Family matters to DeMarre Carroll.
Carroll and his fiancé Iesha Davis have a young daughter. So when they heard about Atlanta’s Genesis Shelter and its mission to keep homeless newborn babies and their families together, the charity was a perfect match.
The Hawks forward led a group that served Thanksgiving dinner about 20 families, well over 60 people, at the shelter Monday night. In addition to the meal, Carroll gave away diapers, socks, stuffed animals and t-shirts to the residents.
“The biggest thing for me is to help these families out,” Carroll said. “I really stand for what this shelter stands for. They are keeping families together. Most shelters might take the kids, or the mom or the dad. This shelter takes the whole family. I think you should always keep the family together.”
Genesis Shelter, founded in 1987, is a shelter for homeless newborn babies under six months of age and their families. Its mission is “to provide a supportive environment that enables homeless newborns and their families to achieve positive life outcomes for this generation and those to come.”
“It’s a wonderful thing they are doing,” said Tyese Lawyer, President and CEO of Genesis Shelter. “They called us and said they wanted to give some time back to the community and heard about the good work we are doing.”
Families can stay at the shelter for up to six months while they find employment and get back on their feet. The shelter also has a child development center in addition to the residence facilities.
One resident, LaTanya, will soon move out after her time at the shelter. LaTanya said she appreciates Carroll and others that give back to the community by supporting such valuable work.
“I’ve had a wonderful experience here,” LaTanya said. “I went from being homeless to having a roof over my head. They have provided everything. My time here gave me time to get myself together. I gained employment and I’m in the process of moving out.
Carroll and his fiancé supplied turkey and all the fixings, desert and drinks to those who gathered. Following the meal, he signed autographs and gave away the diapers, socks and stuffed animals – bears wearing Hawks shirts. In addition to the Carroll and his group of helpers, members of the Hawks staff assisted.
“We have a 10 month old and we found this place and they take the whole family it was perfect,” Davis said.
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