giants)
• Dewey McClain (Atlanta Falcons)
• Henry Hipps (LA Rams)
• Fred Banks (Miami Dolphins)
• Andrew Bolton (Detroit Lions)
• Lewis Scott (Denver Broncos).

Professional Women in Building volunteers:

• Christine Fortenberry
• Diedra Sorohan
• Josie Sorohan
• Grace Strickland
• Jill Wise
• Tangela Martin
• Donna Tyler
• Julianna Ryan
• Irene Hall
• Meg Thompson
• Monica Saunders.