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For 125 years, Hope Atlanta has been a beacon of support for our neighbors in need, including those experiencing homelessness. While housing-first strategies are often debated in policy circles, the true measure of their success lies in the lives they transform. But let’s be clear—housing-first is not just about putting people into homes. It’s about housing with case management and behavioral health support. Without those wraparound services, the cycle continues.
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Take the journeys of Mr. Pendleton and Ms. Barry. Their stories prove that stability, support, and dignity don’t just rebuild futures—they save lives.
Mr. Pendleton: A Leader Rebuilds
Hope is often dismissed as an abstract concept, but for many, it is the foundation for rebuilding lives. Mr. Pendleton, an accomplished sales leader and entrepreneur, never imagined he would experience homelessness. A Purdue University graduate with over 25 years of success in sales leadership and business ownership, he was the pillar of his family and community. He was known for his ability to train, motivate, and lead others—but when his life began to unravel, he found himself in need of the same support he had long provided to others.
A series of setbacks—a failed business partnership, career derailment, unavoidable bankruptcy, and the loss of five of his closest loved ones—sent him into a deep depression. Unable to recognize the depths of his struggle, he sought temporary relief in recreational drugs, leading to a downward spiral. After exhausting his resources, he found himself homeless, sleeping under an overpass, wondering how his life had reached this point.
When he had lost all hope, he encountered Gloria from Marta Hope, a social worker offering assistance to those in need. Initially skeptical, he eventually accepted the help, leading to a transformational journey of recovery. Through structured support, stable housing, and accountability, he regained his footing and began rebuilding his life. He recently accepted a job with Hope Atlanta and will be helping others on their path to stability as a case manager.
Ms. Barry: A Veteran’s Path to Stability
Success is often attributed to hard work and determination, but what happens when unforeseen challenges derail even the most resilient individuals? Ms. Barry, a veteran and mother, overcame domestic abuse, financial instability, and homelessness with the support of Hope Atlanta.
Raised by a single father after her mother’s struggle with addiction, Ms. Barry rebelled against structure but ultimately found purpose in military service. She excelled as an information technology instructor, serving in Korea and Afghanistan with top-secret security clearance. However, while her professional life thrived, her personal life crumbled due to an abusive marriage. After eight and a half years of service, she left the military to protect her children, only to struggle with employment and stable housing.
Trapped in a cycle of toxic relationships and financial instability, she moved between friends’ homes and long-stay motels, feeling like a shell of her former self. She was drowning under the weight of raising her children alone and maintaining shelter. Fear of leaving another unhealthy relationship compounded her sense of helplessness.
Eventually, she turned to City of Refuge and later Hope Atlanta, which provided stable housing, financial support, and a path forward. Today, Ms. Barry is housed, employed, and has regained her sense of purpose.
The Role of Housing-First in Transforming Lives
Housing-first approaches recognize that without stable housing, addressing issues such as employment, mental health, and financial security becomes nearly impossible. How can someone be expected to secure a stable job if they don’t have a stable place to sleep every night or a consistent meal every day?
We know what works – housing, case management, and access to the resources needed to reach stability including behavioral health support. That’s what makes the difference. That’s what breaks the cycle.
Is Housing a Right or a Necessity?
As we reflect on 125 years of service at Hope Atlanta, we reaffirm our commitment to solutions that prioritize stability and dignity. The proof is in the people we serve—individuals who, given the opportunity and support, rebuild their lives and contribute back to their communities.
Join us in advocating for policies and programs that ensure housing remains more than a necessity—it must be a right. Because when we provide stability, we pave the way for transformation.
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