Habitat for Humanity hosted the ribbon-cutting Oct. 30 for the Coffee family’s new home in Milledgeville.
The Coffee family’s home was the first of four houses to be built with funding provided by the Community Home Investment Program Grant (CHIP Grant), created by an allocation of funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The $1.05 million investment funds were awarded to Macon Area Habitat for Humanity in May 2025.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony ended with volunteers and sponsors joining the Coffee family on the lawn for cake provided by Publix, photos, and mingling. The celebration marked the completion of construction for the first home this year toward Habitat for Humanity’s ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing access in Middle Georgia.
Several sponsors and organizations volunteered to make the building of the family’s home possible, including Publix and Lake Oconee store manager Paul Higgins. Publix has partnered with Habitat for Humanity for the past 30 years, donating more than $11 million through Publix Charities to support future homeowners. A $500 Publix gift card, cleaning supplies, fall goodies, and a cake were donated to the Coffee family.
“I’ve gotten many opportunities to volunteer with Publix for Habitat for Humanity homes,” said Higgins, reflecting on the volunteer work he has done throughout his 40 years with Publix. “On this one, I helped with siding and things like that. We have 11 stores in the district, so we always try to spread the word to gather as many volunteers as possible.”
“The pandemic paused our work for many years,” said Ivey Hall, executive director of Macon Area Habitat for Humanity. “But today we get to celebrate the Coffee family, proving that Habitat for Humanity is not done here in Baldwin County.”
Throughout her speech, Hall thanked volunteers for their hard work during the construction process.
“This piece of property is filled with the voices of our community that understand that everyone deserves a place to call home,” Hall said.
Homeowner Vodiksha Coffee expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the process.
“I want to thank everyone for their hard work- nothing has gone unappreciated,” Coffee said. “I’m very excited to have my family over for a real family dinner and to have the space for it. I’m so excited for Thanksgiving because that’ll be our first time to have a big family dinner.”