Thursday, October 8th, Hope Atlanta hosted its annual Heroes for Hope Gala. This year’s honorees included Volunteer Hero, Rocky Atkins, two Corporate Heroes, The Coca-Cola Foundation accepted by President Carlos Pagoaga, Truist accepted by regional president Katie Saez, and Individual Hero, Chris Womack.
The gala’s theme “Hope Rising” was a play on Atlanta Rising – a long-term, citywide effort to end unsheltered homelessness in Atlanta by scaling sustainable housing and support systems. Likewise, the theme demonstrated proof of what’s possible for Atlanta and ALL of its residents when we extend care and compassion to our fellow neighbors in need.
Heroes for Hope is an annual gala with impact and civic action at the core. The night offers philanthropists, corporations, nonprofits, community leaders, and Atlanta advocates a chance to unite their resources and influence for a single, shared cause: ending homelessness in Atlanta. It also serves as an opportunity to recognize Hope Atlanta’s devotion to the unhoused community while raising critical dollars to serve those in need.
The measure of that devotion can be seen in the 780+ evictions prevented, 5,000 households served, and 7,400+ clients served – with 90% of clients in housing reaching self-sufficiency. Profound results that reflect the work Hope Atlanta’s case managers and staff pour into the organization’s mission. Guests were able to hear testimonies from two Hope Atlanta clients, both veterans, who experienced life-changing events that left them unhoused – one while working towards her nursing degree, the other after many years as a healthy, self-sufficient individual. Fortunately, their stories ended in triumph instead of tragedy. Both found their way back to stability and self-sufficiency thanks to the support and services they received from Hope Atlanta.
However, keeping the night mission-focused, guests were soberly reminded that while Hope is rising there is still more work to be done. With families affected by the steadily increasing costs of living and an aging population with limited resources to care for their complex health needs, more residents are unfortunately finding themselves experiencing homelessness.
The night concluded with the final award presented to Chris Womack whose speech and call to action we hope is still echoing today. “It’s going to be hard, but we can do hard things. We can eliminate homelessness. Yes, it’s going to take all of us working together… businesses, government, nonprofits, the faith community, public leaders, advocates, volunteers, and concerned citizens across this community.”
To learn more about Hope Atlanta and how you can get involved in the collective fight against homelessness in Atlanta, visit hopeatlanta.org
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