Lithonia Housing Complex Builds Community Garden during Kickoff Event

ATLANTA (May 13, 2016) – Mercy Housing Southeast celebrated the kickoff event for its Cultivating Healthy Communities initiative on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Hills at Fairington in Lithonia. Mercy Housing Southeast and its partner Peach State Health Plan were able to serve over 120 families during the event. Residents that attended the event had access to free dental care, health screenings, and other wellness-related activities.

The garden, which is currently growing tomatoes, okra, eggplant, and bell peppers, will be managed by a six-member board of Hills at Fairington residents. Children living in the complex will assist in tending to the garden as part of their afterschool activities.

“Access to healthy foods is vital for growing children and their families,” said Tina Lowe, President of Mercy Housing Southeast. “We wanted to do our part in providing the means for a healthy lifestyle, while also giving the residents ownership over the space by having them assist in building and maintaining the garden. It’s now a part of their home.”

This initiative will be continued on at other select Mercy Housing Southeast properties over the course of the summer with help from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, complex residents, and community volunteers.