Hope Atlanta marked a historic milestone at its annual Heroes for Hope Awards, held on Oct. 9 at Flourish Atlanta, celebrating 125 years of service and raising more than $1 million to support Georgians experiencing housing instability, hunger, and crisis.
Founded in 1900 by five pioneering women who believed no one should face hardship alone, Hope Atlanta has grown into one of Georgia’s most trusted safety nets—meeting people where they are and helping them find their way home.
“As we celebrate 125 years of meeting people where they are, we’re not just honoring our past — we’re building the blueprint for the future,” said Julio Carrillo, CEO of Hope Atlanta. “Our vision is bold: a Georgia where every family has a safe place to call home, where compassion fuels opportunity, and where hope isn’t a last resort but a first step. The partnerships and generosity celebrated at Heroes for Hope are powering that future — one built on belonging, dignity, and possibility.”
This year’s event, co-chaired by Matt Keith, Suburban Markets Segment Executive, Bank of America, and Tiffany Callaway Ferrell, Vice President at Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas Company, honored three extraordinary leaders whose work continues to shape Atlanta’s future:
● Corporate Hero for Hope: Norfolk Southern – Accepted by Mark George, President & CEO
For championing corporate social responsibility and investing in the well-being of Atlanta’s communities.
● Individual Hero for Hope: Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME
For her visionary leadership in advancing housing-first strategies and systemic solutions to homelessness.
● Founder’s Award: Crystal Hanlon, Senior Vice President and Culture Officer, The Home Depot
For embodying the values of Hope Atlanta’s founders through her commitment to corporate citizenship and community service.
Norfolk Southern President and CEO Mark George added, “For 125 years, Hope Atlanta has exemplified the very best of Atlanta, transforming lives and creating countless success stories throughout the city. It’s a privilege for Norfolk Southern to help drive Hope Atlanta’s vision to end homelessness through funding, partnership, and the dedication of our people. Together, we’re creating stronger, more resilient communities—one family, one meal, and one new beginning at a time.”
A Celebration of Hope and Renewal
Guests heard powerful stories from individuals whose lives have been transformed through Hope Atlanta’s programs — including Ms. Gloria, who overcame homelessness and now serves as a case manager helping others find stability; Tre, a veteran and single mother on track to move from homelessness to homeownership; Ms. Lisa, who found lasting recovery and housing after a decade of struggle; and Jefferey, who, with Ms. Gloria’s guidance, now works at the airport assisting others in need.
The evening was a celebration of perseverance, partnership, and possibility — and a rallying cry for the next 125 years of Hope.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
For more than a century, Heroes for Hope has celebrated the changemakers who uplift Atlanta’s most vulnerable neighbors. Past honorees include:
● Civic Leaders: Andrew Young, John Lewis, Shirley Franklin, Kasim Reed, Kwanza Hall, Andre Dickens
● Corporate Partners: The Coca-Cola Company, QuikTrip, Chick-fil-A, PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Home Depot
● Nonprofits & Advocates: Gateway Center, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Crossroads Community Ministries, Mercy Care, Georgia Law Center for the Homeless
● Visionaries & Philanthropists: Jack Hardin, Noel Khalil, Shan Cooper, Egbert Perry, Bentina Terry, Debi Starnes, Ann Cone & Althea Broughton
