In a year filled with significant milestones, including the launch of construction on its new Transformation Center, Atlanta nonprofit City of Refuge celebrated these wins and paved the way for continued impact with key supporters at The Gathering on October 17. At the event, the organization raised $1.1 million, which will fund day-to-day operations and launch new programs, initiatives and services for residents living on-campus and in the surrounding community.  

Held at The Foundry at Puritan Mill, this year’s event reinforced City of Refuge’s ongoing mission to bring light, hope and transformation to the organization’s Westside community, inspiring others to join in the effort. With the theme of “Building a Future of Hope and Joy,” the organization showcased foundational stories of impact from the last year, while highlighting recent milestones. 

“Real change is made when we unite and work towards a shared purpose together,” said Bruce Deel founder and CEO of City of Refuge. “We’re grateful for the supporters who continue to lift up our mission and join us at The Gathering to make a difference in the lives of those who seek out City of Refuge for help.” 

The Gathering featured a performance by comedian Greg Warren, who recently released his “The Salesman” special and is known for his “Where the Field Corn Grows” special. He has appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show with James Corden and Comedy Central Presents, a stand-up comedy show. 

This year’s event followed a year of momentous milestones for City of Refuge. In April, the organization celebrated the opening of five, affordable single-family homes on Burbank Drive, and in July, City of Refuge broke ground on a 38,000-square-foot Transformation Center that will provide critical economic, health and wellness services in Atlanta’s Westside. The event celebrated these milestones, while offering a glance at other efforts City of Refuge is working on to advance its work to help individuals and families transition out of crisis.

Sponsors of The Gathering included Revel Systems (A Shift4 Company), US Bank, Yancey Bros Co., Genuine Parts Company, Delta Vacations, Gas South, Georgia Natural Gas, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Merrill Lynch, Deloitte, Georgia Aquarium and more. 

One of the most significant efforts City of Refuge is making headway on is the organization’s “Breaking Barriers. Building Momentum.” capital campaign. Launched in late 2022, the capital campaign quickly exceeded its original goal of raising $25 million, prompting City of Refuge to raise its goal to $33,125,000, enabling the organization to provide expanded opportunities for men, women and children to escape poverty and thrive in the community. 

Since the organization was founded in 1997, City of Refuge has transformed thousands of lives by providing the tools individuals and families need to break down barriers through a strategic mix of supportive services that target health & wellness, housing, vocational training and youth development. The nonprofit is headquartered on the Westside and has several satellite campuses across the country.