Atlanta Chapter of HomeAid

The temporary homeless in Atlanta now have a friend in their corner.

HomeAid is a nonprofit organization which was established in January 2002 in Atlanta as a local chapter of HomeAid America, a leading, national provider of transitional housing for the temporary homeless.

According to HomeAid's website, "the HomeAid mission is to build dignified transitional housing where temporarily homeless families and individuals rebuild their lives. This is accomplished through the donation of construction services and materials from members of the local homebuilding industry."

In addition to providing safe, temporary housing, HomeAid Atlanta provides social services, such as life and job skills training, parenting classes and budgeting, which are designed to help the temporary homeless rebuild their lives.

The goal of HomeAid Atlanta is to provide the temporary homeless in Atlanta with the opportunity to get on their feet and regain independence.

The HomeAid Process

HomeAid Atlanta serves the community using a three-step process:

1. Identify and select a successful, community Care Provider that seeks construction services to expand the capacity of their facility, through building a new facility or renovating an existing structure.

2. Recruit a volunteer Builder Captain who coordinates construction and assists in securing trade partners to provide in-kind labor, materials or services.

3. This team works together to build or renovate the facility, aiming to serve a larger number of temporarily homeless families and individuals.

HomeAid Atlanta's Connection to the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association

HomeAid Atlanta is affiliated with the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA), and serves as a "bridge" between builders from the HBA and local service providers, thereby allowing transitional housing facilities to be more effectively constructed and renovated.

Currently, completed projects include seven transitional housing facilities and one free-of-charge health clinic for the homeless. Four, additional projects are currently in development.

In fact, more than 1,100 temporary homeless have been provided with temporary housing through HomeAid Atlanta.

HomeAid Atlanta Contributors

HomeAid Atlanta operates through in-kind donations and building materials, as well as cash donations.

Some of HomeAid Atlanta's contributors include metro Atlanta's home builders, their trade partners, financial institutions, sponsors and the public.

The result: HomeAid Atlanta is able to produce transitional housing at a minimal cost. In fact, every dollar invested in HomeAid Atlanta is turned into an average of $2 of in-kind labor and materials.

HomeAid's History

HomeAid was founded in 1989 by the Orange County chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, which is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders.

HomeAid has since expanded into 16 states and 22 chapters. HomeAid is now one of America's largest providers of housing for the temporary homeless.

HomeAid Atlanta's Special Events

Two fundraising events are held throughout the year, including HomeAid Atlanta's Project Playhouse and HomeAid Atlanta's Fairway to Haven Golf Classic.

In addition, a separate collection drive for baby items, called Essentials for Young Lives Drive, is also held each year.

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