Spring 2025 Newsletter

Together, Our Work Moves Forward

As we begin a new year, we remain focused on our mission to combat homelessness in Atlanta. Together, we are building lasting, positive change and creating stronger pathways to stable housing.

We are excited to share the success of the LOVE Fund, supported by The Home Depot Foundation, which has already assisted over 75 households in metro Atlanta, with more support coming in 2025.

As we move forward, we remain committed to to navigating the evolving policy landscape and adding to the nearly 13,000 individuals we have housed since our inception. Change is a constant in the housing market, and while there are many changes happening currently with funding and housing, we continue to welcome home our most housing vulnerable neighbors.

We invite you to continue joining us in this mission to bring more people home.

Visit opendoorsatl.org to learn how you can make a difference.

Warm regards,

The Open Doors Atlanta Team

Nonprofit Partner Highlights

Michael Glenn, a disabled veteran and father of five, spent more than a year couch-surfing before securing a rental home in DeKalb County, thanks to the support of our partnership with The Home Depot Foundation.

After facing significant challenges, including job loss and health issues, Glenn was able to access a $3,500 LOVE Fund grant to cover rental fees and a down payment.

The LOVE Fund, backed by a $200,000 grant from The Home Depot Foundation, helps veterans overcome housing barriers and avoid homelessness. The fund has already assisted over 46 households in metro Atlanta, with more support coming in 2025.

Jennifer Yearwood, housing support coordinator at Open Doors, emphasized the importance of the program: “We’re working as hard as we can to bring those barriers down and find multiple streams of funding to help them get and remain stably housed."

Click to read more.

Property Highlight & Board Member Welcome

Our work would not be possible without our network of property partners. This spring, we are excited to feature Angela Carter, Property Manager at Hillcrest Apartments.

Angela has over 30 years of experience in property management, excelling in maximizing occupancy, revenue, and cost control. Her expertise spans leasing, financial administration, vendor negotiations, and managing tax credit, HUD, and conventional properties.

She has worked with us for over a year and shares, "Open Doors has been instrumental in supporting our community. Their case managers are compassionate and dedicated, genuinely caring for those they assist. They go above and beyond, advocating tirelessly and treating us like family."

Angela’s experience and dedication make her a true asset to both the property management industry and the communities she serves.

Welcome Jonathan Zufi

This spring we welcomed our newest board member, Jonathan Zufi!

Jonathan serves as the Chief Technology Officer of Equity Estates, where he oversees the development and implementation of the company’s strategic digital roadmaps, IT infrastructure, security, and customer experience. With more than 30 years of expertise in hardware and software development, architecture, multi-modal Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization.

TESTIMONIAL

"The Center for Family Resources (CFR) and Open Doors have been amazing. In a time in my life when I had nothing - being in prison, bad credit, having to send my daughter to stay somewhere else - CFR and Open Doors pulled me in and told me they were going to come up with a plan and stand beside me, which they did.

They put me in an apartment in no time. I've been thriving, I'm happy. My daughter lives with me now. I've also gotten a raise and a promotion since then."

- Tyrone Weems