The annual Heroes for Hope event celebrated the tremendous impact of individuals and organizations committed to ending homelessness in Atlan

ta while raising vital funds to support the mission of Hope Atlanta. Heroes for Hope showcased Hope Atlanta’s approach which goes beyond addressing immediate needs, focusing on tackling the root causes of homelessness and committing to sustainable, long-term solutions for those they serve.

The Heroes for Hope event celebrates individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to ending homelessness in Atlanta. This year’s event raised more than $780,000, furthering Hope Atlanta’s dedication to tackling housing and mental health challenges through an integrated and holistic approach. 

The honorees of the evening included:

• Mayor Andre Dickens as the Individual Hero for Hope, recognizing his tireless efforts to create sustainable solutions for homelessness in Atlanta.

• QuikTrip, accepted by President Kevin Thornton, as the Corporate Hero for Hope for their leadership and community involvement.

• Cheryl Naja, board member of Hope Atlanta and retired attorney, was honored as the first-ever Volunteer Hero of the Year for her advocacy and commitment.

During the event, Mayor Andre Dickens announced a one-million-dollar investment from the City of Atlanta's Affordable Housing Trust Fund to Hope Atlanta’s 10-million-dollar capacity campaign. As part of the City of Atlanta’s ongoing efforts to combat homelessness, this one-million-dollar investment will fund the expansion of clinical services at permanent supportive housing sites, ensuring access to mental health care, crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, and other essential services. The integration of behavioral health care with street outreach programs helps bridge the gap for those resistant to seeking care, addressing barriers like transportation, long waitlists, and lack of trust in traditional systems. 

“This investment from the City of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is a game-changer for us and our work to provide behavioral health services to our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” said Julio Carrillo, CEO of Hope Atlanta. “With these funds, we can significantly expand our behavioral health services, providing the support our clients need to overcome the challenges of homelessness. But to truly make a lasting impact, we need corporations, philanthropists, and individuals to join us in this effort. Together, we can help all of our neighbors not just survive but thrive. We are deeply grateful for the community’s unwavering support and look forward to creating lasting change for Atlanta’s most vulnerable citizens.”

The expansion of behavioral health services is a critical component in addressing the root causes of homelessness. As seen in the 2024 Point-in-Time Count homelessness is on the rise and according to the PIT Count, 48% of adults experiencing homelessness in the city are affected by serious mental illness, while 40% struggle with substance use disorders. These challenges underscore the need for comprehensive, long-term solutions that address both housing and the critical behavioral health support required to help individuals overcome these barriers and achieve stability.