Atlanta Children’s Shelter (ACS) received a $50,000 grant award from The Greater Atlanta Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund, a joint effort between United Way of Greater Atlanta and Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

ACS serves families living in poverty who are facing homelessness as well as families that are already homeless. The Covid-19 pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on populations like this who are at risk, underserved and lack access to health care. ACS families have experienced a 37% increase in unemployment since February as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Twenty families that we recently transitioned from homeless shelters to permanent homes are now unemployed due to the pandemic. The needs of these families have grown exponentially as a result. The Metro Atlanta community is incredibly fortunate to have the support of the United Way and the Community Foundation grow with these needs.”, said Sandra Holiday, ACS Executive Director.

ACS continues to provide services and emergency assistance to all the families enrolled at ACS. They are experiencing job loss, reduced work hours, loss of childcare, worry and anxiety during these uncertain times. ACS remains their constant providing them with emergency assistance for rent, utilities, food and essential transportation. Holiday noted, “In partnership with the United Way and the Community Foundation, ACS will continue to keep its families permanently housed and stable until they can return to work.”

The ACS COVID Emergency Family Fund supports this mission and funds will be used where they are needed most. To donate, please click here and select “Apply my donation to COVID Emergency Family Fund.”