Kristina McCalla
From an early age, Kristina McCalla sensed a pull toward design. What began as an interest slowly revealed itself as something deeper—a gift she came to believe was not her own, but something entrusted to her to steward well and use in service to others.
Kristina never expected that her baptism would completely reshape the direction of her life, but in that moment of surrender, a mission was given. God placed on her heart the idea for what would become Rooted Interiors—a faith-driven nonprofit created to walk alongside families emerging from homelessness and help them step into permanent housing with dignity, stability, and care. What followed required a great deal of trust. With no prior nonprofit experience, Kristina moved forward one step at a time, learning as she went and leaning heavily on prayer and God’s guidance throughout the process.
Rooted Interiors was never meant to be built alone. From the beginning, it has grown through the generosity of volunteers, donors, community partners, churches, and local organizations who share a belief that families deserve a safe, welcoming place to call home. Through its signature Rooting Days, empty houses are transformed into thoughtfully furnished homes—offering not just furniture, but comfort, dignity, and hope. Today, the organization partners with agencies such as UHAL, Habitat for Humanity, Juniper, food banks, storage and moving companies, and churches, and has helped root 15+ families into homes of stability and renewal.
As the mission has grown, so has the community around it. Rooted Interiors has expanded beyond Georgia, with a North Carolina chapter launched in 2026—an opportunity Kristina approaches with humility and gratitude, fully aware that every step forward is made possible by God’s provision and the faithfulness of others.
Kristina’s background as a certified interior designer provided a foundation for this work. She studied design in college, gained experience in high-end showrooms, and built her own business, where she saw firsthand how environments can shape the way people live, heal, and feel. Over time, her faith reframed that experience—not as a personal achievement, but as preparation for a greater purpose.
Kristina remains deeply invested in her local community, serving in various leadership and advisory roles across Jackson County. She does so not out of ambition, but from a desire to listen, learn, and contribute wherever she is able, alongside others who are committed to strengthening families and communities. She serves as a Board Member for the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, a Board Member and Area Council Liaison for the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County, and a Board Member for Family Promise of Athens. She is also a Member of the Jackson County Housing Taskforce, an Associate Member of the Hoschton Downtown Development Authority, and a proud graduate of the Jackson County Leadership Class of 2025 and active member of its alumni association.
At the heart of everything Kristina does is a simple conviction: to serve faithfully, lead with compassion, and make space for others to step into hope. She often reflects on Galatians 6:2—“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” It is a reminder that the work of Rooted Interiors is not about one person, but about a collective calling to care for one another.
This is how she arrived here—not through her own strength, but through faith, community, and a shared belief that when people are met with kindness and dignity, they are able to take root and flourish.
