CaringWorks, one of the largest providers of supportive housing in the metropolitan Atlanta area, has received a grant for $125,000 from the William Josef Foundation – anchoring the Bolster the Bridge capital campaign drive for 2023. Funds raised this year from the campaign will be used to supplement general operating expenses so that the organization is well positioned to continue its mission ofbreaking the cycle of homelessness in metro Atlanta, one person, one family, at a time. 

“We are grateful for the generous donation from the William Josef Foundation to the Bolster the Bridge campaign, which will better position us to continue providing sustainable supportive housing,” said CaringWorks CEO Carol Collard. “The needs of the underserved homeless population in Atlanta are great, and donations such as this are critical for CaringWorks to tailor housing solutions combined with healthcare, employment assistance and other supportive services to end the cycle of chronic homelessness.”

In 2012, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) estimated chronic homelessness costs about $40,000 a year per person – a number that has certainly increased in the last decade. Compared to the average annual cost of less than $18,500 to provide support for a CaringWorks resident, it is clear to see that ending homelessness makes business sense for our communities. Furthermore, because CaringWorks provides access to services that foster dignity, self-sufficiency, and well-being, including access to mental and behavioral health services, CaringWorks residents work, pay taxes, rent apartments, purchase groceries, volunteer, and join faith-based organizations. Over 90% of CaringWorks residents are still housed one year after joining the program.

 The CaringWorks Bolster the Bridge Campaign has a total goal of $500,000 for 2023. For more information regarding contributing to the campaign, visit https://www.caringworksinc.org/donate/ or contact Carol Collard at [email protected].