Homeowner applications to be accepted soon
A little over a year ago, Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) publicly unveiled its ambitious vision for Carter Crossing, a planned workforce housing neighborhood designed to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.
That vision was publicly introduced in May last year at Barrel 118 in downtown Eatonton, following the dedication of Habitat House No. 28. At the time, Carter Crossing was largely a concept, representing a newly acquired 30-acre property near the Twin Bridges area of Putnam County and a bold commitment to creating additional, affordable, local home ownership opportunities.
Now, that vision is steadily becoming reality. Habitat for Humanity of Putnam has retired the remaining note on the property, secured $1 million in Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) funding to support construction of the first six homes, advanced site planning and infrastructure development, and on July 14 the homeownership application process for the first Carter Crossing families will open.
“We’ve been amazed by how quickly this project has moved forward,” HFHP Executive Director Murali Thirumal said. “Every milestone is a reflection of this community. Carter Crossing exists because people, businesses, organizations, local government, and community partners chose to invest in a shared vision for affordable workforce housing and Putnam County’s future.”
Thirumal noted many of the project’s earliest supporters helped create momentum long before the first homesite was prepared. Community leaders including Dr. Kenneth Saladin, Mark Smith Sr., owner and publisher of The Eatonton Messenger, and Exchange Bank were among the first to champion the vision, helping HFHP transform a promising piece of property into a community- backed plan for the future.
What began as a land acquisition has since evolved into a community- wide effort involving local government, businesses, nonprofit partners, volunteers, donors, and residents committed to expanding affordable homeownership opportunities in Putnam County.
The Eatonton-Putnam Water & Sewer Authority (EPSWA) partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Putnam to install water lines serving the development, a critical step in preparing the property for future homeowners. The Putnam County Board of Commissioners has approved the naming of roads within the neighborhood in honor of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, recognizing their lifelong commitment to service, community, and affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity.
Another key partnership emerged last summer when nationally recognized architecture and planning firm Lord Aeck Sargent selected Carter Crossing as part of its 2025 Summer Design Internship. Working alongside Habitat for Humanity of Putnam, a multidisciplinary team of emerging architects, planners, and designers spent months studying the property, engaging stakeholders, and developing a comprehensive master plan for the future neighborhood.
“Having a firm with Lord Aeck Sargent’s experience invest their time, talent, and expertise in Carter Crossing has been invaluable,” Thirumal said. “Their partnership helped us think beyond individual homes and envision the kind of community we wanted to create. That vision continues to guide our work today.”
Community partnerships also played a critical role in moving the project forward. This spring, the inaugural Cuscowilla Fore Good Un-Classic Golf Tournament brought together golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters from across the region to raise funds specifically for Carter Crossing.
Participants also signed a “community beam” that will be incorporated into the first Habitat home built in the neighborhood, symbolizing collective support for the project.
“None of this would be possible without our community,” Thirumal said. “From local government and utility partners to businesses, donors, volunteers, and event supporters, Carter Crossing has been built on partnership from the very beginning. Every milestone represents people coming together to create opportunities for future families.”
The homeownership application process for the first HFHP Carter Crossing homes will officially open July 14, with prospective applicants invited to attend a Homeownership Information Session that day at The Plaza Arts Center (305 N. Madison Ave., Eatonton). HFHP staff and volunteers will provide an overview of eligibility requirements, the application process, and the path to affordable homeownership through Carter Crossing.
Attendance at the information session is required in order to receive an application packet for Carter Crossing. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance at putnamcountyhabitat.org.
The opening of applications marks an exciting transition from planning and development to welcoming the first families who will help bring this new community to life. Groundbreaking on the first homes is anticipated this fall.
“Carter Crossing is more than a development,” Thirumal added. “It’s a community taking shape. We said this neighborhood would create opportunities for families in Putnam County, and thanks to the support of so many people, we’re watching that promise become reality.”
For more information about Carter Crossing, upcoming homeownership opportunities, or ways to support Habitat for Humanity of Putnam’s mission, visit HFHP at putnamcountyhabitat.org.