SHARE:  

Making Good on Our Promise

In 2022, BCM Georgia was awarded a $12.7 million grant as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to sustain and expand our three core offerings: Emergency Assistance, Supportive Housing, and Financial Education.


Since then, we’ve put those funds to good use. 


As of June of this year, $3 million has gone directly to supporting families, with an additional $3 million planned in emergency assistance this year (up to $3,500 to 1,000 Georgia families). We’ve also allocated more than $400,000 to support clients in our Foundation 3 and Budget for Life programs. 


The grant will continue to provide invaluable support through 2025, helping BCM Georgia expand our geographical footprint and continue serving more of our neighbors in crisis.


To Whom Much Is Given…

One thing people don’t often realize, however, is that as much as 22% of what we pay on each client’s behalf are fees and are not reimbursable by this grant. So in order to scale our impact and make the most of the available funds, we must continue to scale our fundraising. 


Your continued support allows us to make the best possible use of these funds and expand our impact now and in the future.


We’ve been blessed with an incredible gift. It’s up to all of us to make the most of it.

SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS

Homelessness in Atlanta

According to the winter census, released in June, homelessness in Atlanta is up for the second year in a row. The number of people living in shelters increased by 7% this past year, while the number of people living without shelter rose by a third. 


The city also acknowledged that the actual numbers are likely higher than those reported. 


More Than a Statistic

Earlier this year, Mayor Andre Dickens signed an executive order, allocating $4.6 million to help the city's unhoused population. The order was part of a plan that prioritizes expanding shelter services, warming center operations, and adding shelter sites. 


In a statement reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, the mayor commented: "Every single one of us is one bad day, one disaster, one serious illness or tragedy away from experiencing homelessness.” 


And he is absolutely right. 


According to LendingTree, 49% of U.S. adults admit they wouldn’t be able to cover a $1,000 emergency. Meanwhile, 93% of adults have experienced a financial emergency at least once and 32% have experienced one in the last six months.


Without a solid financial foundation, many of us are a lot more vulnerable than we think.


Helping Where We Can

There are a wide range of complex factors that contribute to homelessness: access to affordable housing, the economy, job market fluctuations, and systemic barriers that make it difficult for certain groups to access opportunity… and it’s important that we continue addressing these.


One thing we can do today, however, is help our vulnerable neighbors become more resilient by connecting them with emergency assistance, housing opportunities, and financial education.


When the issues are this large and complex, it can sometimes feel like they’re out of our hands. But this one isn’t.


Click below to learn how BCM Georgia helps prevent homelessness in our communities one family at a time.

LEARN MORE

The People Who Move Our Missions

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community or the dedication of our staff, many of whom leverage extensive experience in a wide range of sectors to help our neighbors stabilize their lives and create strong foundations for the future. 


We’re excited to welcome two new members to our team. 


Nicole Cochran, Financial Education Program Manager

As a former client of our Budget for Life program (then called the 70/30 Project), Nicole understands the importance of addressing generational cycles that impact our neighbors financially. 


With over twenty-two years of nonprofit and education experience, she looks forward to helping clients achieve financial wellness and freedom through the Budget for Life program. “I am passionate about assisting underserved communities with dignity and respect,” she says. “I envision a world where all humans are provided equitable opportunities to thrive and succeed regardless of their familial lineage.”


We’re so grateful to welcome Nicole’s experience, sensitivity, and expertise to BCM Georgia. She isn’t just a case manager, she’s a shining example of the life and impact this important program makes possible.


Nancy Davis, Director of Development

We’re also excited to welcome Nancy Davis as our new Director of Development.


In the coming months, Nancy will be focusing on expanding our outreach efforts and building stronger relationships with BCM Georgia’s amazing community of supporters.


“I am excited to be serving BCM Georgia and helping bring hope to our neighbors facing housing insecurity,” she says. “Together, we can work to strengthen our communities.”


In the meantime, if you have any ideas or feedback for Nancy, she would love to hear from you at NancyDavis@bcmgeorgia.org.


Committed to Change

The generational cycles that affect many of our neighbors aren’t easy to overcome. They require dedication and investment from a wide range of people, which is why we’re so grateful to have these two incredible women join our cause. 


Please join us in welcoming Nicole and Nancy to BCM Georgia! We’re so grateful to have you.

Hole in One

Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored and participated in this year’s Tee It Up Golf Tournament at the Peachtree Golf Club. Your support is helping us build caring communities where everyone has a home and the opportunity to thrive. We truly could not do this work without you!

Hearing From Our Church Partners

BCM Georgia hosts quarterly Church Council Meetings that allow us to share news and updates with our church partners and engage in conversations relevant to our mission of preventing homelessness in Atlanta and across Georgia.


In the most recent council meeting on September 18, we were thrilled to host a panel discussion on the role that advocacy plays in addressing housing insecurity and homelessness in the communities we serve.


Our panelists included Rev. Rebekah LeMon of Trinity Presbyterian, Rev. Sean Smith of New Horizon Baptist Church, and Don Plummer of the Diocese of Atlanta. Many thanks to all who participated for an enlightening and inspiring discussion.

The mission of BCM Georgia is to keep people from becoming homeless and work to elevate their possibilities for economic empowerment. Learn more at bcmgeorgia.org.

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn