Because “homeless” and “hungry”
should be temporary states—not labels.

A steadfast support system for friends in dire circumstances, we work around-the-clock to ensure that homelessness and hunger in Atlanta are rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Our holistic, individualized approach addresses clients’ immediate needs first while working toward self-sufficiency and lifelong stability.

Our Impact

Clients Served

Permanently
Housed

Meals
Provided

0 K+

Pounds of
Food Distributed

0 K+

HOPE Atlanta’s History

We’re Metro Atlanta’s most established agency committed to fighting homelessness.

1900

Atlanta Women’s Missionary Association was founded to assist low-income workers arriving in Atlanta with information, shelter, and support. Within a few months, the charity group formalized as a nonprofit and became Travelers Aid Society of Atlanta.

1941-1947

Travelers Aid commits to supporting U.S. Veterans, helping to create the USO and assisting soldiers during WWII.

1953

Recognizing the changing nature of transportation and need to meet people where they are, Travelers Aid establishes an office at the Atlanta Municipal Airport.

1963

Action Ministries is formed as an outreach ministry of the United Methodist Church’s North Georgia Conference.

1982

Trinity United Methodist Church establishes Trinity Table to serve Sunday lunch to people in need.

1984

The Women’s Community Kitchen begins operating on the campus of Grace United Methodist Church, serving women and children struggling with food insecurity or hunger during the week.

1990s

The HIV/AIDS epidemic (and rampant stigmatization and discrimination) finds many people homeless and desperate for help. Travelers Aid provides individualized care and support, establishing a Special Needs Housing program for persons living with HIV/AIDS.

2005

Hurricane Katrina displaces thousands of individuals, many of them seeking shelter in Atlanta. Travelers Aid works relentlessly to shelter and reunite families throughout the crisis.

2009

Travelers Aid changes its name to HOPE Atlanta, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to preventing homelessness along with assisting unsheltered people.

2012

Action Ministries establishes the Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program to fill the summertime food gap for kids who rely on school-provided meals.

2020

HOPE Atlanta plays a key public health role during the COVID-19 pandemic, joining forces with nonprofits, government agencies, and healthcare providers to screen and test unsheltered individuals. With many shelters at full capacity, the “Healthy Hotel” provided safety for hundreds of seniors and medically-vulnerable people.

2021

Recognizing the need for bold action to address worsening poverty and inequality in Georgia, Action Ministries and HOPE Atlanta join forces to build a comprehensive homelessness and hunger relief program.