Just in time to celebrate the holidays, seven local families also celebrated completion of their new homes in Providence Grove, a Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham (HHGB) neighborhood in Pleasant Grove.
The families received their keys during a dedication that marked a major milestone for the new homeowners and the broader community alike. They were the latest examples of homeownership made possible through partnership, volunteerism and shared commitment.
Building a Neighborhood Through Partnership
Providence Grove is one of Habitat for Humanity’s newest developments. Construction began in August 2025; and once completed, the neighborhood will include 27 homes.
As a United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) partner agency, Habitat for Humanity does more than build houses. The organization provides education, financial guidance and long-term support to help families achieve stability and success well beyond move-in day — advancing UWCA’s mission of helping people live more stable and fulfilled lives.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into getting to this point,” said Charles Moore, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham. “We are grateful for everyone who played a part — whether volunteering as an individual or with family or through a company — to help get these houses ready so families can spend the holidays in their new homes.”
Volunteers Help Bring Homes to Life
Families and friends of the new homeowners gathered for the dedication alongside volunteers from United Way’s Women United donor network, whose recent build day in Providence Grove helped bring Latifah Leatherwood’s home to life.
“It was a truly special day,” said Val Williams of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. As a Women United member, she counts the annual Habitat build among her favorite volunteer opportunities. “Seeing the finished home and watching the Leatherwood family receive their keys was an unforgettable moment. Homeownership is so important, and I like that Habitat for Humanity removes barriers that a lot of people run into because they might not have the perfect credit score, or they might not have the funds for a traditional mortgage.”
“You Never Know If You Never Try”
For Latifah Leatherwood, homeownership — and building a house from the ground-up — had always been a dream, but she wasn’t sure where to begin or whether it was even possible.
“Being a single mom of two, I felt it was time to take a leap of faith and find a place to call home,” she said.
After learning about Habitat for Humanity through family and friends, she decided to apply despite doubts about being accepted. “You never know how far you’ll get in life if you never try,” she said.
Along the way, Leatherwood said the experience was both educational and rewarding, offering a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a home — and a community.
“Working with everyone taught us what ‘sweat equity’ really means,” she said. “Knowing that I’m receiving my keys today warms my heart and brings me joy. I want to make this a loving and comfortable home for me and my sons.”
Now a homeowner, Leatherwood encourages others considering the program to stay committed. The process takes time and hard work, she said, but patience and dedication can turn a long-term goal into reality.
Building Stability Across Central Alabama
In 2025, Habitat for Humanity Greater Birmingham built 48 new homes in Central Alabama, each one made possible through collaboration, planning and a shared belief that stable housing strengthens families and communities.
Through partnerships such as Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Central Alabama continues to help people avoid or overcome homelessness by expanding access to safe, affordable housing.
To learn more about how United Way and its partner agencies support housing stability and homelessness prevention, click here.