Local philanthropists provide critical support for programs intended to end the cycle of homelessness for Atlanta’s most vulnerable families

ATLANTA — May 16, 2025 — Our House, Inc., a leading Atlanta nonprofit dedicated to supporting families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, has received a $300,000 grant from the Chestnut Family Foundation. The three-year investment will strengthen Our House’s ability to meet the growing needs of Atlanta families facing housing instability by expanding access to critical services, including housing, early childhood education programs, comprehensive healthcare, workforce development, and more.

“We are seeing more families come through our doors than ever before,” said Tyese Lawyer, Chief Executive Officer of Our House, Inc. “As the need grows, so too must our response. Across Metro Atlanta and the country, rising housing costs, a shortage of affordable homes, and the expiration of pandemic-era protections have left more families struggling to find and maintain stable housing. And the need is often greater than the numbers show. Many families remain invisible in official counts, often living in motels, storage units, shared spaces, or cars, and unaccounted for in the official data.”

National data confirms the rising demand. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased by 18% from 2023 to 2024. Families with children experienced the sharpest rise, with a nearly 40% increase in family homelessness nationwide. This alarming pattern was also reflected in Metro Atlanta, which saw a 7% overall increase in homelessness last year.

Families experiencing homelessness face a web of interconnected challenges. Our House addresses these challenges through holistic, trauma-informed care that targets both immediate needs and long-term, systemic barriers. Its programs directly address the social determinants of health, or factors such as income, education, housing, and access to healthcare, that deeply influence a person’s life outcomes.

Atlanta families enrolled in its programs have access to comprehensive healthcare, high-quality early childhood education, workforce development, housing initiatives, family services and more.

The organization’s programs are offered at no cost to those with low incomes or those experiencing homelessness. Last year, the organization served more than 200 Atlanta families and over 2,300 children and adults. With the support of the Chestnut Family Foundation, Our House expects to serve more than 2,700 individuals annually.

“We are profoundly grateful for the Chestnut Family Foundation’s support,” continued Lawyer. “While the demand for community programs grows, public funding faces increasing uncertainty. The role of private donors and corporate partners has never been more vital. This investment is a lifeline that keeps critical community programs alive and gives them the room to grow. In times like these, it’s champions like the Chestnut Family Foundation who rise to meet the moment—filling the gaps, fueling our mission, and standing shoulder to shoulder with us and the families we serve.”