NORTH FORSYTH — Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia has begun work on a new home for the Henry family in northeastern Forsyth County.

According to a news release from Habitat, more than 40 people attended the recent “first nail” ceremony for the home, the fifth built on that street by Habitat.  

The Henry family — Troy, Jennifer and their two children, Tristan, 19, and Noah, 7 — live in McDonough, where they attend Ole County Church.

According to Habitat, the pastor and several members of the church drove more than two hours to attend the ceremony and stayed to help put up the frame on the new home.

The home is scheduled for completion in May, though Habitat officials said the lot’s steep terrain will make construction challenging.

The family has faced many hardships. Two years ago, Troy Henry was diagnosed with seizures and has been unable to work. His father-in-law recently died.

The family is looking forward to the Leigh Lane home, so they can be closer to Jennifer Henry’s mother and help care for her. 

The home is being sponsored by three churches — Good Shepherd and Cumming and Johns Creek First United Methodist — and several community organizations including: Cisco; Publix Super Markets charities; DataScan; United Way of Forsyth County; Delta Community Credit Union; the North Georgia Housing and Homeless Council; and Solvay Specialty Polymers.

Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia is a nonprofit, Christian housing ministry that builds simple, decent homes for purchase by low-income families who demonstrate a capacity for responsible homeownership.

Since its inception in 1995, 260 homes have been completed and over 1,000 family members have been served in Forsyth, Dawson, Cherokee and northern Fulton counties.

Each family is required to attend six educational classes and perform 200 to 300 “sweat equity” hours.