This article was originally published in Khabar Magazine.
On March 28, 2026, volunteers from the Atlanta Dawoodi Bohra community partnered with Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity in Lilburn as part of a nationwide affordable housing initiative organized under Project Rise, the community’s global philanthropic arm.
The Atlanta effort was part of coordinated “Build Day” activities that also took place in Boston, Collin County, Miami, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Across all seven cities, volunteers worked alongside construction professionals and Habitat for Humanity teams to support families experiencing housing insecurity.
In Lilburn, volunteers assisted with construction and home improvement efforts, contributing to projects that included framing, painting, and interior finishing. Families and future homeowners also participated in several build activities alongside volunteers and community members.
More than 90 volunteers contributed over 500 service hours nationwide in a single day, supporting the construction and rehabilitation of multiple housing units. The initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Dawoodi Bohra community and Habitat for Humanity to expand access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
“Our partnership with the Dawoodi Bohras reflects a shared belief that a home is the foundation for a flourishing life,” said Jen Welch, deputy executive director at Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity. “By coming together across different backgrounds and faiths, we are doing more than building a structure; we are investing in Laja’s family and the strength of the Lilburn community.”
“We believe that strong communities are built on the foundation of secure housing,” said Khozeima Faizullabhoy, a volunteer from the Atlanta Dawoodi Bohra community. “By working alongside Habitat for Humanity across multiple cities, our volunteers are contributing directly to improving living conditions for families and strengthening the neighborhoods they are part of.”
Habitat for Humanity International also acknowledged the collaboration and its broader community impact.
“Since our beginning in 1976, Habitat has brought together people of all faiths and backgrounds to build safe, affordable housing with families around the world,” said Charlita Stephens-Walker, vice president of corporate partnerships and cause marketing at Habitat for Humanity International. “Working with Habitat allows people to engage those around them and make meaningful change in their communities, live their faith and offer a unique opportunity to love their neighbor. We are grateful to the Dawoodi Bohra community for their support of Habitat and for helping to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
The collaboration is taking place under Project Rise, which focuses on addressing challenges related to housing, healthcare, education, nutrition, water security, and environmental sustainability through partnerships with established organizations and local stakeholders.
The Dawoodi Bohras are a Muslim community with a global presence and are known for their focus on education, civic engagement, and social welfare initiatives.
Founded in 1988, Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families to support affordable homeownership opportunities. The organization has built 180 homes in Gwinnett County and 18 in Walton County. Through repair initiatives including A Brush With Kindness and the Water Resources Assistance Program, the affiliate has also supported more than 800 families, including plumbing repairs for more than 500 households in partnership with Gwinnett County.
