CaringWorks Recognizes Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Annual week brings attention to homelessness in local communities
November 16-24, 2019 is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week – a crucial time to remember that on any given night, nearly 3,619 individuals experience homelessness in Atlanta, DeKalb and Fulton counties. CaringWorks is a non-profit agency working to end homelessness throughout Greater Atlanta by providing access to safe, affordable housing and support services.
This year, CaringWorks is using Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week to increase knowledge of the countless challenges facing Greater Atlanta’s homeless population. While progress is being made, there is still important work to be done. Greater Atlanta’s homeless
population is comprised of individuals with disabilities, substance abuse issues, chronic and mental illness, returning citizens from the criminal justice system, and histories of domestic violence. Providing housing is only part of the solution – a comprehensive approach is needed to help these individuals regain independence and achieve self-sufficiency long term.
“Our goal at CaringWorks to help end homelessness throughout Greater Atlanta by providing safe, affordable housing and support services that are tailored to the individual,” said Carol Collard, president and CEO, CaringWorks. “We believe our clients are more than their circumstances, and it’s our role to help them find the opportunities to reach their potential.”
CaringWorks is one of the largest providers of supportive housing in the Greater Atlanta area, serving hundreds of individuals and families each year. The agency offers both long and short- term housing, residential and outpatient treatment, deaf and hard of hearing programs, and essential support services that lead to housing retention and stability. Signature programs include Hope House, which is located downtown Atlanta across from City Hall. Hope House is a 70-bed residential facility for adult men who are homeless and in recovery from substance addiction. CaringWorks also provides long-term housing in over 300 apartments throughout Greater Atlanta. Residents pay rent relative to their income, giving them a chance to regain their health, well-being and dignity.
CaringWorks maintains an annual success rate exceeding 90 percent – meaning more than 90 percent of its clients remain stably housed after one year in the program. CaringWorks has served more than 6,000 clients in the last 15 years.
The following are critical stats regarding homelessness in Georgia, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness:
- 9,499 individuals are homeless on any given night in Georgia.
- 6,943 of these individuals are adults.
- 2,556 of these individuals are people in families.
- 494 of these individuals are youth.
- 705 of these individuals are veterans.
- 1,080 of these individuals are chronically homeless.
CaringWorks services nearly 450 clients each day and continues to experience a surge in requests for services and resources.