A nonprofit organization for 38 years, Nicholas House is hosting its annual “Off the Street, On Their Feet: Sleeping Outside Supporting Homeless Families Event” online for the first time.
Co-sponsors are the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority and AARP Georgia.
Instead of meeting as a group in its backyard, Nicholas House is encouraging people to support this fundraiser inside or outside their homes through Zoom from 8-9:30 p.m. Oct. 2.
The online event will feature live music, videos, games, children’s activities, health, wellness and fitness activities, healthy cooking demonstrations, testimonials by formerly homeless families, an overview of Nicholas House programs and a candlelight ceremony.
Funds raised will help children and their parents at risk of eviction, foreclosure and utility shut-off due to COVID-19 and homeless families.
“As a parent, I challenge all parents - as they tuck their children into bed tonight - to be reminded that, in Atlanta, mothers and fathers are kissing their children goodnight amidst the chill of the late night air, glare of city lights - nestled with a garbage bag of belongings as a pillow,” said Nicholas House Director of Development Terrisita Terry.
Each night throughout metro Atlanta, more than 5,000 people experience homelessness, she said, with the average age being 9 years old.
Every day on the streets of Atlanta, Terry said more than 800 are children of the 1,100 family members who are homeless.
Without separating them, “we accept families of any composition - no matter their size or makeup,” she added.
After graduation from Nicholas House programs, Terry said, “We follow families for up to two years which is why, last year, more than 90 percent of our clients remained self-sufficient a year or more after graduation.”
Registration is required at $25 per household at NicholasHouse.org/events/off-the-street-on-their-feet.
Information: tterry@NicholasHouse.org
Each Sunday we write about a deserving person or charity events such as fun-runs, volunteer projects and other community gatherings that benefit a good cause. To submit a story for us to cover, email us at ajc.doinggood@gmail.com.
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