November 2023

A Note From Mandy Crater, HomeAid Atlanta Execuitve Director

It seems like every other month or week or day there is some issue that we should be “aware” of, something that we need to know that is often outside of our normal existence. November is Homelessness Awareness Month. Depending on our routes, we sometimes see folks struggling with homelessness. Most of us feel that we are “aware” of the issue. We can see it, right?

The overwhelming majority of people in this struggle are not those we see—they are sleeping on someone’s couch, or in an extended stay hotel or even in their cars. People struggling with homelessness are mothers with small children, veterans or youth that fled unsafe homes, and are not old enough to live on their own. People experiencing homelessness are our neighbors. They are not “those” people. They are the folks that are ringing up our groceries and waiting on us in restaurants. They may be in your child’s class. Homelessness is in every city and county in Georgia and throughout the country. The reality of homelessness is often very different than what we see. Homelessness is a housing issue, not a people issue.

In this season of Thanksgiving, we are so grateful that we have amazing friends that are taking action to combat this complicated struggle for housing. Our partners in the building industry and in nonprofit service provider roles are making an effort to ensure that all of our neighbors have a safe and dignified place to call home. We cannot thank you enough for working with us to build a future without homelessness. We look forward to celebrating all that we did together this year at the Holiday Party and Silent Auction next Thursday!

HomeAid Atlanta completed two major Care Days at Status: Home’s newly acquired townhome apartment complex in East Point this fall. Status: Home is the oldest and largest provider of permanent housing, holistic support, and empowerment for Atlanta’s low-income and homeless individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. 

On October 20, volunteers from Northwest Exterminating, Brand Vaughan Lumber, and BOMA Georgia spent the day painting seven two-bedroom townhomes at Status: Home. The group also removed carpet in ten units in preparation for new floor coverings. 

Volunteers from Brightwater Homes, DR Horton Atlanta West, and American Homes 4 Rent joined the November 10 Care Day (photo below). The groups painted six apartments, as well as started work on laundry room renovations.

When all work is complete, the apartments will provide 30 units of affordable housing for families impacted by HIV/AIDS. New residents are expected to move in prior to year-end. The efforts of volunteers combined with in-kind donations of materials, including 160 gallons of paint donated by Sherwin-Williams, provided a savings of over $27,000 for Status: Home.  

GAHBA Members Support HomeAid Atlanta

When you renew your Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (GAHBA) membership, or register for a GAHBA meeting or event, you have an opportunity to make a 100% tax-deductible donation to HomeAid Atlanta.

Check out the GAHBA's upcoming events.