About Us
Our Values
The mission of Intown Cares is to prevent and reverse homelessness and hunger in Intown Atlanta.
We envision a thriving community equipped to provide prompt and effective support for those experiencing homelessness and hunger.
Our work is guided by these values.
Dignity
Treating all people with respect and compassion Â
Sustainability
Focusing on delivering long-term solutions for our clients while ensuring we will be here for as long as we are neededÂ
Empowerment
Fostering a community where clients, staff, board, and volunteers are able to achieve their potential
Accountability
Establishing mutual trust and responsibility among our clients, staff, and board while being good stewards of our resources here for as long as we are neededÂ
Relationships
Building meaningful partnerships with our clients and others to address homelessness and hunger in our communityÂ
Who We Are
History
#OurJourneyToNow
2009: Emergency relief organization ICA closes. But the need for its services persists. So clergy and neighbors in 30306 explore a new nonprofit to focus on long-term answers to hunger and homelessness. Intown Collaborative Ministries is born.
2010: Intown opens its food pantry, aided by volunteers who had served ICA, Intown’s predecessor. Hundreds of neighbors experiencing food insecurity turn out throughout the year. (So do volunteers and providers of provisions.)
2011-12: To address the need for food security in two low-income housing communities, Intown opens onsite food co-ops. In year one, 54 residents receive fresh produce and groceries of choice twice a month.
2012: Intown launches Heading Home and helps 21 people experiencing homelessness (and living in temporary shelters) find permanent homes. The Clothing Closet opens to provide clothing and hygiene products to low-income neighbors and individuals living on the streets.
2014-15: A part-time staffer joins Intown to manage the food program. Another part-time staffer, managing Heading Home, begins to locate and assess neighbors living on the streets – and connect them with needed services – the beginning of an evolution in Intown’s outreach.
2016-17: The Heading Home program closes after 3 temporary shelters in Atlanta close. Intown shapes a new program following the #HousingFirst model. A 3-year Federal grant expands the new program to 4 full-time staff. Intown moves offices and opens a new pantry at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church.
2018-19: Both Intown programs continue to grow. More than a third of Atlantans who move from street to housing are served by Intown (2018). Home First awards a major grant, allowing Intown to expand services to the entire City of Atlanta. Intown adds 6 FT staff to Homeless Outreach.
2020-22: The pandemic adds demand to Intown’s food program and homeless outreach. Food deliveries begin via a partnership with Amazon. Growth allows Intown to focus on food security, not just immediate hunger. New partnerships bring embedded case managers in specific neighborhoods.
2023: Intown’s unique value in Atlanta is clarified: Through its food provision and homeless services, the organization is shown to go the extra mile to serve neighbors who face some of the greatest obstacles to food and housing. Partnerships grow and strengthen. A new name is born: Intown Cares. And the journey continues.