HomeAid Atlanta, the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and members of the Atlanta NFLPA former players’ chapter recently came together to renovate a house for a homeless family in Decatur.
On Nov. 18, former professional football players and members of the local home building community teamed up for a HomeAid Care Day to repair and rejuvenate a home for Decatur Cooperative Ministry’s Family House transitional program. This 1,600-square-foot home is just one of nine homes that houses temporarily homeless families in Decatur and DeKalb County families. Each year, assistance is provided to roughly 14 families.
“Through the HomeAid Care Day program, a mom and children working hard to get back on their feet came home to newly painted walls, a freshly raked yard, and more. Decatur Cooperative Ministry could not finish so many improvements in such a short period of time without the support of dedicated volunteers,” said Beth Vann-Turnbull, executive director of Decatur Cooperative Ministry. “We are very grateful to the Atlanta NFLPA former players chapter, Greater Atlanta HBA, and HomeAid Atlanta, not only for all their hard work but also for the generous and light-hearted spirit in which they did it.”
More than 20 volunteers performed tasks to help prepare the home for the holidays. They spent the day cleaning and painting the home’s interior, removing overgrown plants, pruning shrubbery, power washing the exterior siding, clearing debris from the gutters and doing various repairs.
“Every family deserves to have a safe, comfortable home to celebrate the holidays in, whether it is a temporary sanctuary or a permanent home to call their own,” said Dextor Clinkscale, vice president of the Atlanta NFLPA former players’ chapter. “We are so thankful for this opportunity to give back to the community that gave us so much support during our playing careers.”
The HomeAid Care Day project was part of Touchdown for Homes, a nationwide charitable outreach program of the National Association of Home Builders and the NFLPA that brings together local home builders’ associations and former NFL players to strengthen communities by building or renovating homes for children or families in need and veterans. Each participating organization was more than happy to provide local assistance within the community.
“HomeAid Atlanta was proud to partner with the Greater Atlanta HBA and the Atlanta NFLPA former players chapter for this wonderful day of service to benefit Decatur Cooperative Ministry and the families they serve,” said Dan O’Dwyer, president of HomeAid Atlanta. “It was heartwarming to see people from different organizations coming together and pooling their resources for the common purpose of giving back and helping those in need in our community.”
The HomeAid Care Day program is just one of the many ways HomeAid Atlanta assists temporarily homeless families and individuals throughout the Atlanta area. To learn more about community service programs or donations, visit the HomeAid Atlanta website.