23 Things That Gave Us HOPE in 2023
3 min readDec 4, 2023
As 2024 rapidly approaches, it’s important to celebrate the past year’s wins, big and small. And what a year it was! From client victories to acts of kindness and the growing activism in our community, there is no shortage of reasons to be HOPEful as we enter a new chapter in our history and the fight against homelessness.
- These MLK Day of Service volunteers who joined forces to pack thousands of meals and hygiene kits for our clients.
- The incredible Black leaders working to build a more equitable Georgia, some of whom we highlighted during Black History Month.
- Ted Louis Levy, a former Broadway star once known as one of America’s premier tap dancers, who experienced housing insecurity but is now staging a comeback.
- Our amazing 2023 Heroes for HOPE honorees, Shan Cooper and Atlanta Gas Light, who are making a profound impact in the effort to address homelessness and inequality.
- Chikwe, a regular Women’s Community Kitchen volunteer who brightens everyone’s day with his kindness, dad jokes, and sweet gestures (including bringing roses on Valentine’s Day).
- HOPE Atlanta Outreach Case Manager Kavin, who experienced homelessness in her youth and now works tirelessly to help neighbors living in encampments.
- Our client Amberrel, who inspired us with her determination to get her life back on track after intense hardship.
- The 367 veterans who have been assisted by our partners at Atlanta Legal Aid (including many HOPE Atlanta clients) just one year since launching the Veteran Law Project.
- The opportunity to celebrate our beloved Women’s Community Kitchen guests each month during their birthdays, thanks to our dedicated volunteers and supporters.
- Our friends at FirstKey Homes, who partnered with us as our HOPE365 match donor as part of their commitment to building strong, resilient communities where families can thrive.
- HOPE Atlanta’s Board of Directors, whose incredible servant leadership was on full display when they volunteered during HOPE Immersion Day.
- The hundreds of people formerly living in encampments who have been housed as part of Lift 2.0, a collaborative initiative among local nonprofits (including HOPE Atlanta) and the Department of Transportation.
- Donald, whose emotional move-in video after living on the streets for 13 years is a true example of what it means to keep HOPE alive.
- Clients like Jonathan who have bravely shared their experiences with homelessness and mental health challenges, helping to destigmatize these interconnected issues.
- Our friends at Montlick Injury Attorneys and the compassionate community members who came together to support Veterans in need during our Fourth Annual Veterans Week of Service.
- Halloween at the Women’s Community Kitchen, where our guests enjoyed strutting their stuff wearing some very impressive costumes.
- The hardworking HOPE Atlanta clients who recently graduated from the new Digital Literacy Program, in partnership with TechBridge.
- Our 2023 Heroes for HOPE sponsors, true champions for change whose support is helping our clients break barriers and build brighter tomorrows.
- Atlanta Hawks star De’Andre Hunter, who continued his support of HOPE Atlanta clients by taking two families on an all-expense-paid holiday grocery shopping trip.
- Julio Carrillo, our CEO, being recognized as one of Georgia Trend’s 500 Most Influential Leaders.
- Vannarette, a Veteran and mental health counselor who faced homelessness after suffering from severe COVID-19 and shared her triumphant story during Heroes for HOPE.
- Gene, a 71-year-old Veteran caring for four grandchildren, who worked with us to secure a comfortable home for his large family after they were suddenly evicted.
- The volunteer energy that’s been on full display all year at HOPE Atlanta, where we welcomed groups from Southern Company, The Home Depot, Georgia’s Own Foundation, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Starbucks, Floor & Decor, Bolst Real Estate, Toast, and Black Book Automotive (to name just a few!).
This list only scratches the surface of the many people and milestones we’re grateful for in 2023. We can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring!
What if you could be the one to bring someone HOPE? These success stories wouldn’t be possible without financial support from our community. Why not end 2023 on a high note with an act of kindness?
