HomeStretch Honors Volunteers Helping Homeless in North Fulton at June 24 Event

(Roswell, GA) – North Fulton homeless families are getting a second chance at a new life, thanks to the staff and volunteers at HomeStretch, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping homeless working families become self-sufficient and stable.  

HomeStretch, which provides safe housing, ongoing training and supportive services to North Fulton homeless families and children, depends on a 2,000 member volunteer force to provide support. On Tuesday, June 24th, the organization plans to honor its volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Open House between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Millbrook Circle in Roswell. In addition, volunteers and HomeStretch supporters will have an opportunity to meet with some of the families they’ve helped and tour HomeStretch residences.

Currently, HomeStretch provides housing in 22 duplex-style apartments, 3 triplex-style apartments, 3 townhomes and 2 single-family homes in the Roswell, Georgia area.

HomeStretch Executive Director Rose Burton attributes much of the organization’s 96 percent success rate to the efforts of its dedicated volunteers.

“Our volunteers are amazing,” Mrs. Burton said. “In 2013, HomeStretch was able to offer homeless families 9,855 nights of safe and secure housing, while 65 children were given a place to call home. Delivering services of this magnitude simply would not be possible without all the volunteer assistance we receive from individuals and groups who believe in what we do.”

Volunteers bring professional, technical, mechanical and creative expertise to help HomeStretch fulfill its mission. Approximately 77 volunteer mentors form teams who work together with staff to help guide families through a customized, yearlong plans for individual families.  The plan is designed to address financial issues, budgeting, educational and job goals, and life skills. Volunteers meet with families weekly to provide a listening ear, insights, guidance and encouragement. In addition, there are over 1,800 individual volunteers from businesses, civic groups, colleges and the community who help repair houses. More than 250 volunteers help out with fundraising events, 16 Life Skills dinners were hosted by groups of volunteers as well, and other volunteers provide office assistance and help with special projects.

HomeStretch partners and collaborates with other housing providers and advocates such as Georgia Initiative on Community Housing and Habitat for Humanity to find long-term solutions for HomeStretch families.

“HomeStretch volunteers generously give of their time and expertise to encourage families in our program to make effective life changes. This enables the majority to transition from a state of homelessness to stable permanent housing and sometimes even home ownership,” Mrs. Swan said.

About HomeStretch
Established in 1991, HomeStretch of Roswell, Georgia, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to giving homeless parents and children safe, comfortable surroundings in which to live while helping them address the root causes of homelessness to return to a life of self-reliance and stability. HomeStretch guides clients to reach goals of stable employment, stable housing, stable finances, and stable families by offering support services--including financial literacy classes, life skills education, career enhancement and readiness skills, transportation assistance, emotional support, as well as transitional and affordable housing. A comprehensive care plan is developed for each family and addresses barriers to housing, financial, employment and family stability.  For more information, or to donate time, money or resources please visit http://www.homestretch.org. Also visit HomeStretch on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homestretch.