Cornerstone Partnering with Habitat to Build Homes for Two Employees

A check presentation took place recently where Cornerstone of EAMC signed over a check to Habitat for Humanity for $70,000. The money represents a sponsorship for two homes that will be built in early 2026 for two hospital employees. The homes cost about $100,000 each, so $35,000 will be earmarked for each home.

The two employees who qualified for the Habitat homes—and who will have to provide 500 “sweat equity hours”—are Rodnique Dorsey Chambers (Cardiac Rehab) and Joy Melton (Spencer Cancer Center).

"Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity is a true example of how organizations and community partners can create lasting impact and build stronger communities," said Susan Johnston, chief human resources officer at East Alabama Health. "Having the opportunity to help two of our employees achieve homeownership is an honor beyond explanation."

These two homes are part of a build in 2026 that will include three homes in Opelika and one in Auburn. For Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity, which has been building homes since 1989, these four homes will bring their all-time total to 82. East Alabama Health has been involved in 18 homes so far and will be at 20 once these homes are complete.

The homes are being built by Stone Martin Builders and Trade Partners Team, however, volunteers from the community will help with various finishing touches such as painting, appliance installation and landscaping.

"Thank you East Alabama Health for your long time support of the mission of Habitat for Humanity,” stated Maj. Daniel P. Hatcher, US Army, Retired, and Habitat Board President. “You have partnered with us to build 20 homes for hardworking families who are part of the EAH family. Together, we truly build community."

Pictured at the check presentation are Amy Thomas (Cornerstone coordinator), Kelli Truitt (EAH HR director), Joe Toles (Habitat Board Treasurer), Chris Clark (EAH Chief Clinical Services Officer and current Habitat Board member), Susan Johnston (EAH Chief Human Resources Officer), MC McCarthey (Habitat Board Vice President), Dan Hatcher (Habitat Board President), Mark Grantham (Habitat Executive Director), Mackenzie Young (Habitat grant/marketing intern), and Tina Cook (Habitat Board Treasurer).  

-###-

About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital that is currently under construction to add 30 critical care beds. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.