HomeStretch Mission:
HomeStretch guides homeless working families with minor children in North Metro Atlanta toward increased self-reliance and stability by providing life-skills training, mentoring and supportive housing.

HomeStretch History:
HomeStretch began in 1991 when volunteers at the local North Fulton Community Charities realized the need for affordable housing in the North Fulton area.  An increasing number of at-risk families began applying for housing assistance during this time.  However, the Charities could offer these families nothing beyond emergency short-term aid.  

To address this growing need, volunteers formed the ministry HELPFUL within the North Fulton Community Charities.  Charter members of HELPFUL traveled extensively throughout the USA, studying the foundations of various transitional housing programs.  Taking the best elements of each, HELPFUL and North Fulton Community Charities joined forces to establish the founding principles upon which HomeStretch operates today.

The Roswell Presbyterian Church was the first organization to become involved with the HomeStretch mission, generously paying a year’s rent for the first HomeStretch family.  By 1994, HomeStretch was incorporated and had earned 501c(3) nonprofit status.  During this time, HomeStretch had grown to manage homeless families in five residencies.  The agency purchased and renovated these housing properties through governmental assistance and community donations. Volunteers accomplished nearly all the work in these early years as HomeStretch had only one part-time worker to manage each client enrolled in the program.  

Today, our agency owns and operates 27 single family residences. We have trained social workers that work directly with families and over 800 caring citizens that commit their time and energy each year to ensure the success of our clients. The work of HomeStretch and its supporters has been recognized by various foundations and the community at large. In the summer of 2000, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development rewarded HomeStretch with its Award of Excellence as one of the top 100 community housing organizations in the United States.