HomeAid Atlanta kicked off its 2021 series of Care Days on January 29 at Crossroads Community Ministries (CCM) in downtown Atlanta. In the city of Atlanta alone, 900 – 1000 people live unsheltered, while another 2,000 live in shelters. Crossroads Community Ministries seeks to provide access to resources that empower people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta to progress toward economic and personal stability.
HomeAid volunteers from the National Association of Home Builders Kennesaw State University (KSU) Student Chapter, KSU Women in Construction, The Northview Church, Beacon Management Services, Cash Environmental Resources and CenterState Bank gathered to complete demolition projects at the CCM Cylyde’s Kitchen dining area. This kitchen serves over 60,000 meals every week to those experiencing homelessness and hunger. Demolition tasks including breaking down several walls in anticipation for the CCM expansion. The expansion is designed to help even more people get served and increase services available.
The major renovation project is planned to add office space for external service providers like Mercy Care and an employment center. The expanded space will also allow CCM to help even more people rebuild their lives. CCM aims to help struggling people achieve a better life. One example of someone the organization helped is seen in Kevin. Just one year ago, Kevin was homeless and a frequent guest of the kitchen. He worked to turn his life around and CCM hired him to work in Clyde’s Kitchen. Now, Kevin has a steady income and a place to call home.
“Whatever an individual needs, wherever they are on their journey, we start there and we stay with them until they get where they want to be,” said CCM Executive Director Reverend Tony Johns. “We hope to empower those we serve to reach a point of stability in life.”
HomeAid Care Days provide free-of-charge maintenance, upgrades, and repairs for nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. This was HomeAid Atlanta’s 96th Care Day since the initiative began in 2008.
“What a great way to kick off our 20th anniversary year,” said HomeAid Atlanta’s Director of Community Outreach Karen McLane. “The amazing efforts and enthusiasm our volunteers displayed made for a very productive and heart-warming day. We can’t wait to see the completed expansion!”
Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and Green Energy Transport’s donation of a dumpster, the Care Day provided a savings of more than $4,000 for CCM.
Read more from HomeAid Atlanta on Atlanta Real Estate Forum here.