August 20, 2025 Family, Home Dedication, News

Four families purchase affordable homes at Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia development named for Rosalynn Carter

By Emily Kardjian

On Wednesday, August 13, four first-time homeowners opened the doors to their new homes at Rosalynn’s Way, a Habitat for Humanity development located on N 40th St in West Philadelphia’s Mantua neighborhood. These homes were built and dedicated in honor of the late former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and her long-standing contributions to affordable housing alongside Habitat for Humanity.

DeShonta, Habitat Homeowner | Photo by John Stritzinger

Habitat Philadelphia staff, community partners and neighborhood residents welcomed Denise, Sherita, Amber, and DeShonta and their families to their new homes. The four two-story townhomes at Rosalynn’s Way are 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath single-family units. One unit is wheelchair-accessible, featuring a first-floor bedroom and full bath.

The dedication ceremony began with words from Corinne O’Connell, Habitat Philadelphia’s Chief Executive Officer, reminding the individuals gathered that home is the foundation on which dreams are built. A home dedication marks the turning point to a brighter future that begins with a safe, stable, affordable home.

City Councilmember Jamie R. Gauthier and Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent J. Hughes then spoke to the importance of affordable homeownership within their West Philadelphia constituencies. Build Project Manager Brennan Halvorsen reflected on the build process and Homeowner Services Director Rita Calicat introduced the homeowners for their own remarks.

New Rosalynn’s Way resident Aiden B. led the Litany of Dedication and Pastor James C. Kinchen, Jr. blessed the homes before Holly Haines, Haines Family Foundation President, presented the homeowners with their keys.

Amber shares her appreciation for Habitat; from left: Sherita, Habitat Homeowner; Rita Calicat, Homeowner Services Director; DeShonta, Habitat Homeowner; Amber, Habitat Homeowner | Photo by James L. Jones

For Habitat homeowner Amber, being able to buy a home through Habitat “changed [her] life.” A mom to twins, she looks forward to living in a home where they can each have their own room to grow up and make memories in.

“I really appreciate Habitat,” Amber said. “Everybody that gave us a chance to make a better life for not only ourselves, but our kids.”

Holly Haines presents new homeowner Amber with the key to her new home; from left: Holly Haines, Haines Family Foundation President; Corinne O’Connell, Habitat Philadelphia CEO; Amber, Habitat Homeowner | Photo by James L. Jones

In their path to their new homes, all four homeowners completed Habitat Philadelphia’s eight-month Homeownership Program. The homeowners attended educational workshops, 1:1 sessions with housing counselors and Habitat volunteer days at construction sites and ReStores.

Rosalynn’s Way owes its success to critical support from corporate sponsors that continue to make Habitat Philadelphia’s work toward affordable homeownership possible. Habitat is grateful for support from Firstrust Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank – Pittsburgh, M&T, WSFS, Tompkins Community Bank, Cicada Architecture and Glen-Gery.

The vision of Rosalynn’s Way would not have been fulfilled without the contributions of community partners — Mt. Vernon Manor CDC, HopePHL, Smith Roller, the Mantua Powelton Alliance and Bettye Ferguson of Holly Street Neighbors.

Additionally, the Philadelphia Housing Authority partnered with the homeowners to deepen home affordability, allowing one Rosalynn’s Way resident to close on their home with more than $31,000 through grants and awards.

In total, the four homeowners benefitted from more than $95,000 in first-time homeowner assistance. None will pay more than $800 per month on their zero-interest mortgage.