Senator Raphael Warnock Plays Integral Role in Securing $1.1M in Federal Funding for Rainbow Village

Roughly two years into its “Building Homes, Building Hope” Capital Campaign to better meet the needs of unhoused families with children in Metro Atlanta, Rainbow Village received some welcome news. Thanks to Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock's efforts, the nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness, one family at a time, was awarded $1.1 million in federal funding through the Congressionally Directed Community Project Funding (CPF) process, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Beyond constructing 36 additional apartments on its campus, bringing its total residential capacity to 66 families, the funding will support the nonprofit’s efforts to expand and improve its programs and services. Providing housing is only part of its mission. The families Rainbow Village serves also require access to resources, education, career development, financial literacy, and other services that help them achieve long-term stability.

“Too many Georgia families are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, making the need for affordable housing increasingly urgent,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. “I’m glad this federal funding is going towards Rainbow Village Inc. to support the construction of transitional housing for Georgians experiencing homelessness in Gwinnett County. Affordable housing provides stability and hope, and that’s why I’ll continue to fight to lower housing costs and ensure that affordable options are both available and accessible.”

The timing of this investment is particularly significant because Rainbow Village is entering into one of the most transformative periods in its 35-year history. The federal funding will help ensure that its organizational capacity and family services grow alongside its physical campus. As it more than doubles its residential units, it must bolster the programs, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to expand effectively from 30 to 66 families. The need for this growth is clear, as demand for assistance continues to far exceed available housing resources in Metro Atlanta. In 2025 alone, Rainbow Village received 1,876 calls from individuals and families seeking assistance. This federal funding will help the organization better meet that growing need while staying focused on its ultimate goal: helping families move beyond homelessness toward lasting stability and self-sufficiency.

"At Rainbow Village, we believe that every family deserves more than a roof over their heads,” said Melanie Conner, the nonprofit’s CEO. “They deserve the opportunity to build a stable, successful future. We are deeply grateful to Senator Warnock for recognizing the importance of this work and helping secure an investment that will strengthen our ability to serve families experiencing homelessness. This funding represents more than financial support. It is an investment in families, in opportunity, and in the future of our community."

Conner added that Senator Warnock’s support demonstrates a commitment to addressing housing instability and investing in community-based organizations that provide families with pathways toward economic mobility and long-term stability. As construction of its two new apartment buildings nears completion in the coming months, Rainbow Village is also in the midst of transforming space within its existing Community Center. This move will create dedicated areas for adult learning, personal development, and family support services, giving families more opportunities to participate in educational programs, build financial and career skills, and access resources that support self-sufficiency. Together, these investments reflect the nonprofit’s commitment not only to construct more housing, but also to create a stronger environment where families have the resources and opportunities to build successful futures.

To learn more about Rainbow Village’s “Building Homes, Building Hope” Capital Campaign, interested parties can visit https://rainbowvillage.org/capital-campaign-building-homes-building-hope/.