Dayja
Seeking a fresh start for herself and her child, Dayja moved to Georgia from Alabama after the tragic loss of her brother. For three years, they endured a cramped motel room with escalating rates and constant noise, far from peace. With our support, Dayja transitioned from temporary lodging to a permanent home in just three weeks, assisted with move-in fees and swift support. Now, her child enjoys their own room, and Dayja finds solace in her new sanctuary.
— June 2024
Pictured above: Dayja
Cheneta
Cheneta Austin-Yates not only embraced our assistance but sprinted toward success with it. Ms. Yates not only moved into permanent housing, she enrolled into the Achievement Club and blew past her goals by saving $500, received the savings match of $500 and now has over $1,000 in emergency savings and on her way toward homeownership.
— April 2024
Pictured above: Cheneta
Tenique
As the oldest of 8 siblings in New York City, Tenique had a challenging childhood. After losing her parents, she and her siblings lived on their own, and as a teenager, she stayed at Covenant House, while her younger siblings were in a different agency.
Her adult life was similarly tough, with the high cost of living in New York making it hard to afford rent and essentials, often forcing her to live in unsafe areas.
In July 2018, Tenique moved to Atlanta for a fresh start. Despite her nervousness, she knew she needed a safer environment to improve her situation and help her siblings.
In Atlanta, Tenique stayed at My Sister’s House, where she met Jetta and Sophie. They faced homelessness together until Jetta helped Tenique find stable housing.
Now settled, Tenique hopes to enter the modeling industry and start a nonprofit to aid those experiencing homelessness, motivated by her own experiences.
— February 2019
Pictured above: Tenique, past Street-to-Home participant
Kyana
When Kyana's mother passed away unexpectedly, she found herself struggling to find stability. Her support system had suddenly disappeared and Kyana and her four children were bouncing from place to place. She stayed with friends when she could and on the streets of Atlanta, when there were no other options.
With the help of Housing Plus, Kyana now has stable housing and can focus on the needs of her four children. She is excited to give her children stability and give back to others experiencing homelessness in the future.
Kyana learned to stay focused, to be strong and to not give up. Her advice to others experiencing homelessness is "I would tell them not to give up and that Housing Plus is a great organization to help."
— November 2019
Erica
Meet Erica, who was housed through Housing Plus's Kids Home Initiative. Here she shares her experiences with Chara, Housing Plus's Housing Coordinator, in her new two-bedroom apartment.
Erica, what was living in a motel like?
“It was extremely hard. I saw a lot of prostitution, drug dealing, and loud music at night. I couldn’t sleep and had no privacy. It was a tough environment.”
How did you end up living in a motel?
“I moved from Florida with plans to rent a townhome, but an eviction on my record—though wrongfully filed—prevented it. Despite the landlord’s apology, I ended up in a motel with my family, paying $380 a week and eating fast food daily. We were stuck there for five months.”
How did you find out about the program and how has it helped?
“I saw a Facebook post about the program and decided to check it out. Ms. Chara at Housing Plus helped me prove the eviction was incorrect. The program covered my first month’s rent and other fees, moving my family into stable housing. It was a lifesaver.”
What advice would you give to other moms?
“Don’t give up and don’t get comfortable in a motel. Decorate your home and keep striving for your kids. Many others around me gave up, but I encourage you to keep fighting for a better life.”
— November 2019
Douglas
Born in Atlanta and raised on historic Auburn Avenue, Douglas attended the same high school as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and had a passion for music. He left school early to form a band but ended up in trouble, leading to a prison sentence.
While incarcerated, Douglas worked washing state patrol cars. His strong work ethic caught the attention of National Guard personnel, who offered him a job in disaster relief. He worked as a government contractor for 12 years until federal budget cuts led to his job loss.
After losing both his job and home, Douglas lived in transitional housing in Lithonia before returning to Atlanta. While seeking resources at Central Presbyterian Church, he discovered the Street-to-Home program. Frontline Outreach Specialist Shafee’qur helped him secure a new apartment.
Now, Douglas is grateful to be off the streets and enjoys watching “old Westerns.” He is also eager to return to music, appreciating all genres from bluegrass to ZZ Top.
— December 2018
Sophie
Growing up in Connecticut, Sophie faced a lot of negativity and decided to start fresh elsewhere. She bought a one-way ticket with no return option and, upon arriving at the airport, saw only flights to Atlanta—a place she had never been. Seeing this as a sign, she took the flight to Georgia.
Sophie spent 8 months homeless in Atlanta, sleeping outside My Sister’s House and benefiting from the agency’s services. Her friendship with Outreach Specialist Jetta, who was also homeless, provided crucial support.
When Jetta found stable housing through the Street-to-Home program, she helped Sophie secure affordable housing with her Social Security benefits. They are now roommates.
Sophie’s current goal is to return to school to become a CNA. Her advice to those experiencing homelessness is to “find the right people, trust the right people, and stay open to good people.”
— January 2019
Pictured from the left to right: Jetta, Outreach Specialist, and Sophie, past program participant
Birchchum
A native of Orlando, Florida, Birchchum moved to Atlanta with just a suitcase in October 2018. After losing his family and friends, he sought a fresh start, believing Atlanta was the right place for him.
Upon arrival, he tried to get into Atlanta Mission but found it full. He spent the night at St. Peter’s Parish. On his way to the Mission, he saw a Waffle House with a “Now Hiring” sign, applied for the job using Centennial Park’s WiFi, and secured an interview for the next day.
Birchchum quickly got a job at Waffle House and found a security guard training opportunity through Crossroads Community Ministries. With multiple jobs and needing stable housing for his new schedule, he worked with outreach specialist Shafee’qur, who helped him find affordable, permanent housing.
Birchchum’s advice for those experiencing homelessness is to “stay focused, be guided by a higher power, and communicate your needs clearly. We’re not alone—everyone has different experiences, and though it’s tough now, you can get through it.”
— February 2019
Pictured from left to right: Shafee'qur, Outreach Specialist, and Birchchum, past participant
Tiffany
Tiffany, once a workaholic juggling multiple jobs in Columbus, Ohio, experienced sudden paralysis due to PTSD, a result of years of extreme stress and trauma. This diagnosis prompted her to seek therapy and reconsider her life path.
Following her brother's advice that she’d do better in Georgia, Tiffany moved to reconnect with him. However, an accident and knee injury complicated her plans. Struggling to reach her brother, she found solace at My Sister’s House, where she connected with Outreach Specialist Jetta and soon secured housing and government assistance.
With stable housing, Tiffany describes it as a “beacon of hope” that allows her to focus on her mental and physical health. Previously a cosmetology instructor and tattoo artist, she plans to get re-certified and resume tattooing.
Her advice to those experiencing homelessness is to “give yourself another chance. It’s hard, but with supportive people and by taking their advice, you can make significant progress.”
— February 2019
Pictured from the left to right: Jetta, Outreach Specialist, and Tiffany, past program participant
Charmon
Originally from Waco, Texas, Charmon and his family moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia when he was 16. He admired his mother's determination to provide a better life for them. However, tragedy struck when he found his mother and sisters shot and killed. Driven by vengeance, Charmon was sentenced to 16 years in prison for aggravated assault.
During his first 7 years, he focused on personal growth, using reading and prayer to stay true to himself. Inspired by his mother’s ambition, he maintained his faith and hope for a future outside prison.
After his release, Charmon faced difficulties adjusting, starting anew in Douglasville, Georgia without a safety net. He found temporary shelter in a “dope house,” determined to improve his situation. His efforts led him to Outreach Specialist Shafee’qur, who helped him secure affordable housing in Atlanta. Charmon has since graduated from welding school and is set to work full-time as a welding technician.
His advice to others is to stay strong, uphold your values, and remain humble. “You gotta go through things to really understand and appreciate the good.”
— February 2019
Pictured from left to right: Shafee'qur, Outreach Specialist, and Charmon, past program participant
Veronica
Veronica, an Atlanta native, faced significant challenges throughout her life. Growing up in Dekalb County, she became a mother at 26, all while struggling with debilitating uterine fibroids. This condition made it difficult for her to maintain stable employment, leading to intermittent homelessness over 18 years despite working as a part-time preschool teacher.
In 2003, Veronica applied for federal disability assistance but was repeatedly denied due to her income level. Determined to support her daughter, she continued to work through the pain and sought temporary shelter with family members.
Her struggle persisted until 2010 when she could finally secure Social Security Disability Insurance, though she still faced difficulties in achieving stability. With her father’s support and guidance, she managed to regain her footing despite her ongoing medical issues.
The turning point came when Veronica connected with Outreach Specialist Shafee’qur, who helped her secure affordable housing. Now, with stable housing, Veronica can focus on her health and continue to stay positive as she faces her medical challenges.
— February 2019
Pictured from left to right: Veronica, past participant, and Shafee'qur, Outreach Specialist,
Rosanna
Rosanna moved from the Bronx to Atlanta seeking a fresh start and to better support her children. After facing family conflict and working multiple jobs, she relocated with her younger son for a new beginning. In Atlanta, she encountered challenges, including the theft of her car, but stayed positive with help from My Sister’s House and Outreach Specialist Jetta. Now working as a dental assistant in Roswell, Rosanna has stable housing and aims to buy a new car and home. Her advice is to stay positive and appreciate what you have: “It can always be worse. You have to look at it on the positive.”
— February 2019
Pictured from the left to right: Rosanna, past program participant, and Jetta, Outreach Specialist.
Donald
Donald, originally from St. Louis, was overwhelmed by long work hours and minimal family time. Seeking better opportunities and higher pay for his nine children, he moved to Atlanta in December 2018. After finding temporary shelter at Atlanta Mission and connecting with Outreach Specialist Shafee’qur, Donald secured permanent housing. Now settled, he aims to pursue a career in the arts, including music and photography, while continuing to seek better employment to support his family. His advice is to stay focused and work hard through challenges.
Pictured from left to right: Shafee'qur, Outreach Specialist, and Donald, past program participant
Sheryl
Sheryl has always been dedicated to helping others, from working as a case manager in Texas to running various programs in Augusta. When her eldest son became homeless, she used her savings to search for him in Florida and then sought refuge in a shelter. Moving to Georgia, she faced financial strain and found temporary shelter at the Gateway Center and Salvation Army. After six weeks, Outreach Specialist Shafee’qur quickly helped her secure permanent housing. Now settled and funded through Social Security, Sheryl plans to reconnect with her children and advises others to “find your resources… that’s the first thing you need to do.”
— February 2019
Pictured from left to right: Shafee'qur, Outreach Specialist, and Sheryl, past program participant
Diane
Diane's move to Atlanta was driven by harsh conditions in Chicago and a stroke of luck. Living in a freezing, unsafe basement with her son, she longed for the warmer, friendlier atmosphere of Atlanta. Her resolve, supported by her son and her work with the National Domestic Workers Alliance, kept her going. An invitation to speak at a national convention offered her a chance to relocate, and she seized it, asking for a one-way ticket.
Upon arriving in Atlanta, Diane and her son stayed in motels and with family until they were connected with Kandace, our transitional housing case manager, through their church. Kandace referred them to Ms. Jetta, who helped them secure permanent housing.
Now, Diane is pleased with her new home, enjoying convenient bus access and affordable rent through SSI. She plans to find a job and stable transportation. Her advice to those facing homelessness is to “put your faith forward and go forward with it.”
— February 2019
Pictured from the left to right: Jetta, Outreach Specialist, and Diane, past program participant
Sharon
Sharon, originally from New Jersey, moved to Atlanta 20 years ago, working construction jobs with her youngest son while living in motels. For the holidays, she visited her eldest son in South Carolina, leaving their temporary home. Upon returning to Atlanta, she faced cardiac arrest due to the stress of finding stable housing.
After spending five days in the hospital, Sharon, undeterred, worked with her son to find a permanent home. She connected with Hope Atlanta and Atlanta AID, and with help from Jetta, found an apartment the same day she was discharged. Despite her recent surgery, she and her son quickly moved into their new place.
Now stably housed, Sharon aims to find a part-time customer service job and enjoys calls from her granddaughter. Her advice to those facing homelessness is to “keep saying something positive; so much is going on in crisis.”
Pictured above: Sharon, past program participant
Tanisha
Tanisha, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, pursued a degree in sociology before marrying an Army soldier and moving to Fort Benning, Georgia, where they had three children. After separating from her husband and returning to Missouri, Tanisha faced homelessness while working part-time as a paralegal and nurse. Government assistance fell short, and she was convicted of a felony for exceeding assistance limits.
Moving to California, she started an LLC called Help Beyond Closed Doors to assist military spouses, but dissatisfaction with relying on her parents led her to Atlanta. She and her children lived in shelters as she sought stability.
While searching for resources, Tanisha overheard Mary Grace discussing housing at Cross Roads Ministries and was connected to Shafee’qur, our outreach specialist, who helped her secure affordable housing.
Now stable, Tanisha aims to "pay it forward" by starting a nonprofit to provide STEM opportunities for teenage girls and victims of sex trafficking. Her advice to others experiencing homelessness is: "Don't give up. The resources matter—people, places, they all matter."
Pictured from left to right: Shafee'qur, Outreach Specialist, and Tanisha, past program participant