By Laura Vladick
Development director, Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc.
DULUTH, Ga. | A unique community-driven partnership has launched in Gwinnett County that simultaneously supports local educators in achieving homeownership and funds vital autism support programs. The collaboration between MyHEROHome.com and Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. offers a win-win model that turns real estate transactions into meaningful investments in people and programs that strengthen the community.
Through this initiative, teachers and other community heroes—including healthcare professionals, first responders, and veterans—receive access to exclusive home buying benefits. At the same time, each property bought or sold through the program contributes financial support to Spectrum Autism Support Group, a Duluth-based nonprofit serving children and adults impacted by autism.
The partnership, launched under the program HERO Homes: Moves that Matter, is coordinated locally by Christina Coleman, a realtor and longtime Duluth resident. Coleman oversees the Charitable Real Estate Division for Spectrum Autism Support Group and works with a national network of like-minded real estate professionals who are committed to giving back.
Christina Coleman says: “This partnership is about more than buying or selling homes. It’s about empowering educators to build stability in their lives while helping fund programs that support some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Every transaction becomes a gift back to the community.”
Educators participating in the program benefit from:
- Down payment assistance and other financial incentives;
- Expert guidance through the entire home buying process;
- The option to list homes as “Legacy Listings,” where proceeds benefit nonprofits; and
- The satisfaction of knowing each transaction supports autism programs in their community.
The collaboration addresses two significant local challenges: the rising cost of homeownership for educators and the growing demand for autism support services in Gwinnett.
For many teachers, living near the schools where they work has become increasingly difficult because of home price increases and limited inventory. My HERO Home aims to change that by offering educators personalized, values-based real estate guidance paired with financial relief.
At the same time, Spectrum Autism Support Group continues to see increasing demand for its services. Since its founding in 1998, the organization has provided thousands of families with access to social skills training, support groups, respite care, summer camps, and educational resources. In 2023 alone, Spectrum served over 2,000 individuals and families.
Coleman adds of the program: “Every dollar Spectrum receives from these charitable real estate transactions helps us expand programs and reach more families. It’s a sustainable, creative approach to funding services that make a real difference.”
What sets this program apart is its sustainable structure: the real estate professionals involved donate a portion of their commission from each transaction to a nonprofit of the client’s choosing. When clients select Spectrum Autism Support Group as their beneficiary, those funds directly support programs for children and adults impacted by autism in the Gwinnett area.
“It’s not a one-time fundraiser or donation drive,” Coleman explains. “It’s an ongoing model that builds support with every home bought or sold. The impact adds up quickly.”
Educators and other eligible HERO professionals can learn more by visiting www.MyHEROHome.com. Homebuyers and sellers are encouraged to consider this opportunity as a way to make their next move one that gives back.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
