HOPE Atlanta Awarded $50,000 Grant from The Primerica Foundation

hopeatlantastg on July 15, 2024

Local nonprofit selected as Primerica’s 2024 Convention Charitable Recipient.

 

July 15, 2024 – ATLANTA – HOPE Atlanta, a leading organization dedicated to combating homelessness and hunger in our communities recently received a $50,000 grant from The Primerica Foundation at Primerica’s 2024 Convention, the largest corporate meeting in Atlanta. As Primerica’s 2024 Convention Charitable Recipient, HOPE Atlanta will use the funds to support housing and food insecurity for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, helping them find stable housing, access food, and gain resources for lifelong stability.

 

“We are honored by The Primerica Foundation’s generous donation,” said Julio Carrillo, CEO of HOPE Atlanta. “This significant contribution will greatly impact the families we serve. Homelessness and food insecurity are profound human and community challenges with complex roots. These vital funds will empower us to continue our mission of eliminating these issues and bringing hope to those in need. This support strengthens our commitment to ending homelessness in Atlanta, providing vital resources, and ensuring a future where everyone has a place to call home.”

 

In the past year, HOPE Atlanta provided over 200,000 pounds of food to those in need through their food pantry, a community kitchen, and a summer lunch program through a food box delivery program. This year more than 6,000 people were served, which numbers include children, senior citizens, and Veterans.

 

Primerica’s annual charitable giving of over $2 million supports more than 100 nonprofit organizations that positively impacts over 500,000 people in need. The Company’s culture of caring is also reflected in its robust employee volunteer programs.

 

“We are pleased to support HOPE Atlanta, and the critical work they do to help combat homelessness and hunger,” said Kathryn Kieser, Chair of The Primerica Foundation and Chief Reputation Officer at Primerica. “Primerica is committed to building stronger communities by helping fill the gaps for those in need through great philanthropic partners like HOPE Atlanta.”

 

For more information on HOPE Atlanta, visit hopeatlanta.org and follow on Facebook and Instagram to learn how we’re helping give hope to those facing homelessness and food insecurity and giving them access to the resources that they need to thrive.

 

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About HOPE Atlanta

As Georgia’s longest-standing nonprofit organization committed to assisting people experiencing homelessness since 1900,

HOPE Atlanta has supported our community through many challenges. Over a century later, homelessness remains a humanitarian crisis fueled by systemic inequality, leaving countless individuals vulnerable to the streets. HOPE Atlanta serves as a steadfast support system for those at risk, alleviating the immediate threat of homelessness and guiding them towards self-sufficiency through outreach, housing navigation, case management, behavioral health, and our Women’s Outreach Center.

 

About Primerica

Primerica, Inc., headquartered in Duluth, GA, is a leading provider of financial products and services to middle-income households in North America. Independent licensed representatives educate Primerica clients about how to better prepare for a more secure financial future by assessing their needs and providing appropriate solutions through term life insurance, which they underwrite, and mutual funds, annuities and other financial products, which they distribute primarily on behalf of third parties. Primerica insured approximately 5.7 million lives and had approximately 2.9 million client investment accounts on December 31, 2023. Primerica, through its insurance company subsidiaries, was the #2 issuer of Term Life insurance coverage in the United States and Canada in 2023. Primerica stock is included in the S&P MidCap 400 and the Russell 1000 stock indices and is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PRI”.

 

About The Primerica Foundation

Primerica is deeply committed to improving the communities they serve and giving back is an integral part of the company’s culture. Primerica and The Primerica Foundation fund over 100 nonprofit and community organizations, the majority of who offer programs to help underserved and low-to-moderate income families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency.

Since its inception in 2011, The Primerica Foundation has given over $16 million in grant funding, which has impacted more than 5 million people.

 

Annual Heroes for HOPE gala honors outstanding corporate citizens, raises funds to address growing homelessness and hunger concerns

hopeatlantastg on December 1, 2022

HOPE Atlanta honored two outstanding corporate citizens during its annual Heroes for HOPE Gala on Nov. 17, held at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Bentina Terry, Georgia Power’s Senior Vice President of Customer Strategy & Solutions, and Chick-fil-A, Inc. received Heroes for HOPE Awards for their work combating homelessness and hunger in Georgia.

 

This year’s event, which returned in person for the first time in three years, comes during a time when inflation and rising housing costs are pushing countless Georgians into housing and food insecurity. HOPE Atlanta has recently seen an influx of people seeking assistance — including families, fixed-income seniors and veterans.

 

“The average rent in the city is about $1,700 a month, which is unreasonable for many people,” said Nigel Dawson, a HOPE Atlanta program supervisor who works one-on-one with clients experiencing or at risk of homelessness. “Rental inflation is up 18% in the last year, with an average of 2% over the last ten years. We are facing a crisis.”

 

The event’s special guests included former HOPE Atlanta clients who shared accounts of their struggles and how they overcame homelessness and housing insecurity, thanks to HOPE Atlanta and its supporters.

 

Chantel Lewis, a young woman who came to HOPE Atlanta after experiencing periods of homelessness through college and into her 20s, shared how her case manager helped her break the cycle — and how it feels to have a stable home once again.

 

“Some days, I put my keys in the door, and I’m like, ‘This is really my home. I’m going to go in here and sleep in the same spot,'” Lewis said. “The apartment looks so much better than what I imagined for myself.”

 

Freda Forrest also recounted her family’s experience with housing insecurity after her husband Nick, a veteran, was laid off just months after their son’s birth. With some assistance from HOPE Atlanta’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families team, the Forrest family could remain housed and begin saving money.

“I don’t think we’d be where we are right now without HOPE Atlanta,” said Forrest.

 

The event was co-chaired by Ashley Northcutt, tax partner at Tidwell Group and Chris Sizemore, CEO of INCISIVE. Northside Hospital returned for the 9th year as Title Sponsor, and other major sponsors included CARROLL, Berkadia, Chick-fil-A, Georgia Power, Berckmans Spirits, LLC, Creative Realities, EY, Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition, J.P. Morgan, Perennial Properties, PPD Investments, The Home Depot Foundation, Tidwell Group, Truist and Wells Fargo.

 

HOPE Atlanta requests the broader community’s support to meet the growing need for homelessness and hunger services, particularly as plunging temperatures and viral outbreaks create harsh and dangerous conditions for unsheltered people.

 

“This work requires collaboration,” said Julio Carrillo, CEO of HOPE Atlanta. “More than ever, it’s so important that everybody in the community gets involved. Everybody has a role in helping us fight homelessness and hunger. We’re stronger together.”

 

Those interested in contributing or learning more about HOPE Atlanta and its services are invited to visit HOPEAtlanta.org.

 

About 100 Days of HOPE

100 Days of HOPE aims to raise funds and awareness to further HOPE Atlanta’s mission to end homelessness and hunger for every Georgian. The campaign ran for 100 days, culminating in the annual Heroes for HOPE gala.

 

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HOPE Atlanta founded in 1900, is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness and hunger. Its mission is to help Georgians avoid homelessness and hunger through a comprehensive approach that equips them with the tools for lifelong stability.

HOPE Atlanta to honor Georgia Power’s Bentina Terry and Chick-fil-A, Inc. at annual Heroes for HOPE event

hopeatlantastg on October 14, 2022

At HOPE Atlanta’s annual Heroes for HOPE gala on Nov. 17, two outstanding corporate citizens will receive “Heroes for HOPE” awards. The award is given annually to local leaders who have been instrumental in combating homelessness or hunger in our communities. The theme for this year’s event and fundraising campaign is “Voices of HOPE,” which highlights many other inspirational people and success stories from HOPE Atlanta’s network — from clients and staff to donors and volunteers. The event co-chairs are Ashley Northcutt, Tax Partner at Tidwell Group and Chris Sizemore, CEO of Incisize.

 

Bentina Terry, Georgia Power’s Senior Vice President of Customer Strategy & Solutions, will receive the Individual Hero Award. An influential leader in Metro Atlanta and across the state, Terry plays a critical role in Georgia Power’s work supporting underserved communities.

 

“It’s hard to be in our city and not see the blight of those who are unhoused or who have food insecurity,” said Terry. “It negatively affects schooling and education for kids, complicates and creates health issues, and impacts employability — among other things. If we can help people with basic needs like food and housing, we can begin to help them with other needs.”

 

CEO Andrew T. Cathy will accept the Corporate Hero award on behalf of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Since 2012, Chick-fil-A has awarded more than $17 million in True Inspiration Awards grants to nonprofits, including those focused on homelessness or hunger, and has donated more than 15 million meals through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, which helps fight hunger in local communities.

 

“At Chick-fil-A, our franchise operators, team members and staff are committed to serving our neighbors and strengthening our local communities,” said Carol Waddy, Director of Community Affairs for Chick-fil-A. “We’re honored to support HOPE Atlanta’s invaluable efforts to alleviate hunger and homelessness in our home state. Thank you for making a lasting difference in the lives of people in very tough circumstances!”

 

In its 9th year partnering with HOPE Atlanta, Northside Hospital will return as Title Sponsor. Other top event sponsors include CARROLL, Chick-fil-A, Georgia Power, Berckmans Spirits, LLC, Creative Realities, EY, Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition, J.P. Morgan, Perennial Properties, PPD Holdings, The Home Depot Foundation, Tidwell Group and Wells Fargo Foundation.

 

“With economic inequality worsening throughout Georgia, collaboration is crucial to staving off homelessness and hunger,” said Julio Carrillo, CEO of HOPE Atlanta. “We are grateful for our partners’ passion, dedication, and generosity. I’m confident we will be able to improve lives at scale and build a more HOPEful future together.”

 

Heroes for HOPE will be held in person at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Those looking to learn more about programs, donate, or become a sponsor are invited to visit HOPE Atlanta’s website.

 

About 100 Days of HOPE

Entering its third year, 100 Days of HOPE aims to raise funds and awareness to further HOPE Atlanta’s mission to end homelessness and hunger for every Georgian. The campaign will run for 100 days, culminating in the annual Heroes for HOPE gala.

 

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HOPE Atlanta founded in 1900, is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness and hunger. Its mission is to help Georgians avoid homelessness and hunger through a comprehensive approach that equips them with the tools for lifelong stability.

HOPE Atlanta Welcomes Julio Carrillo as New CEO

hopeatlantastg on May 19, 2022

A recognized leader and change agent in Atlanta, Carrillo will lead the nonprofit beginning in June.

 

 

HOPE Atlanta, Metro Atlanta’s most established nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness and hunger, has appointed Julio Carrillo as Chief Executive Officer effective June 20th.

 

Carrillo brings more than 17 years of 501(c)(3) management experience to the organization. He joins HOPE Atlanta after serving as Chief Operating Officer for Families First, an Atlanta nonprofit that provides a spectrum of services for youth, individuals and families. He has also held executive leadership positions at TechBridge, a nonprofit that helps other nonprofit organizations maximize impact through technology solutions, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.

 

“This is a pivotal moment, both in HOPE Atlanta’s 120-year history and Georgia’s history,” said Carrillo. “I’m honored to lead this organization as it ushers in a new chapter. Together with our supporters and partners, we will find innovative ways to break the cycle of homelessness and hunger. We will help build a more equitable future for our communities and the clients we serve.”

 

HOPE Atlanta’s new CEO appointment comes during a time of growth and transformation for the organization. Originally focused on providing 1-1 services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, HOPE Atlanta combined with hunger-focused nonprofit Action Ministries last year to build a comprehensive solution to homelessness and hunger.

 

Carrillo has a strong track record as a change-maker and leader in Metro Atlanta. He was selected to serve on the Leadership Atlanta Board of Directors, twice named one of Atlanta magazine’s “Most Powerful Leaders,” recognized as one of 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia and appointed to the Forbes Nonprofit Council.

 

“I am confident that Julio’s passion and drive will bring further impact to the organization and to those we serve,” said Rocky Atkins, Chair of HOPE Atlanta’s Board of Directors. “His leadership will be instrumental as we continue our critical work to provide a support system for those in need, while helping individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. I speak on behalf of our entire Board of Directors and staff in welcoming Julio to the HOPE Atlanta family.”

 

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HOPE Atlanta founded in 1900, is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness and hunger. Its mission is to help Georgians avoid homelessness and hunger through a comprehensive approach that equips them with the tools for lifelong stability.

CARROLL Donates $250,000 to HOPE Atlanta in the Fight to End Homelessness

hopeatlantastg on September 21, 2021

The Atlanta-based national real estate investment company will contribute annually to the non-profit organization over the next five years.

 

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES, September 21, 2021 — CARROLL, an Atlanta-based national real estate investment and management company founded by M. Patrick Carroll, has committed to donate $250,000 to HOPE Atlanta, a local non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness.

 

Download Infographic here.

 

“At CARROLL, we don’t just invest in real estate; we invest in the communities where we are active. Atlanta, being home to our national headquarters, is particularly important to our company,” said CARROLL CEO and Founder M. Patrick Carroll. “Partnering with a reputable organization like HOPE Atlanta is one of the ways we can help improve the homelessness epidemic in our backyard and make Atlanta a better place to live.”

 

HOPE Atlanta is currently housing and feeding 16,000 households across 31 counties in the metro Atlanta and North Georgia areas, where calls for help have nearly tripled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The generous donation from CARROLL will allow HOPE Atlanta to help prevent 80 families from becoming homeless by providing one month of emergency housing, provide 3,000 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with long-term housing and assist 40 veterans in attaining permanent housing with first and last’s rent, security and utility deposits.

 

“A gift of this size is transformational for our organization as we continue to serve families facing economic hardship and housing insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jeff Smythe, HOPE Atlanta CEO. “It is imperative we continue to bring advocacy and awareness to those in need of affordable housing options and the donation by CARROLL is crucial to furthering our mission.”

 

In the past three years, CARROLL has helped improve the areas in which they invest by donating nearly $500,000 to local organizations. Since the COVID pandemic, CARROLL has helped residents impacted by the financial stressors stemming from the pandemic by providing them with the resources needed to receive government aid. Additional support came in forms of providing cash donations and presenting gift cards to residents to alleviate pandemic stressors. The partnership with HOPE Atlanta is part of CARROLL’s ongoing dedication to helping those in need in the communities in which it serves.

 

For more information about CARROLL or HOPE Atlanta, please visit www.carrollorg.com or www.hopeatlanta.org.

 

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About CARROLL
CARROLL, a privately held real estate company, was founded in 2004. With headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., CARROLL focuses on multifamily communities, including acquisitions, property and asset management services, and fund management. The firm has raised more than $2.7B of equity through CARROLL-sponsored funds and joint ventures. CARROLL has successfully purchased, developed or sold more than $12.9 billion of real estate. CARROLL also has regional offices in Houston, Raleigh, Tampa, and New York. The company manages 27,000 multifamily units in seven states and has purchased other multifamily owner/operators throughout the U.S. The firm has also developed student housing, single-family residential, and retail communities, and has overseen more than $250 million of construction management for both its owned and fee partners. From due diligence to execution, CARROLL has the internal capabilities and the external relationships to identify, underwrite, and close transactions. For more information, visit carrollorg.com.

 

About HOPE Atlanta
HOPE Atlanta, founded in 1900, is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness and hunger. Its mission is to help Georgians avoid homelessness and hunger through a comprehensive approach that equips them with the tools for lifelong stability.

 

 

Media Contact
Jackie Kraper
Interdependence
CARROLL@interdependence.com

Publix Sponsors Campaign to Raise Awareness of Georgia’s Homelessness and Hunger Issues

hopeatlantastg on August 5, 2021

With a commercial that will air on 11 Alive during the 2021 Olympics, Publix invites Georgians to “Be a Champion for HOPE” by donating to HOPE Atlanta.

 

Atlanta, Georgia: What if you had to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table? It’s a situation that is all too common for Georgia families. Publix Super Markets aims to draw attention to the state’s homelessness and hunger issues with a new advertising campaign benefitting HOPE Atlanta, a nonprofit that provides housing and hunger services across 31 Georgia counties.

 

“Access to food is a critical need for communities here in Georgia and across our nation,” said  Nicole Maristany Krauss, Media Relations Manager at Publix Super Markets Inc. “As a food retailer we’re dedicated to helping the hungry in the communities we serve and believe putting food on tables is where we can have our greatest impact. We’re proud to support the tremendous efforts of HOPE Atlanta and their dedication to serving the hungry and homeless in need.”

 

Publix has sponsored a commercial inviting Georgians to “Be a Champion for HOPE” by donating to HOPE Atlanta. The commercial will air on 11 Alive during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics broadcast.

 

“Our teams at HOPE Atlanta are bracing for an eviction crisis and continuing to experience record-high demand for our hunger relief services,” said HOPE Atlanta CEO Jeff Smythe. “This generous sponsorship from Publix could not have come during a better time.”

 

Founded in 1900 (as Travelers Aid), HOPE Atlanta is Metro Atlanta’s most established nonprofit dedicated to fighting homelessness. In 2021, HOPE Atlanta combined with hunger relief agency Action Ministries to build a comprehensive solution to homelessness and hunger. Publix had been a long-time supporter of Action Ministries.

 

“We’re beyond grateful for Publix’s continued support as we strive to raise awareness and funds to address these critical, interconnected issues,” said Smythe.

 

Those who wish to learn more about HOPE Atlanta’s programs or make a one-time or recurring donation are invited to visit HOPEAtlanta.org/champion.

 

HOPE Atlanta, founded in 1900, is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness and hunger. Its mission is to help Georgians avoid homelessness and hunger through a comprehensive approach that equips them with the tools for lifelong stability.

 

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HOPE Atlanta and Action Ministries unite to combat homelessness and hunger

hopeatlantastg on March 15, 2021

Atlanta, GA — Two of Georgia’s most established nonprofits dedicated to fighting homelessness and hunger have officially joined together after approval from both Boards of Directors. While the new combined organization will operate under the HOPE Atlanta name, all of the programs initiated by Action Ministries — including Smart Lunch Smart Kid, SuperPacks, and Feed the Hungry Food Boxes — will continue.

 

“This is an exciting new chapter for everyone who has been involved with Action Ministries,” said Adam Ogburn, who served as Board Chair for Action Ministries. “With services now spanning 31 Georgia counties, we’ll be able to mobilize even more effectively and amplify our impact.”

 

“With Action Ministries’ strong legacy and community support, we’ll be able to expand both our services and our reach during this time of great need,” said HOPE Atlanta Board Chair David Zanaty. “We are excited to demonstrate that smart consolidation within this ecosystem can help more people more efficiently.”

 

HOPE Atlanta and Action Ministries announced their intent to unite last November after seeing a dramatic spike in the need for housing and hunger relief services amid COVID-19.

 

“Affordable housing has been in short supply for a long time. Low-income households are spending disproportionate amounts of their income on rent, forcing many into food-insecure situations,” said Jeff Smythe, CEO of HOPE Atlanta. “What we’re doing is building a comprehensive solution to the interconnected issues of homelessness and hunger.”

 

For now, the unified organization will operate from two headquarters: Downtown Atlanta at 34 Peachtree St. and Brookhaven at 1700 Century Circle. People seeking assistance can visit the HOPE Atlanta website for a list of services and contact information, including hours of operation for community kitchens and food pantries.

 

The organization will continue to rely on volunteers to pack, prepare, deliver and serve meals to people in need. People and groups looking to get involved can visit HOPE Atlanta’s volunteer page, which lists both in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities.

 

“This is just the beginning,” said HOPE Atlanta CEO, Jeff Smythe. “We invite our communities to follow along and get plugged in as we embark on a bold new mission to end homelessness and hunger in Georgia.” More information about the organization, including frequently asked questions, is available on the HOPE Atlanta website.

 

HOPE Atlanta founded in 1900, is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness and hunger. Its mission is to help Georgians avoid homelessness and hunger through a comprehensive approach that equips them with the tools for lifelong stability.

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HOPE Atlanta Receives $2.5 Million Bezos Day 1 Families Fund Grant to End Homelessness

hopeatlantastg on December 9, 2020

Day 1 Families Fund grants $105.9 million to 42 nonprofits helping families gain housing support and stability

Atlanta, GA — HOPE Atlanta, one of the metro area’s most established nonprofits dedicated to addressing and preventing homelessness, today announced that it has been selected to receive a $2.5 million grant from the Day 1 Families Fund. Launched in 2018 by Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, the Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter and hunger support to address the immediate needs of young families.

 

“We’re humbled to be among the 2020 awardees and we extend our deepest thanks to the Day 1 Families Fund,” said Jeff Smythe, HOPE Atlanta CEO. “As more and more families face economic hardship and housing insecurity amid COVID-19 and across our 28-county service area, this gift could not have come at a more critical time.”

 

This one-time grant, awarded to organizations doing meaningful work to connect families with shelter and support, will allow HOPE Atlanta to help an additional 1,500 families experiencing homelessness with rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, reunification, emergency lodging, case management and other supportive services.

 

HOPE Atlanta is one of 42 nonprofits across the U.S. to receive the third annual Day 1 Families Fund grants, as part of a continuing commitment by the Day 1 Families Fund to help end homelessness for families. The Day 1 Families Fund issued a total of $105.9 million in grants this year. To select these organizations, the fund worked with an advisory board of homelessness advocates and leaders whose expertise spans housing justice, racial equity, direct services, homelessness policy, equity for Native American communities and anti-poverty work. This year, the grant recipients from around the country include: Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness; The Cathedral Center, Inc.; Catholic Charities of Acadiana; Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention; Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida; Community Action Council for Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Inc.; Congreso de Latinos Unidos; Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio; Denver Indian Family Resource Center; East Los Angeles Women’s Center; East Oakland Community Project; Facing Forward to End Homelessness; Families Together; Family Life Center; Friendship Place; HELP of Southern Nevada; The Homeless Families Foundation; Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System; HOPE Atlanta; House of Ruth; Housing Matters; Housing Up; Kahumana; MAHUBEOTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.; Metro Denver Homeless Initiative; MUST Ministries; The National Center for Children and Families; Native American Youth and Family Center; North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness; One80 Place; Poverello House; Rainbow Services; Refugee Women’s Alliance; Safe Haven Family Shelter; Samaritan House; Solid Ground; St. Vincent de Paul CARES; Su Casa – Ending Domestic Violence; The Salvation Army Austin Area Command; Time for Change Foundation; United American Indian Involvement, Inc.; and WestCare California.

 

“No family should face homelessness in this country, even for one day — especially amid a pandemic,” said Smythe. “We’re so thankful that the Day 1 Families Fund has recognized the troubling trend of family homelessness across the U.S. and is supporting those of us on the front lines.”

 

The Bezos Day One Fund was launched in 2018 with a commitment of $2 billion and a focus on two areas: funding existing nonprofits that help homeless families, and creating a network of new, nonprofit tier-one preschools in low-income communities. The Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter and hunger support to address the immediate needs of young families. The vision statement comes from the inspiring Mary’s Place in Seattle: no child sleeps outside. For more information, visit www.BezosDayOneFund.org/ Day1FamiliesFund.

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HOPE Atlanta, founded in 1900, is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive approach to address homelessness and provide solutions that promote lifelong stability.

HOPE Atlanta Receives Anonymous $500K Donation

hopeatlantastg on September 16, 2020

Atlanta, GA — The staff of HOPE Atlanta, one of Atlanta’s oldest nonprofit organizations serving people experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness, had quite the surprise waiting when they returned to work after Labor Day: a $500,000 check from an anonymous donor through a fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

 

“This gift is nothing short of transformational. It took our breath away,” said HOPE Atlanta CEO Jeff Smythe. “The need is always greater than our available funds and resources, and this generous donation will allow us to serve so many more people who desperately need our help right now.”

 

And it comes at a time when low-income and marginalized communities, disproportionately affected by COVID-19, need assistance more than ever. HOPE Atlanta has experienced a 300% increase in calls for help since the start of the pandemic and is bracing for an avalanche of evictions when moratoriums end.

 

The donor requested that the funds be used to support rapid re-housing, beds for the MARTA partnership program, case management, rental assistance and eviction prevention.

 

HOPE Atlanta and partner organizations have played a key public health role during the pandemic with programs (like “Healthy Hotels”) to move unsheltered people to safety and curb the virus’s spread.

 

“If you’re reading this, friend, I want you to know just how much your gift will benefit our clients and community,” said Smythe. “You’re literally helping to save peoples’ lives and restore their livelihoods. On behalf of all of our staff and those who rely on our services: thank you.”

 

HOPE Atlanta (formerly Travelers Aid), founded in 1900, is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing and fighting homelessness. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive approach to address homelessness and provide solutions that promote lifelong stability.

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If you would like to learn more about Atlanta’s homelessness issue and hear inspiring “stories of HOPE” from the front lines of COVID-19, you’re invited to join HOPE Atlanta for the virtual Heroes for HOPE event on October 15th. Registration is free and open to the public.