Life, work of former NewTown Macon CEO Josh Rogers honored with home dedication

Macon Area Habitat for Humanity and the Rotary Clubs of Macon partnered to build the home and give its keys to Macon resident Jasmine Love and her three children.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – It’s been nearly a year since former Newtown Macon President and CEO Josh Rogers died while jogging in downtown Macon — the same place he worked tirelessly to revitalize. Today, his efforts and legacy were honored as a Macon family was given the keys to their new home, known as “Josh’s House.”

Rogers served as Newtown Macon’s top official for a decade, overseeing numerous downtown commercial and residential projects. Macon Area Habitat for Humanity and the Rotary Clubs of Macon partnered to build the home and give its keys to Macon resident Jasmine Love and her three children.

“I’m excited and overwhelmed with gratefulness,” Love said. “I’m just happy to be here.”

Just months before Rogers’ death, Newtown Macon was awarded the 2024 Great American Main Street Award for being a national model for community-driven downtown revitalization. Ivey Hall, Macon Executive Director of Macon Area Habitat for Humanity, says the home dedication is the perfect way to honor Rogers’s work toward helping families make Macon their forever home.

“He loved to see families settle in Macon and make Macon their home,” Hall said. “And so, what a great opportunity for us to help another family establish their roots and become homeowners here in Macon.” 

Speakers during the ceremony urged Macon-Bibb residents to follow that example and look for ways to lend a helping hand throughout the community.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to this visionary whose life was cut way too short but left a mark on our community that will last forever,” said Danny Gibson, former president of the Macon Rotary Club. 

Hall says those who acquire homes through Habitat for Humanity contribute at least 300 hours of sweat equity, which includes working with volunteer builders and attending classes to ensure they’re ready to become homeowners.