Atlanta New Homes News

HOMEAID PARTNERS WITH BRIGHTWATER HOMES TO ASSIST THE DRAKE HOUSE

On Thursday April 9, HomeAid Atlanta joined forces with volunteers from Brightwater Homes for a HomeAid Care Day at The Drake House in Roswell.  The staff of Brightwater Homes volunteered their time, working all day to install doors and trim throughout the Drake Center, which now houses a new teen center and classrooms as well as administrative offices and a food pantry.

Charlie Bostwick of Brightwater Homes remarked, “We have really been looking forward to working with HomeAid Atlanta on a project like this. I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to come out to help and give back in a meaningful way. We look forward to working with HomeAid Atlanta again soon.”

The Drake Center is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion to add a new teen center, classrooms, expand the food pantry and other updates by HomeAid with volunteer builder captain Vincent Longo of Vincent Longo Custom Builders.  According to Longo, the trim and door installation work donated by the Brightwater Homes volunteer crew is valued at over $5,000. The volunteers also helped clean an apartment in The Drake House’s transitional housing facility, organize a storage shed and complete some landscaping work.

About HomeAid Atlanta:  Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. HomeAid is the charitable arm of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, providing its members as well as community building industry groups outreach opportunities through its build projects. To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 53 housing developments and care days for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and more. For more information about HomeAid Atlanta visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.

About The Drake House: The Drake House is a crisis residential assessment center for homeless women and children in the North Fulton area. The organization provides immediate residential housing combined with an empowerment program designed to provide stability for the children and assist the family in working toward housing self-sufficiency. For more information about The Drake House, visit www.thedrakehouse.org.

About Brightwater Homes: Brightwater Homes is a North Atlanta home builder in specializing in single family homes.  The company’s design strategy focuses on architecture, livability, and value. For more about Brightwater Homes visit www.brightwaterhomes.com.  

JOIN HOMEAID ATLANTA’S 2015 ESSENTIALS DRIVE 14th annual drive to benefit homeless babies and moms

ATLANTA – March 3, 2015 - HomeAid Atlanta’s Essentials Drive will take place April 27 – May 5, 2015 in honor of Mother’s Day.  The 14^th annual drive to benefit homeless and indigent babies and their mothers is a community-wide effort to collect “essential” baby products.  Requested donation items include diapers/pull-ups, baby food, infant formula, baby wipes, and baby hygiene products.  The goal is to provide aid to one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population – women with children.  Everything collected through the drive will be distributed by HomeAid to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless families and children in the metro Atlanta area.

Businesses, community organizations and individuals are invited to participate by collecting baby items from employees, customers, members, friends and families.  Your organization can host a collection internally and/or act as a public drop-off location.  Can’t host a drive?  Participate just by making a donation of new items at any public drop-off site located around metro Atlanta, including HomeAid’s office in Tucker. A list of sites is available online at www.homeaidatlanta.org/dropoff.  Donations can also be made through HomeAid Atlanta’s baby registries at Amazon.com and Target.com (enter “HomeAid” for the registrant’s first name and “Atlanta” for the last name).  All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

In 2014, over 30 local companies and organizations supported the Essentials Drive, including Atlanta Fine Homes Southeby’s International Realty, Ameris Bank, Atlanta Remodelers Council, Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council, Bank of America, Boral Building Products, CBRE, CharterBank, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors, Daltile Corporation, Epworth United Methodist Church and Day School, FrontDoor Communities, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Guaranty Mortgage, John Willis Homes, Kiwanis of Northlake-Tucker, LoanSouth Mortgage, Mast Custom Cabinets, Monte Hewett Homes, Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, O'Kelley & Sorohan Attorneys at Law, Oneida Builders, Professional Women in Building Council, State Bank & Trust Company, SunTrust, Sutter, McLellan & Gilbreath, Inc., Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Georgia, Utility Associates, Waterford Homes, and Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco P.C.  Many of these partners have already signed on for the 2015 drive, and we welcome your group as a new or returning collection site! 

Atlanta-based UPS is joining hands with HomeAid Atlanta for the ninth year to assist with delivery of donated items to local nonprofit organizations that provide housing and supportive services to homeless infants, toddlers, and/or families.  Many of these organizations operate facilities that have been built or renovated in partnership with HomeAid Atlanta and include Action Ministries (Atlanta), Atlanta Dream Center (Atlanta), Atlanta Mission (Atlanta), Ceek to Fulfill (Conyers), City of Refuge (Atlanta), Community Advanced Practice Nurses (Atlanta), Decatur Cooperative Ministry (Decatur), Genesis Shelter/Our House (Atlanta), Haven ATL (Atlanta), HomeStretch (Roswell), Nicholas House (Atlanta), Phoenix Pass (Conyers), Rainbow Village (Duluth), Sheltering Arms (Atlanta), The Drake House (Roswell) and The United Methodist Children’s Home (Decatur).  The items will be delivered just before Mother’s Day, providing critical support to these organizations and the babies and mothers they serve. 

The Essentials Drive was first launched by HomeAid Atlanta in 2002, and since then more than 589,000 essential baby items have been distributed. As the growth in homeless families increases the demand for services, the need for essential baby items continues to grow.  This Mother’s Day, it is HomeAid’s desire to honor and celebrate mothers by ensuring they are able to meet their children’s needs. 

To learn more about the 2015 Essentials Drive, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org/dropoff, contact HomeAid Atlanta at 678-775-1401 or [email protected].

About HomeAid Atlanta: Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. HomeAid is the charitable arm of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, providing its members as well as community building industry groups outreach opportunities through its build projects. To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 53 housing developments and Care Days for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and more. For more information about HomeAid Atlanta visitwww.homeaidatlanta.org or www.facebook.com/HomeAidAtlanta.

BOMA Georgia and HomeAid hold successful Care Day at Covenant House Georgia

ATLANTA – The fourth BOMA Georgia-HomeAid Atlanta Care Day took place on Nov. 7 at Covenant House Georgia (CHG). Building Owners and Managers Association Georgia (BOMA Georgia) members and HomeAid Atlanta friends spent the day volunteering to complete major projects for this Atlanta facility serving homeless abandoned, abused, trafficked and exploited youth. . During the morning’s kickoff, CHG’s Executive Director Allison Ashe shared information about the facility with event participants. Following Ashe’s remarks, Atlanta City Councilwoman Felicia Jones helped kick-off the event and presented BOMA with a proclamation from the city

Approximately 200 volunteers assisted CHG, representing over 80 BOMA Georgia companies. An extensive scope of work was completed at the center’s new location on Johnson Road on Atlanta’s west side. Work included parking lot paving & striping, electrical repair, building of a veranda, enclosing a green house, painting, tree trimming, floor care, large landscaping projects, pressure washing, organizing supply closets, sorting donated books, general clean up and more. BOMA Georgia’s member companies participated through sponsorships, securing supplies, and volunteering. The approximate value of the work performed is $130,000.

“On behalf of BOMA Georgia, we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of this year's event,” said BOMA Georgia member Kacey Morris, who was the lead on the event’s core team. “With each project, we see an increase in participation, donations and overall enthusiasm from the BOMA Georgia Community. Our day at Covenant House  was no exception. The greatest impact is being able to provide services and labor that CHG would otherwise be without, and also to be able toleave them with the contacts and information needed for future help.”

As November was National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, BOMA Georgia and HomeAid Atlanta hope this joint project brings more awareness to the plight of young people currently living on the streets. According to Safe Horizon—the largest organization helping victims of crime and abuse in the United States—5,000 young people die every year because of assault, illness, or suicide while on the street. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study found that 46 percent of homeless youth left their home because of physical abuse, while 17 percent left because of sexual abuse. The average age a teen becomes homeless is 14.7 years old.

About BOMA Georgia:

The Building Owners and Managers Association of Georgia (BOMA Georgia) is a trade association representing one of the largest and most revenue-generating industries in the state: commercial real estate. In Georgia, commercial real estate contributes approximately $3.7 billion to the state’s economy; generates nearly $1.1 billion in new taxable personal earnings and supports nearly 99,000 jobs. BOMA Georgia members are responsible for the ownership/management and administration of more than 150 million square feet of office space and additional millions of square feet of facilities throughout Georgia. These individuals represent building ownership, professional property management firms, professional service providers and contract services, including construction, cleaning services, security services, elevator maintenance and more than 40 other categories of specialty services. Members have 24-hour-a-day responsibility for the safety, physical well-being and security of hundreds of thousands of employees housed in the office buildings, office parks and other facilities managed by this industry. To learn more, please visit www.BOMAGeorgia.org

   

About HomeAid Atlanta:

Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. HomeAid is the charitable arm of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, providing its members as well as community building industry groups outreach opportunities through its build projects. To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 53 housing developments and care days for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and more. For more information about HomeAid Atlanta visitwww.homeaidatlanta.org or www.facebook.com/HomeAidAtlanta

 

About Covenant House Georgia:

Covenant House Georgia is a subsidiary of Covenant House International, the largest, privately funded nonprofit service organization serving homeless young people in the Americas. Covenant House Georgia has been providing food, shelter, counseling, education and vocational training to homeless, runaway and trafficked youth in the Greater Atlanta area since 2000. For more information on special events, accomplishments, services and volunteer opportunities, please visit Covenant House Georgia's website at www.covenanthousega.org or contact us at 404.589.0163.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR HOMEAID PROJECT AT THE DRAKE HOUSE IN ROSWELL

Roswell – Despite very cold weather, supporters of HomeAid Atlanta and The Drake House (TDH) were in high spirits on November 13 at the groundbreaking ceremony kicking off the much needed expansion at the Roswell facility’s office space, called The Drake Center.  The expansion includes a 1,000 square foot, two-story addition, adding a Teen Center, ‘Mom’ Classroom and food pantry space.  The project will also provide a complete office overhaul to make the facility ADA compliant and allow for better traffic flow throughout building.  The Drake House, which received complete apartment renovations from HomeAid in 2006, offers emergency and transitional housing to homeless single mothers with young children, as well as providing services to enable families to become self-sufficient.

 

The expansion is estimated to cost close to $270,000.  Through support from generous companies and individuals, HomeAid has secured approximately $100,000 in donations of in-kind materials and labor, which will allow TDH to put their savings back into meeting the needs of their clients. 

 

“HomeAid Atlanta has maintained a strong relationship with The Drake House since partnering on their 16-unit renovation in 2006 with builder captain O’Dwyer Homes.  The renovation provided TDH with 44 shelter beds, which has helped almost 600 children and their mothers, so far, by giving them a place to call home.  We know this expansion will allow TDH to better help and heal its residents.  We are honored to work with TDH again and help build new lives for homeless families,” said Jean Hilyard, HomeAid Atlanta Executive Director.  “We are so fortunate to have Vincent Longo leading the project, as well as all the donors who have given so generously to this effort.”

 

HomeAid recognizes its volunteer builder captain, Vince Longo of Vincent Longo Custom Builders, and all of the companies who have already made a commitment to support this project:  Gary B. Coursey & Associates Architects, All-Tech Heating & Cooling, AEC Engineering, Atlanta Roofing Supply, Bell Cabinetry, Boral Building Products, Carmichael Consulting Solutions, Catamount Constructors, City of Roswell, Construction Resources, Custom Drywall, Dutch Masters Painting, Dupont Tyvek, Dupree Plumbing, Ferguson Enterprises, GE Appliances, Grogan's Sani-Service, Inc.,Harrell Kane Structural Engineers, Hoskins Engineering, Johnson Controls Inc., Lowe Consulting Engineering, Mast Custom Cabinets, MJA Framing Contractors, Owens Corning, OxBlue, Parksite, Pestban, Piedmont Grading, ProBuild, Progressive Lighting, RC Painting, Robert Bowden Inc., Sara Giles Moore Foundation, SEI Group, TEC, Inc., and Thomas Concrete.

 

Visit HomeAid Atlanta’s Facebook page to view photos from the groundbreaking at www.facebook.com/homeaidatlanta.

 

HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization that builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.  HomeAid works in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, as well as community building industry organizations, to assist the temporarily homeless.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 53 housing, remodel and care day projects at locations that serve victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and more.  Learn more at www.homeaidatlanta.org

The Drake House The Drake House provides short-term crisis housing, education and empowerment programs for homeless mothers and their children in North Fulton County designed to assist the family in working toward self-sufficiency.  Since opening in 2006, the organization has served 318 families with 592 children originating from the cities of Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Milton and Johns Creek.  Our goal is to provide stability and support to each family in the hopes that they can regain housing independence in their own community.  Learn more at www.thedrakehouse.org

Attached photos: 

Drake House Groundbreaking.jpg:

Pictured (L-R) Ronnie Gullatt, HomeAid Board

Lori Rousseau, HomeAid Board

David Ellis, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association & HomeAid Board

Charles Curtis, The Drake House Board

Craig Dryden, The Drake House Immediate Past President

David Hammond, The Drake House Board Chair

Dale Boyd, HomeAid Board Chair

Kathy Swahn, The Drake House Executive Director

Dr. Betty Price, Roswell City Council

Rich Dippolito, Roswell City Council

John Albers, Georgia Senate

Nancy Diamond, Roswell City Council

Vince Longo, HomeAid Builder Captain

Gary Coursey, Architect

Jean Hilyard, HomeAid Executive Director

 

Group photo.jpg: (see above caption for names in photo)

 

Jean & Vincent.jpg: HomeAid Executive Director Jean Hilyard and volunteer builder captain Vincent Longo of Vincent Longo Custom Builders at The Drake House on November 13, 2014

Donations Needed for the GAHBA Silent Auction/Casino Night and Holiday Party Benefiting HomeAid Atlanta – December 4, 2014

HomeAid Atlanta is the charity of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and builds and/or renovates dignified, transitional housing for metro Atlanta’s temporarily homeless children, women and men.
 

2014 Silent Auction/Casino and Holiday Party Wish List

 

Vacation trips/rentals | Electronics | Airfare | Art | Gift Cards | Sports Tickets
Golf Outings | Jewelry | Sport Memorabilia | Event Tickets

 

For your generous donation, your company will receive:

 

Recognition at the Silent Auction
Recognition on the HBA Website
Recognition in HomeAid Atlanta’s e-newsletter
A Tax-deductible donation receipt/letter

 

Cash Donations are also welcome. Please make checks payable to the Atlanta Home Builders Association.

If you're interested please click here to fill out the attached Silent Auction Donation Form. Donations Due by Friday November 14th

http://www.atlantanewhomesdirect.com/ClientData/Brochures/HBA/SilentAuctionLetter11514.pdf

 

HOMEAID ATLANTA PARTNERS WITH NFL FORMER PLAYERS AND GREATER ATLANTA HOME BUILDERS TO ASSIST PHOENIX PASS

Conyers, GA - HomeAid Atlanta, in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) and NFL Former Players Association (NFLPA), held a Care Day on Saturday, October 11 at Phoenix Pass in Conyers.  The NFLPA participated as part of their Touchdown for Homes program.  The program is a nationwide charitable outreach program of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the NFLPA that brings together local HBAs and former NFL players to strengthen communities by building or renovating homes for  families and veterans in need.  

 

Phoenix Pass provides long-term transitional housing for families, particularly women with children, who are experiencing temporary homelessness or displacement in the Conyers/Rockdale County community.  Phoenix Pass was the first transitional housing facility in Rockdale County. In 2010, HomeAid assisted in the construction of its eight-unit apartment building and “lighthouse” community center.  This was HomeAid’s first Care Day at Phoenix Pass.    

A hot, sunny October day didn't stop this crew of fifteen who volunteered to help at this event.  The group completed several projects over the course of the day including sanding and painting exterior metal stair railings, repairing a shed, refinishing outdoor furniture, building a privacy fence, and picking up litter. 

 

Volunteers from the NFLPA included Solomon Brannan (Kansas City Chiefs, Jets, Bengals and Lions), Tim Broady (Philadelphia Eagles), and Ken Parker (New York Giants).  Two members of Southern Polytechnic State University’s NAHB Student Chapter were on site to help with the day’s tasks as well and were extremely handy and helpful.

 “It’s always great for former players to get out and partner with HomeAid for a Care Day.  Events like this are what giving back to the community is all about.  Uplifting others and putting a smile on their face, and knowing that we former players are touching lives, is a great feeling.  “Community, Youth and Opportunity” is what we are all about and what the NFLPA - Atlanta Chapter loves to do.  This was our fourth Touchdown for Homes event with the HBA and HomeAid and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership in the future," said Tim Broady, NFLPA Atlanta Chapter President.

HomeAid is grateful to all the hard working volunteers for their efforts on these much needed tasks at Phoenix Pass.

 

About HomeAid Atlanta: Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. HomeAid builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 51 housing developments and care days at locations that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.  

About the NFLPA: The NFL Players Association is the exclusive collective bargaining agent for all players employed by clubs of the National Football League. Founded in 1956, the NFLPA works to ensure that the rights and interests of NFL players are protected.  In addition, the NFLPA strives to be a valuable resource and to maximize player opportunities on and off the field through membership programs and community activities. Learn more at www.NFLPlayers.com.

About Phoenix Pass, Inc.:

The mission of Phoenix Pass, Inc. is to serve the needs of women and families experiencing temporary homelessness by giving them the opportunity to reestablish self-sufficiency in a stable residential setting. The focus of Phoenix Pass’s transitional housing program is to empower its residents with supportive services and the resources to recover and rebuild a productive, stable lifestyle for themselves and for their families, ultimately transitioning from the program into the community as productive and self-sufficient citizens. Visit the Phoenix Pass website at: www.phoenixpass.org.

HomeAid Atlanta Selected for Leadership DeKalb Community Service Project

TUCKER -- September 8, 2014 - Leadership DeKalb has selected HomeAid Atlanta as one of its seven Community Service Projects for 2015.  Leadership DeKalb is a leadership development program that unites approximately 55 leaders yearly to gain a new perspective on community challenges and to inspire them to work together to solve these problems.   Participants are professionals in government, business, academic and nonprofit sectors of DeKalb County who have demonstrated significant leadership in their profession and community work. 

Each year, Leadership DeKalb participants partner with local nonprofit organizations to work on Community Service Projects (CSP) in DeKalb County.  The goal is to improve the quality of life in the county by strengthening relationships between nonprofits and providing pro-bono consulting from the mixed skills of program participants.  CSP also provide an opportunity to enhance participants’ leadership skills and gain a better understanding of the work and services of the nonprofit sector.

Leadership DeKalb’s Class of 2015 will divide into small teams to assist DeKalb nonprofits addressing critical community issues.  Projects focus on areas such as marketing, membership strategy, growth strategy, operation effectiveness, business and strategic planning, and use of resources.  Leadership DeKalb’s class members will partner with HomeAid from September 2014 through May 2015.  HomeAid Atlanta builds and maintains transitional housing facilities, as well as outreach activities such as the Essentials for Young Lives Drive and HomeAid CareKits.

“HomeAid Atlanta is extremely honored to be chosen by Leadership DeKalb as one of seven nonprofits for its Community Service Projects.  Since HomeAid Atlanta operates with a small staff, it is extremely helpful to receive assistance from community leaders to help develop a strategic marketing plan.  At the project kick-off meeting on August 28, it was obvious that Leadership DeKalb is committed to making the CSP’s a huge success.  We are very excited about this partnership,” said Jean Hilyard, HomeAid Atlanta Executive Director.

About HomeAid Atlanta:

Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. HomeAid builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.  HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 21 build projects that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, and homeless families.  For more information, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.  

About Leadership DeKalb

Leadership DeKalb convenes and connects leaders, informs them on matters vital to DeKalb County and enhances their leadership skills in order to strengthen the talent in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, thus advancing the quality of life in the county.  Class members learn about history, diversity, government, justice, arts and culture, education, health and economic development in DeKalb. With focus on the entire county, Leadership DeKalb positions current and emerging leaders to unite, commit, and make DeKalb a better place to live, work, and enjoy life.  For more information, visit www.leadershipdekalb.org

HOMEAID ATLANTA PARTNERS WITH OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF ATLANTA TO ASSIST CHRISTIAN CITY

Union City, GA - HomeAid Atlanta, in partnership with Overhead Door Company of Atlanta, completed a HomeAid Care Day at Christian City on Saturday, May 31, 2014. This was HomeAid’s first partnership with Christian City and its fourth time partnering with Overhead Door Company of Atlanta, HomeAid’s Volunteer Group of the Year in 2012. 

A very hot day couldn't stop the crew of sixteen reliable employees from Overhead Door Co. who volunteered to help at this event.  The group completed several projects over the course of the day: built a wooden fence to surround unsightly materials waiting for recycling, planted five flower beds, installed a slate walkway, and landscaped and pressure washed a cottage location, which Christian City plans to use for housing people living with disabilities.

Jean Hilyard, HomeAid Atlanta Executive Director states, “HomeAid Atlanta has had the fortune of working with Overhead Door Company of Atlanta’s volunteers on four HomeAid Care Days.  They bring a group of skilled, hard-working employees who truly care about giving back to others in the community.  We are extremely fortunate to have a volunteer partner in Overhead Door Company of Atlanta and we look forward to working together again next year.”

HomeAid is grateful to Overhead Door Company of Atlanta for their efforts on these much needed tasks.  Thank you to Lowe’s for its donation of some of the building materials for
the fence, and to Christian City for its help in organizing and participating in the event.

About HomeAid Atlanta:
Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. HomeAid builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 51 housing developments and care days at locations that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.  

About Overhead Door Company of Atlanta:
The leader in residential garage doors, Overhead Door Company of Atlanta has a large selection in colors and styles from which to choose.  Overhead Door Company of Atlanta, a member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, was awarded the prestigious 2012 Angie's List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately five percent of all the companies rated on the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.  Learn more at www.overheaddooratlanta.com.

About Christian City:
Christian City is a non-denominational, non-profit organization with a mission to minister to the spiritual, physical, social and psychological needs of families, with particular emphasis on children, the aged and infirm, by providing residential, health and social services according to the principles and teachings of the Christian faith.

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ESSENTIALS FOR YOUNG LIVES® DRIVE HELPS HOMELESS MOMS & BABIES

HomeAid Atlanta’s 13th annual drive shatters prior collection record!

ATLANTA – May 14, 2014 – Metro Atlanta area companies, community organizations and individuals radically increased their support of HomeAid Atlanta’s 13th annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive, held April 28 – May 6 in honor of Mother’s Day.  Donations gathered through the community-wide drive included diapers, baby wipes, baby food, formula and baby hygiene products, in an effort to provide aid to one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population – women with children.  Combined efforts brought in over 155,000 items, a total of more than double the 2013 record collection, with a value of almost $45,000.  HomeAid distributed everything collected through the drive to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless families.

On Friday, May 9, just in time for Mother’s Day, Atlanta-based UPS teamed up with HomeAid Atlanta for the eighth year to assist with delivering the thousands of items collected to sixteen local nonprofit organizations that provide housing and supportive services to homeless families and young children.  Many of these organizations operate facilities that have been built in partnership with HomeAid Atlanta, including:
Action Ministries (Atlanta), Atlanta Dream Center (Atlanta), Community Advanced Practice Nurses (Atlanta), Decatur Cooperative Ministry (Decatur), Genesis Shelter (Atlanta), HavenATL (Atlanta), HomeStretch (Roswell), My House (Cherokee County), Nicholas House (Atlanta), Our House (Decatur), Out of Darkness (Atlanta), Partnership Against Domestic Violence (Atlanta), Phoenix Pass (Conyers), Rainbow Village (Duluth), Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers (Atlanta), and The Drake House (Roswell).

After deliveries were completed, the first-ever Essentials Celebration was held at Genesis Shelter, which serves homeless babies under six months of age and their families.  Several speakers shared about the positive strides HomeAid is making to help Atlanta’s homeless population.  After the lunch and program, attendees were given an exclusive tour of Genesis Shelter.

Businesses, community organizations and individuals throughout metro Atlanta assisted HomeAid by collecting essential baby items from amongst their employees, associates, friends and families.  Groups hosting collections were Ameris Bank, Atlanta Fine Homes -Sotheby’s International Realty, Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council, Bank of America, Boral Industries, Brock Built, CBRE, Inc., CharterBank, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors, Dal-tile Corporation, Epworth United Methodist Church & Day School, FrontDoor Communities, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Guaranty Mortgage, JEH Homes, John Willis Homes, Kiwanis of Druid Hills, Kiwanis of Northlake-Tucker, Mast Custom Cabinets, Monte Hewett Homes, Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, Northwest Exterminating, O’Kelley & Sorohan, Attorneys at Law, Oneida Builders, Professional Women in Building Council, Ryland Homes, Sharp Eye Contracting, Sherwin-Williams Paint, State Bank & Trust Company, SunTrust Bank, Technology Dependent Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite, UBS, Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Georgia, Waterford Homes, and Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco P.C.

These donations provide critical support to the recipient organizations and the families they serve.  Recent Point-in-Time Studies showed that over 60,000 individuals experience homelessness in Georgia each year, with more than 60% of homeless persons in households with children (GA Alliance to End Homelessness).  Atlanta is the poorest city in the U.S. for children - more children in Atlanta live in poverty than in any other city (Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless).  It is clear why the donated baby items were a welcome sight for HomeAid’s service provider partners.  

At the close of this year’s drive, Laura Rappold, Director of Case Management and Community Relations at Action Ministries Atlanta said, “Thank you so much for the incredibly generous donation you made to Action Ministries Housing.  The diapers, wipes, baby food and crib will make a huge difference to our families as they work their way toward self-sufficiency.  We are so honored that you included our organization in this fantastic project.  We put everything on the shelves on Friday afternoon, and when I walked in this morning, more than half of it had already gone out to families in our programs.  Thank you again for all you do - you make a huge difference!”

The Essentials for Young Lives Drive was first launched in Atlanta in 2002 and since then more than 589,000 essential baby items have been distributed to homeless mothers and their babies.
Visit www.facebook.com/homeaidatlanta to see photos from the collection, or click here to see more photos from the drive.


About HomeAid Atlanta:
Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. HomeAid builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.  HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 18 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.

HELP HOMELESS MOTHERS THROUGH HOMEAID ATLANTA’S ESSENTIALS FOR YOUNG LIVES® DRIVE

HomeAid Atlanta’s Essentials for Young Lives^® Drive takes place next week, April 28 – May 6, 2014 in honor of Mother’s Day. The 13^th annual drive to benefit homeless and low-income babies and their mothers is a community-wide effort to collect “essential” baby items for homeless mothers and their infants. Items collected include diapers/pull-ups, baby wipes, baby food, and formula, in an effort to provide aid to one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population – women with children. Everything collected through the drive will be distributed by HomeAid to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless families and children in the metro Atlanta area.

A list of public collection sites is available at www.homeaidatlanta.org/dropoff - many locations are already collecting. Donations can also be made online through HomeAid Atlanta’s baby registry at Target.com. To access the registry, enter “HomeAid” for the registrant’s first name and “Atlanta” for the last name. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Bank of America and State Bank & Trust Company sponsor the drive’s first-ever “Essentials Celebration” event on May 9 at 12:30 p.m., hosted by HomeAid’s service provider partner Genesis – A New Life Shelter. The lunch and short program will celebrate the drive and its support of service provider partners in the metro area, as well as the mothers and babies they serve.

Atlanta-based UPS is assisting HomeAid Atlanta for the eighth year with delivering the donated items to local nonprofit organizations that provide housing and supportive services to homeless or low-income infants, toddlers, and their mothers. Many of these organizations operate facilities that have been built or renovated in partnership with HomeAid Atlanta and include Action Ministries (Atlanta), Atlanta Dream Center (Atlanta), Community Advanced Practice Nurses (Atlanta), Decatur Cooperative Ministry (Decatur), Genesis – A New Life Shelter (Atlanta), HavenATL (Atlanta),
HomeStretch (Roswell), My House (Cherokee County), Nicholas House (Atlanta), Our House (Decatur), Out of Darkness (Atlanta), Partnership Against Domestic Violence (Atlanta), Phoenix Pass (Conyers), Rainbow Village (Duluth), Sheltering Arms (Atlanta) and The Drake House (Roswell). The items will be delivered just before Mother’s Day, providing critical support to these organizations and the mothers and babies they serve.

The Essentials for Young Lives Drive was first launched in Atlanta in 2002, and since then m ore than 430,000 essential baby items have been distributed to homeless mothers and their babies. This Mother’s Day, it is HomeAid’s desire to honor and celebrate mothers by ensuring they are given the tools to provide for their children’s needs.

To learn more about the 2014 Essentials for Young Lives Drive, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org/dropoff, contact HomeAid Atlanta at 678-775-1401 or [email protected].

About HomeAid Atlanta: Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. HomeAid Atlanta builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers. To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 18 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families. For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.

HOMEAID ATLANTA ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS

Awards honor Builder of the Year, Trade Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year

ATLANTA – Jan. 16, 2014 – On Jan. 15, HomeAid Atlanta announced the recipients of its eighth annual awards during the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s Installation and Awards Program at Villa Christina.  Awards were presented for Builder of the Year, Trade Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.  These awards honor organizations and individuals demonstrating great commitment to HomeAid Atlanta and its mission of building new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.

 

The three award recipients were:

• 2013 Builder of the Year – Mike Smith, Harcrest Homes
• 2013 Trade Partner of the Year – Marketing RELEVANCE, Carol Morgan
• 2013 Volunteer of the Year – Monica Love Phillips of Bank of America

 

The award recipients are knowledgeable and passionate about HomeAid Atlanta’s mission and are committed to improving Atlanta’s homeless crisis.  They have given generously of their time and talents in their respective roles.

 

      “It is both a privilege and an honor to recognize our award winners for their selfless and generous contributions.  I read that ‘the quality of your life will be determined by the quality of your contribution’, and we are so grateful that you chose to make a difference through HomeAid,” said Dale McCain-Boyd, president of HomeAid Atlanta.  “We thank you and celebrate all that you have done to further advance our mission in 2013.”

 

The HomeAid Atlanta Builder of the Year Award honors a devoted builder advocate of HomeAid Atlanta.  Mike Smith of Harcrest Homes has been involved with HomeAid Atlanta through Project Playhouse, HomeAid Care Days, and he is the current volunteer Builder Captain for HomeAid’s build project at Rainbow Village in Duluth.  Months of planning have already been dedicated to this project with many more to follow.  Mike is an active member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA), served as the 2011 President of the HBA and is the current President of the Housing Institute (Certified Professional Home Builders). 

The HomeAid Atlanta Trade Partner of the Year Award honors an extraordinary non-builder partner of HomeAid Atlanta.  For the first time ever, a marketing/PR company was chosen for this award.  The 2013 winner, Marketing RELEVANCE, is a full-service marketing company run by Carol Morgan in Atlanta and Mitch Levinson in Chicago.  Since 2008, they have generously helped spread the word about HomeAid’s good works and activities through numerous blog postings on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.com, through guest spots on their radio program, and more.  Carol served HomeAid as a past member of its Marketing and PR committee.   She was the 2012 Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association Council Chairperson of the year and is the 2014 Chair of the National Association of Home Builders Professional Women in Building council.  

The HomeAid Atlanta Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to a dedicated volunteer for her outstanding service.  In 2013, Monica Love Phillips served HomeAid on the committee for HomeAid’s Essentials for Young Lives Drive for the second year.  She helped organize the drive, involve new collection sites, gather/sort donations, and deliver items to organizations around Atlanta.  Monica volunteered for a HomeAid Care Day with Bank of America, at the silent auction, and assisted at the Installation & Awards Ceremony.  Since 2007 she has been at Bank of America and works as an Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Management Officer for Bank of America’s Home Builder Division.

The award winners were nominated by HomeAid Atlanta’s board of directors and staff, and selected based on their service and commitment to HomeAid Atlanta and its mission. Congratulations to all the award recipients!

About HomeAid Atlanta: Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless.  HomeAid builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.  

HOMEAID ATLANTA AND OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF ATLANTA MAKE IMPROVEMENTS AT HOME SERVING YOUNG HOMELESS MOTHERS

Fairburn, GA – HomeAid Atlanta, in partnership Overhead Door Company of Atlanta, completed a HomeAid Care Day at Tapestry Youth Ministries’ Second Chance home in Fairburn on Saturday, September 28.
 
Thirteen employees of Overhead Door Company of Atlanta volunteered for the event.  Overhead Door Co. put forth a tremendous effort throughout the day to assist with repairs for Tapestry, a group serving homeless teenage mothers and their babies/toddlers. HomeAid Atlanta completed an addition to this home in 2005 with builder captains Mayfield Homes and The Knight Group.

“Overhead Door Company of Atlanta has partnered with HomeAid Atlanta for three projects.  Each time we work with this group we are amazed at their abilities.  These men and women bring a true desire to help others who are working to rebuild their lives.  In 2012, Overhead Door Company was named the HomeAid Volunteer Group of the Year.  The amount of work they accomplish in one day is unbelievable, and every person who attends is a pleasure to work with.  We look forward to a long relationship with this outstanding company,” said Jean Hilyard, Program Manager for HomeAid Atlanta.

The Overhead Door Co. crew fixed the wooden fence around the property, rebuilt a gate, replaced all the screens on the patio, replaced rotten wood on the shed, built new shed doors, pressure washed around the house, fixed an interior door, and helped with a ton of landscape work.  The improvements and repairs were made at no cost to Tapestry Youth Ministries and are valued at $4,000.

“HomeAid Atlanta builds and maintains dignified housing where transitionally homeless can rebuild their lives. We assist our partners by helping by performing needed improvements, renovation or new construction projects.  This allows them to put their money into the programs that transform lives instead of fixing fences and other maintenance work.  The cost to run programs like Tapestry’s is very high.  However, this cost is completely worth it when lives are saved,” stated Ms. Hilyard.

Other individuals and companies who helped with this project include HomeAid Board member, Carl Riden of Redmont Homes, Oz Pizza in Fairburn, and Rutha Greene from Tapestry Youth Ministries.

About HomeAid Atlanta:
Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org. 

About Tapestry Youth Ministries:
Tapestry Youth Ministries (Tapestry) was established to provide a safe home to young girls living in either unsafe or unstable environments.  Many of these girls had babies, but refused to enter state custody for fear of being separated from their children. There were residential care facilities for young mothers aged 17 and older, but nothing was in place for mothers under the age of 17 years.  In 1999, Tapestry opened its first home to provide a safe, structured, nurturing environment where teen moms can experience quality home life and positive development.  Tapestry’s homes are in College Park and Fairburn, Georgia.  Tapestry provides its residents with housing, case management, parenting skills training, continued education, mentoring and coaching, childcare services, and independent living skills.  Read more: www.tapestryyouth.org

About Overhead Door Company of Atlanta:
The leader in residential garage doors, Overhead Door Company of Atlanta has a large selection in colors and styles from which to choose.  Traditional Steel doors, custom wood Signature Carriage Collection, and more, Overhead Door has a door to match your budget.  Weekend garage door repair service and free in-home replacement estimates mean that a safe and properly performing garage door is only a phone call away.  Overhead Door Company of Atlanta has been awarded the prestigious 2012 Angie's List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately five percent of all the companies rated on the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.  Angie's List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie's List operational guidelines.  Learn more at www.overheaddooratlanta.com.

NFL Former Players and Atlanta Home Builders Help Decatur Cooperative Ministry

  Atlanta-area home builders and former NFL players are teaming together during a HomeAid Care Day to provide upgrades and repairs at a home serving homeless just in time for the holiday season. Volunteers from the Atlanta NFL Players Association Former Players Chapter, the Greater Atlanta HBA (www.atlantahomebuilders.com), and HomeAid Atlanta (www.homeaidatlanta.org), will spend the day working on the residence run by Decatur Cooperative Ministry (www.decaturcooperativeministry.org), a nonprofit organization that offers comprehensive services to help families prevent, endure, and overcome homelessness.  

During the HomeAid Care Day, volunteers will be repairing and renovating the residence, by installing new bathtubs, new flooring, new cabinet faces, painting, and yard improvements. The project is part of Touchdown for Homes (www.touchdownforhomes.com), a nationwide charitable outreach program of the National Association of Home Builders and the NFLPA that works to strengthen communities by building or renovating homes for children or families in need and veterans.  

 

CBRE JOINS HOMEAID ATLANTA IN ASSITING HOMELESS FAMILIES IN ROSWELL

Roswell, Georgia – September 12, 2013 – CBRE Group, Inc. (CBRE) joined HomeAid and to make improvements at HomeStretch, a transitional housing facility for the homeless in Roswell. The event took place as part of CBRE’s fourth-annual “Get Out and Give Back” BuildMonth through CBRE Cares, the company’s national corporate philanthropy program. More than 500 CBRE professionals in 19 offices across the U.S. will participate by volunteering to help rebuild housing in their communities in September and October which focuses on providing shelter and housing to individuals in need.

Dan O’Dwyer, HomeAid Board Member, helped organize and lead the projects that CBRE volunteers implemented. Several major improvements valued at approximately $5,000 were completed for HomeStretch, a group that assists homeless families with minor children who are working to rebuild their lives. Projects included adding a gravel driveway up to the basement of a home, building steps to the mailbox units for safety, building a large gate to beautify the dumpster area, and helping clean two homes for the arrival of new families.

“For the fourth year, HomeAid Atlanta partnered with CBRE for this event. These volunteers have proven themselves as hard workers who sincerely care about helping those less fortunate. The eagerness and energy they bring to the work is incredible. CBRE’s assistance enabled us to make a big difference for HomeStretch,” said Jean Hilyard, HomeAid Atlanta program manager.

CBRE professionals from offices in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Washington and Washington, D.C., will take part in BuildMonth 2013. The Company will provide employees with paid time off for their participation in these projects.

“Following the success of the past BuildMonths, we are excited to partner with HomeAid on this important project. The Shelter Program aligns our charitable endeavors with our business, and enables CBRE professionals to use their enthusiasm and leadership skills to assist individuals in need in their communities,” said Candice Williams, CBRE Atlanta office operations manager.

Steve Watson, HomeStretch’s facility manager, commented, “We are very happy to have such great partners in HomeAid Atlanta and CBRE. The volunteers assisted HomeStretch on jobs that I had on my list for quite some time. They did a fantastic job of implementing the plans and the construction projects would have cost HomeStretch thousands of dollars at market value. Thank you for making HomeStretch a safer and more attractive residence for our clients.”

BuildMonth is the flagship event of the CBRE Shelter Program, which focuses on providing shelter and housing to those in need by improving housing options in low-income communities across the country. To find out more about the program, visit www.cbre.com/cbrecares. To learn more about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org. Photos from the event can be found on HomeAid’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/homeaidatlanta.

CBRE Cares is governed and executed by the CBRE Foundation, an independent, non-profit, public-benefit corporation that funds CBRE’s philanthropic initiatives.

HomeAid Atlanta Announces Partnership with Rainbow Village to Build Transitional Housing for Homeless Families

Duluth, GA – HomeAid Atlanta, in partnership with Rainbow Village and Builder Captain Harcrest Homes, announced today the construction of an apartment building for Rainbow Village, a long-term transformational housing community for homeless families in north metro Atlanta.  HomeAid Atlanta, a nonprofit organization that builds dignified transitional housing for temporarily homeless families and individuals, has joined forces with Harcrest Homes to build Rainbow Village’s third, six-unit apartment building, adding approximately 36 beds for families in need.  Each apartment at Rainbow Village includes three bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and two bathrooms. 

Building commencement is expected in October as part of Phase II of Rainbow Village’s “Building Strong Communities…One Family at a Time” three-phase campaign.  When complete, the campus will consist of a 30 - family “Village,” including a community center, family service center, and administrative offices.  Phase I was completed in April 2012.

Rainbow Village CEO, Rev. Nancy Yancey says, “Rainbow Village is thrilled to be partnering with HomeAid and Harcrest Homes on this project.  I can’t think of a better way to utilize shared resources and community effort in a meaningful way that will be helpful to generations of homeless families with children in the years to come.”

Mike Smith of Harcrest Homes has generously donated his time to lead the construction effort and trade partners (i.e. suppliers, framers, electricians, etc.) are currently being recruited to assist with construction.  Harcrest Homes, a long-term member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Certified Professional Home Builder, has a strong history of supporting philanthropic efforts.

“HomeAid Atlanta is honored to partner with Rainbow Village.  Rainbow Village is an exemplary transitional housing organization, led by an extraordinarily committed leader, Rev. Nancy Yancey.  As the housing industry continues to improve, we believe its members are ready to resume volunteer and material donation efforts, as Harcrest Homes has charitably shown.  What better way for the housing industry to give back to the community than through building homes for those who need time to rebuild their lives?” said Jean Hilyard, Executive Director for HomeAid Atlanta.

The mission of Rainbow Village is to transform lives of homeless families with children in North Metro Atlanta through a community based transitional housing program that promotes self-sufficiency.  The vision is to be a national model of an educational holistic approach to breaking the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence.  HomeAid Atlanta and Harcrest Homes are excited to assist Rainbow Village in their outstanding effort to assist families in need. 

About HomeAid Atlanta:

Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.  

About Rainbow Village:

Rainbow Village is a transformational housing community for homeless families with children. Most of the heads of households at Rainbow Village are women fleeing lives of domestic violence and poverty. They are not just seeking a safe place to live but also the opportunity to craft a new life for themselves and their children. Rainbow Village has set in motion a true "village" model where homeless families can find refuge, recover, and learn to rebuild their lives with the support of a community-based family surrounding them. Rainbow Village doesn't just provide a quick fix in times of crisis but offers a long-term program that includes support services for the whole family including life skills training, character building, counseling, career development, after-school programs, financial education, and more. The goal is to break the cycles of homelessness, poverty and domestic violence by teaching adults and children to believe in themselves again, to chart a new course, and to work a plan that enables them to once again be self-sufficient.

About Harcrest Homes:

Harcrest Homes has been awarded over 90 prestigious awards including the coveted America’s Best Builder from the National Association of Home Builders and Builder Magazine. In 2000, Harcrest Homes received the Lee Evans Award for Business Management Excellence. In 2007, they received the Customer Satisfaction Award from the Certified Professional Home Builder. Harcrest Homes is a member of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and a Certified Professional Home Builder.  Harcrest Homes has assisted on several HomeAid Atlanta projects.

HomeAid Atlanta Partners with Bank of America, Atlanta Remodelers Council and Pace Drywall, Making a Huge Impact at Two Organizations Serving the Homeless

ATLANTA - August 2, 2013 - On July 25 and 26, HomeAid Atlanta partnered with Bank of America, the Atlanta Remodelers Council of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and Pace Drywall to provide Genesis – A New Life Shelter and Community Advanced Practice Nurses (CAPN) with much needed upgrades at their facilities serving the homeless.  

Bank of America donated $4,000 to assist with materials for the event and 10 employees from the bank assisted with painting and other tasks on Thursday.  The Atlanta Remodelers Council was represented by 15 members and offered additional material donations for the work completed.  Pace Drywall, LLC made an enormous donation of professional painter labor for CAPN clinic.  Additional volunteers from Aycock Properties assisted as well.

Projects completed for Genesis Shelter included: purchase and install an accordion style door to separate a classroom, install melamine storage shelving, fix an exterior storage area and fence, repair cabinetry and replace a countertop at sink area in dining hall, remove old cabinets in lobby and install a Wilsonart countertop, paint a long hallway, install a door threshold, and install new tile.  CAPN clinic was professionally painted by Pace Drywall, LLC, closet shelving added, and a cracked commode was replaced.  Altogether, the improvements are valued at over $10,000.  HomeAid strives double (or more) each dollar donated through additional donations of labor and materials, which was accomplished during these care days at Genesis and CAPN.

Nancy Friauf, Executive Director at Genesis says, "We are so grateful to Atlanta Remodelers Council, Bank of America and HomeAid for creating this space for the babies and families we serve.  Our deepest thanks!”

The following organizations also provided donations or discounts on their products in order to help us make an even greater impact for Genesis and CAPN: In/Ex Systems, Inc., Sherwin Williams, Ferguson Enterprises, and Pizzeria Vesuvius.  HomeAid Atlanta is most appreciative of the support from organizations in the community, including

Photos from the event can be found at on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/homeaidatlanta. 

About HomeAid Atlanta: Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.

State Bank & Trust Company Contributes $6,500 to Help Homeless Babies through Home Atlanta’s Essentials for Young Lives® Drive

ATLANTA - June 11, 2013 – Even in a challenging economy, metro Atlanta area companies, community organizations, and individuals dramatically increased their support of HomeAid Atlanta’s 12^th Annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive, held April 29 – May 6, 2013 in honor of Mother’s Day.

The leader among the donors was State Bank & Trust Company.  State Bank surpassed last year’s solid performance for the campaign, collecting almost $6,500 from its branch collection centers.  The bank collected more than double the number of diapers they collected from last year, as well as 217 jars of baby food and other critical baby items for distribution to local homeless shelters. State Bank acted as a public collection site at seven branch locations, setting up creative displays, involving employees, customers and the public.  In addition to collection essential items, a large financial donation was contributed.  “State Bank exceeded all expectations and did an incredible job of engaging our clients to participate,” says Dale Boyd, Senior Vice President, Homebuilder Finance Group and a board member of HomeAid Atlanta.  “Our clients wanted to participate.  Giving money proved to be an easy way for those that didn’t get a chance to buy an item to do that.  Using the money contributed, essential items were purchased at Sam’s Club and provided to community organizations.”

“This year’s drive was the most successful to date,” says Jean Hilyard, Program Manager for HomeAid Atlanta. “Overall, more than 76,000 items were collected and shared with partner shelters in the Atlanta area. State Bank & Trust Company, a core supporter, was the largest contributor to the 2013 drive.  HomeAid thanks bank employees Dale Boyd and Melissa Turner for acting as key organizers for the event. HomeAid sincerely appreciates the bank’s employees and clients for their kindness and generosity in assisting homeless babies and their mothers.”

Donations were distributed to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless families, including: Action Ministries (Atlanta), Community Advanced Practice Nurses (Atlanta), Decatur Cooperative Ministry (Decatur), Genesis – A New Life (Atlanta), My House (Cherokee County), Nicholas House (Atlanta), Phoenix Pass (Conyers), Rainbow Village (Duluth), Tapestry Youth Ministries (College Park and Fairburn), and The Drake House (Roswell).

HomeAid Atlanta, established in 2001 as a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builder’s Association, builds and maintains dignified housing where temporarily homeless families and individuals in metro Atlanta can rebuild their lives.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.

Essentials for Young Lives® Drive Helps Homeless Moms & Babies

HomeAid Atlanta’s 12^th annual drive scores record collections

ATLANTA – Even in a challenging economy, metro Atlanta area companies, community organizations and individuals dramatically increased their support of HomeAid Atlanta’s 12^th annual Essentials for Young Lives^® Drive, held April 29 – May 6 in honor of Mother’s Day.  This year, their combined efforts brought in more than 76,000 diapers, baby wipes and other “essential” baby items, for a total of more than 13,000 items from the 2012 count.  Donations collected through the community-wide drive included diapers, baby wipes, baby food, formula and baby hygiene products, all in an effort to provide aid to one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population – women with children.  HomeAid distributed everything collected through the drive to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless families.

Businesses, community organizations and individuals throughout the metro Atlanta area joined hands with HomeAid to collect essential baby items amongst their employees, associates, friends and families.  Among those that collected items for the 2012 Essentials for Young Lives Drive were the Atlanta Academy, Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Remodelers Council, Atlanta Sales and Marketing Council, Bank of America, Boral Industries, CBRE, CharterBank, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors, Daltile Corporation, Dunwoody Baptist Church, Dunwoody Baptist Preschool, Epworth United Methodist Church School, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Guaranty Mortgage, Homeside Properties, Kiwanis of Northlake-Tucker, LoanSouth Mortgage, Mast Custom Cabinets, Monte Hewett Homes, Morris, Manning & Martin, O'Kelley & Sorohan, Oneida Builders, Physiotherapy Associates, Professional Women in Building Council, Quantum National Bank, Ryland Homes, Sharp Eye Contracting, State Bank & Trust Company, SunTrust, Sutter, McLellan & Gilbreath, Inc., Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Georgia, Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco P.C., Well Beings - Pain Relief & Peak Performance Center, Wink Couture Lashes, and WOAMTEC Lawrenceville, GA Chapter.

On May 9, just a few days before Mother’s Day, Atlanta-based UPS teamed up with HomeAid Atlanta to assist with delivering the thousands of items collected to ten local nonprofit organizations that provide housing and supportive services to homeless families and young children.  Many of these organizations operate facilities that have been built in partnership with HomeAid Atlanta, including:

• Action Ministries (Atlanta)
• Community Advanced Practice Nurses (Atlanta)
• Decatur Cooperative Ministry (Decatur)
• Genesis – A New Life (Atlanta)
• My House (Cherokee County)
• Nicholas House (Atlanta)
• Phoenix Pass (Conyers)
• Rainbow Village (Duluth)
• Tapestry Youth Ministries (College Park and Fairburn)
• The Drake House (Roswell)

According to the 2013 State of Homelessness In America report, Georgia was one of only 14 states with rates of homelessness in excess of the national rate (National Alliance to End Homelessness).  Recent Point-in-Time Studies showed that over 75,000 individuals experience homelessness in Georgia, with more than 60% of homeless persons in households with children (GA Alliance to End Homelessness).  Atlanta is the poorest city in the U.S. for children - more children in Atlanta live in poverty than in any other city (Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless).  Knowing those figures, it is clear why the donated baby items were a welcome sight for HomeAid’s partner service providers.  These donations provide critical support to the recipient organizations and the families they serve.  After last year’s drive, Carol Swan, program director for HomeStretch stated, “It was such a joy to deliver the wonderful baby supplies from the Essentials for Young Lives Drive to our client families.  Such supplies are necessary, and expensive.  Thank you.”

The Essentials for Young Lives Drive was first launched in Atlanta in 2002 and since then more than 439,000 essential baby items have been distributed to homeless mothers and their babies. 

About HomeAid Atlanta:

Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Opportunities for You to Support Suddenly Homeless Infants, Youth and Families with HomeAid Atlanta

If you are looking for a way to give back to the community – look no further. HomeAid Atlanta is hosting two events this Spring providing you with an opportunity to help the region’s homeless population and have fun. Get involved today and make a difference! 

 

HomeAid Atlanta’s 12th annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive

 

HomeAid Atlanta’s 12th annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive will be held April 29 – May 6 in honor of Mother’s Day.  Businesses, community organizations and individuals may participate in the drive by collecting and donating essential baby items such as diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula.  All items collected will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless mothers and their infants.  Get involved!  Just put out bins for collection and spread the word.  Simple bins are just fine, or get creative with your collection display.  Multiple location companies can compete with each other for best display or most donations to make the drive more fun.  This is your chance to help homeless infants and toddlers! 

 

Housing the Homeless Golf Tournament

 

HomeAid Atlanta will hold their tenth annual Housing the Homeless Golf Tournament at Peachtree Golf Club on Monday, June 17, 2013.  Make plans to join Home Aid Atlanta at this prestigious golf course and help house the homeless! Sponsorships available. 

 

For more information, visit HomeAid’s website at www.homeaidatlanta.org or contact Jean Hilyard at 678-775-1401 or via email at [email protected]

Two Opportunities for You to Support Suddenly Homeless Infants, Youth and Families with HomeAid Atlanta

If you are looking for a way to give back to the community – look no further. HomeAid Atlanta is hosting two events this Spring providing you with an opportunity to help the region’s homeless population and have fun. Get involved today and make a difference!

 

HomeAid Atlanta’s 12th annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive

 

HomeAid Atlanta’s 12th annual Essentials for Young Lives® Drive will be held April 29 – May 6 in honor of Mother’s Day.  Businesses, community organizations and individuals may participate in the drive by collecting and donating essential baby items such as diapers, baby wipes, baby food and formula.  All items collected will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless mothers and their infants.  Get involved!  Just put out bins for collection and spread the word.  Simple bins are just fine, or get creative with your collection display.  Multiple location companies can compete with each other for best display or most donations to make the drive more fun.  This is your chance to help homeless infants and toddlers!

 

Housing the Homeless Golf Tournament

 

HomeAid Atlanta will hold their tenth annual Housing the Homeless Golf Tournament at Peachtree Golf Club on Monday, June 17, 2013.  Make plans to join Home Aid Atlanta at this prestigious golf course and help house the homeless! Sponsorships available.

 

For more information, visit HomeAid’s website at www.homeaidatlanta.org or contact Jean Hilyard at 678-775-1401 or via email at [email protected]

Join HomeAid Atlanta's 2013 Essentials for Young Lives Drive

12^th Annual Drive to Benefit Homeless Moms and Babies,

April 29 – May 6

ATLANTA – MARCH 4, 2013 – HomeAid Atlanta announced today its 2013 Essentials for Young Lives^® Drive will take place April 29 – May 6 in honor of Mother’s Day.  The 12^th annual drive is a community-wide effort to collect “essential” baby items for homeless mothers and their infants.  Items being collected include diapers, baby wipes, baby food, formula and baby hygiene products, all in an effort to provide aid to one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population – women with children.  Everything collected through the drive will be distributed by HomeAid to local nonprofit organizations serving homeless families and children in the metro Atlanta area.

Businesses, community organizations and individuals are invited to participate in the drive by collecting essential baby items from amongst their employees, customers, members, friends and families.  Act as a host collection site, or bring your donations of new items to any public drop-off site located around the metro Atlanta area, including HomeAid’s office in Tucker. A list of drop-off sites is available online at www.homeaidatlanta.org/dropoff.  Donations can also be made online through HomeAid Atlanta’s baby registry at Target.com. To access the registry, enter “HomeAid” for the registrant’s first name and “Atlanta” for the last name.  All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

In 2012, nearly 30 local companies and organizations supported to the Essentials for Young Lives Drive, including The Atlanta Academy, Atlanta Remodelers Council, Atlanta Sales & Marketing Council, Back to Back Chiropractic, Bank of America, Boral Bricks, Brock Built, CBRE, CharterBank, Coldwell Banker NRT Development Advisors, Dunwoody Baptist Church, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Guaranty Mortgage, I-Design, IIDA Student Chapter of the Art Institute of Atlanta, John Willis Homes, LoanSouth Mortgage, Mast Custom Cabinets, Monte Hewett Homes, O’Kelley & Sorohan, Oneida Builders, Physiotherapy Associates – Lenox, Smyrna Community Center, State Bank & Trust Company, SunTrust, Technology Dependent Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite Campus, Upper Cervical Health Centers of America, and Weissman, Nowack, Curry & Wilco.  Many of these partners have already signed on for the 2013 drive, and some have already started collecting items!

Atlanta-based UPS is joining hands with HomeAid Atlanta for the seventh year to assist with delivering all the donated items to eight local nonprofit organizations that provide housing and supportive services to homeless infants, toddlers, and/or families.  These organizations operate facilities that have been (or soon will be) built or renovated in partnership with HomeAid Atlanta and include Decatur Cooperative Ministry (Decatur), Genesis – A New Life (Atlanta), HomeStretch (Roswell), My House (Canton), Phoenix Pass (Conyers), Rainbow Village (Duluth), Tapestry Youth Ministries (College Park and Fairburn) and The Drake House (Roswell).  The items will be delivered just before Mother’s Day, providing critical support to these organizations and the mothers and babies they serve.

The Essentials for Young Lives Drive was first launched in Atlanta in 2002, and since then more than 360,000 essential baby items have been distributed to homeless mothers and their babies. As the growth in homeless families increases the demand for homeless services, the need for essential baby items continues to grow.  This Mother’s Day, it is HomeAid’s desire to honor and celebrate mothers by ensuring they are given the tools to provide for their children’s needs. 

To learn more about the 2013 Essentials for Young Lives Drive, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org/dropoff, contact HomeAid Atlanta at 678-775-1401 or [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About HomeAid Atlanta: Founded in 2001, HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and is a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading national provider of transitional housing for the temporarily homeless. The HomeAid mission is to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between homeless service providers, builders, trade partners and community donors and volunteers.  To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed 16 housing developments that serve the temporarily homeless, including victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, abused and abandoned children, and homeless families.  Additionally, over 20 community service projects have been completed through our HomeAid Cares program, assisting ten local agencies with free repairs and upgrades valued at over $200,000 for their facilities that serve the homeless.  For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.  

Atlanta Mission's Fuqua Hall Gets a Facelift, Thanks to HomeAid Atlanta

WHEN:    Friday, February 8, 2013, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm  (Brief remarks at 2 pm, and an open house until 4 pm)

WHERE:    Fuqua Hall, 144 Mills Street, Atlanta 30313  (Free parking is available in the lot directly across the street)

WHO:    

• Atlanta Mission - President & CEO, Jim Reese; Manager of Volunteer Services, Ivan Rouse; Fuqua Hall Director; additional board members
• HomeAid Atlanta - Board President, Sandy Andrew (AtlantaNewHomesDirectory.com); Board Members and Builder Captains for project; Carl Riden (Redmont Homes); Dan Mattox (Builders II); Program Manager, Jean Hilyard; additional board members
• City of Atlanta Council Members and Mayor have been invited

On Friday, February 8, Atlanta Mission will unveil HomeAid Atlanta's kitchen renovation at Atlanta Mission's Fuqua Hall.  The Atlanta Mission is a transitional home that serves men on their way to self-sufficiency.  While the home has a cafeteria, the men did not have a range in the kitchen for cooking lessons or to cook their own meals if necessary.  This HomeAid project provided the kitchen with its first range, along with new cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, ventilation, and a fire suppression system for the range hood.  In addition, new appliances were installed, including a dishwasher, garbage disposal, commercial refrigerators, and freezers.

This HomeAid project was led by Carl Riden of Redmont Homes and Dan Mattox of Builders II.  Atlanta Mission's Ivan Rouse and Rev. Bob Vann were instrumental in this partnership to complete the kitchen.  HomeAid Atlanta thanks the project donors as well.

Leaders from the Atlanta Mission and HomeAid Atlanta will be available for Q&A.  Members of the media are asked to RSVP.

For more information on this event, contact Jean Hilyard at 678-775-1401 or [email protected].

HomeAid Atlanta

Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association

Atlanta Mission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandy Andrew sworn in as the 2013 HomeAid Atlanta Board President

HomeAid Atlanta held its annual Installation & Awards Ceremony January 10 at Villa Christina swearing in its new President Sandy Andrew. “It’s an honor for me to accept the role as HomeAid’s President this year.  I look forward to taking on the important task of furthering our mission of building and maintaining dignified housing where homeless individuals and families can rebuild their lives.“

Sandy, Founder and CEO of AtlantaNewHomesDirectory.com, has served on HomeAid’s Board since 2008. “What is so uniquely rewarding is that HomeAid assists housing facilities which provide programs that help families get a “fresh start”. After a short period of time, families with their children go from homeless situations to living normal lives once again.”

Since 2001, HomeAid has built 16 housing developments which now serve more than 750 homeless children, women and men in the metro Atlanta area each year.  In addition, they’ve completed over 20 community service projects through the HomeAid Cares program, assisting 10 local agencies with free repairs and improvements to their facilities serving the homeless.  All of this has been accomplished through dedication and generosity of members and supporters donation of construction services and materials as well as their personal time.

For more information about HomeAid Atlanta, visit www.homeaidatlanta.org.

HOMEAID ATLANTA PERFORMS HOMEAID CARES DAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August16, 2012

SOURCE:  HomeAid Atlanta

MEDIACONTACT:  Jean Hilyard, HomeAid Atlanta

678.775.1401(office) or
678.576.4388 (mobile)

[email protected]

HOMEAID ATLANTA PERFORMS HOMEAID CARES DAY AT MY HOUSE, A HOME FOR MEDICALLY FRAGILE INFANTS ANDTODDLERS WHO ARE HOMELESS

My House is the first licensed child caring home in Cherokee County.

CANTON, GA – Repairs and upgrades are complete at My House,
a home built by HomeAid Atlanta in 2007. 
My House, a nonprofit organization, is Cherokee County’s first licensed
child caring home for homeless children, serving medically fragile infants and
toddlers who have nowhere to turn.  In
partnership with HomeAid Atlanta, O’Dwyer Homes served as the leader for the
HomeAid Cares Day at My House.  HomeAid
Atlanta assists care providers such as My House in constructing and maintaining
transitional housing facilities by mobilizing members of the local homebuilding
industry to donate their time, talents and materials.

In addition to painting and small repairs throughout the
home, HomeAid Atlanta built 8’ storage and seating bench for the home, fixed
broken faucets, installed a lighting fixture, installed door kick plates, added
chair railing, fixed two broken doors, replaced thresholds, and stained the
deck. 

“Many people pulled together to make this project possible
and all who participated worked diligently throughout the day,” said Jean
Hilyard, program manager for HomeAid Atlanta.

Donna Carson, My House’s director says, “HomeAid is
incredible! The house looks better than it did when we moved in for the first
time.  Thank you so much for your
wonderful work to help us keep the house working and safe and comfortable for
the children.  HomeAid is so special to
My House and has been part of us from almost our first year of being.  We wouldn't have home were it not for
HomeAid.  The150 little ones we’ve served
thank you for making sure that they have a home, and a pretty one at that.”

The following companies partnered with HomeAid Atlanta and
O’Dwyers Homes to complete the HomeAid Cares Day: Redmont Homes, Builders II,
LeMay Electric, Via Viridis Green Solutions, North American Deck and Railing Association,
Chick-fil-A, Key Way Construction, Pace Drywall, Checkered Flag Plumbing, and
several community volunteers.

About HomeAid Atlanta:

HomeAid Atlanta is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
working in partnership with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, and
is a local chapter of HomeAid, a leading provider of transitional housing for
the temporarily homeless. The HomeAid mission is to build dignified housing
where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. This is
accomplished through the donation of construction services and materials from
members of the home building industry. For more information, visit
www.homeaidatlanta.org.

About My House:

Founded in 1999, My House is a nonprofit organization
dedicated to providing a loving and nurturing environment for medically fragile
infants who, while ready to leave the hospital, cannot be discharged due to
complex social situations, such as abusive or drug addicted parents.  My House, a long-term transitional home, provides
a warm and caring atmosphere for these children to come home to until plans for
permanent housing have been made. Full-time staff and volunteers also make sure
these babies’ medical and developmental needs are met, giving them the
stability they need to survive. For more information, visit www.myhouseweb.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that women and children are among the fastest growing segments of the homeless population?

This Mother's Day, you can help moms and babies in need by participating in HomeAid Atlanta's 2012 Essentials for Young Lives Drive, April 30 - May 7.

The drive is a community-wide effort to collect basic necessities for homeless babies. You can help.
 
It's easy to get involved!  Simply collect any of the "essential" baby items listed below and bring them to a drop-off location near you, or donate online through HomeAid's baby registry at Target.com.  All donated items will be distributed to local shelters serving homeless families and young children.
 
Thank you in advance for joining us to provide essentials for young lives!