Case Study: Habitat for Humanity of Georgia
Published: 8/25/2025
A State Affiliate Support Organization (ASO) Serving 40+ Local Affiliates
Challenge
Habitat for Humanity of Georgia, the statewide ASO, supports more than 40 local affiliates. These affiliates face significant challenges in training compliance, donor engagement, and mortgage management. Many relied on outdated systems: paper forms, fragmented digital tools, and inconsistent access to records. This created obstacles in meeting regulatory requirements, engaging supporters, and empowering affiliates with the tools they need to serve families effectively.
Our Approach
Scientific partnered with Habitat Georgia to design and implement custom data-driven solutions that combined security, efficiency, and accessibility. Each project was tailored to a critical need: compliance, visibility, and operational efficiency.
1. Training & Certification Portal (QLO Certification)
Problem: Affiliates needed an efficient way to access training materials, take the Qualified Loan Originator (QLO) test, and store proof of certification. Previously, this process was fragmented, and affiliates struggled to locate certificates when needed for audits or compliance checks.
Solution: We built a secure backend system and affiliate portal where:
- Affiliates can log in to access training resources.
- Staff can take the QLO test online at no cost.
- Certificates are auto-generated and stored in a centralized database, accessible past and present.
Impact: Affiliates now have reliable access to training and certification records, saving staff hours of administrative work and ensuring full compliance with lending regulations.
2. Marketing Site Optimization & SEO Growth
Problem: Habitat Georgia’s marketing website was not effectively reaching donors or advocates. With limited visibility in search engines and low engagement, opportunities for fundraising and awareness were being missed.
Solution: We redesigned the front end of their marketing site with a focus on:
- Streamlined navigation and user-friendly design.
- Optimized SEO across every page.
- Improved performance for mobile and desktop visitors.
Impact: Within six months, the site’s visibility increased by 400%, bringing significantly more traffic from donors, advocates, and community members. This growth strengthened Habitat Georgia’s position as a leader in affordable housing advocacy.
3. Partnership Applications & Mortgage Management System
Problem: Affiliates managed homeowner applications and mortgages using paper forms or disorganized digital systems. This led to:
- Lost or inconsistent data.
- Difficulty in proving regulatory compliance (ECOA timelines).
- Barriers for families applying for assistance.
Solution: We built a full-stack solution to centralize applications and mortgage records. Key features included:
- Secure document storage and retrieval for new and existing mortgages.
- Automated tracking of compliance timelines.
- Centralized access for affiliates and Habitat Georgia staff.
Impact: Affiliates can now process applications faster, store mortgage documents securely, and maintain compliance effortlessly. Families across Georgia benefit from a smoother, more accessible path to homeownership.
Results at a Glance
- ✅ Training Compliance: Centralized QLO certification portal ensures readiness and accountability for all affiliates.
- ✅ Visibility & Advocacy: 400% increase in website visibility → more donors and advocates engaged.
- ✅ Operational Efficiency: Mortgage and application management streamlined → improved compliance, security, and access for families.
Conclusion
By addressing critical operational and compliance needs, Scientific helped Habitat for Humanity of Georgia strengthen its support for affiliates and improve access to affordable housing across the state. These solutions not only modernized processes but also freed up valuable staff time, empowered affiliates, and reinforced Habitat’s mission to serve families in need.