About City of Refuge
City of Refuge provides light, hope, and transformation for every individual we serve.
The Growing Challenge
If a person is born into poverty in Atlanta, there is just a 4% chance of escaping poverty in their lifetime.
Residents of Atlanta's Westside face deep socioeconomic barriers that trap them in generational poverty. This results in ongoing physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles, leaving children without basic necessities and a mere 4% chance of escaping poverty in their lifetime. Poverty is complex, and there is no quick solution.
A Message From Our CEO
As I reflect on 2024 and give serious thought and consideration to all that happened, I immediately recognize that the favor of God is upon all we do, and our acknowledgment of that fact is critical to future success.
I also recognize the value of the incredible staff we are blessed with here at City of Refuge. Men and women employed by City of Refuge arrive on this campus daily, armed with a spirit of passion and excellence, and choose to invest in the lives of those who come our way on their journey to wholeness.
Finally, reflection on the past year causes me to settle into a place of serious thought and consideration as it relates to you, our investors. You have chosen to share time, talent, and treasure with us. You have shared our story, invited your friends to our events, brought your families to serve a meal, hang out with kids, or paint a room. You have shared your financial resources, and many of you have offered your specific talent and skill to assist in our programming.
Reflection on this City of Refuge family, of which I consider each of you to be a part, results in gratitude. I am filled with gratitude that you would choose City of Refuge as a place you trust to do good well and as a place 'where good works.' Now that we have reflected a bit, I encourage each of you to begin looking forward; bigger and better things are on the way.
Our Process & Programs
Utilizing a one-stop shop approach, City of Refuge empowers individuals and families to overcome crisis, build momentum, and achieve their full potential.
We offer men, women, and children access to the highest quality temporary housing, along with a clear path to safe, permanent, and affordable housing, helping them regain stability and thrive.
Job Training
We provide individuals with job training, mentorship, soft skills, and placement services, helping them build meaningful careers and a brighter future for their families.
Housing
Our campus delivers a full spectrum of essential health services, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, empowering individuals to live balanced and healthy lives.
Youth Development
We offer year-round education, care, and enrichment for children from birth through 12th grade in a safe and nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and succeed.
Health & Wellness
Meet Christionn
From Crisis to Confidence: How City of Refuge Transformed Tionn’s Life
At 19, Christionn 'Tionn's' life took a devastating turn when a felony charge derailed her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and left her struggling to find work. Homeless and facing instability, she knew she had to make a change for herself and her two children, Breonn and Breylon.
In 2022, Tionn turned to City of Refuge, where she found stability, hope, and opportunity. Living in Eden Village, she took financial literacy, and emotional wellness classes, grew her relationship with God, and completed the Culinary Arts Skills Training program. She soon joined the team at Chick-fil-A Vine City, where her operator, Quincy Springs, quickly saw her potential. "As she grew in her relationship with the Lord, her care for hospitality was ignited even more because she saw how we treat the least of these," he said.
Tionn's dedication led to rapid growth at Chick-fil-A, where she now serves as Hospitality Captain. "I've been able to see the light, hope, and transformation firsthand for Tionn," Quincy shared. "She's increasing her confidence, and I can see-and she can feel—the greatness in her."
City of Refuge's housing program also helped Tionn secure permanent housing at The 1300, located across the street from the campus. The move gave her family stability and kept them connected to the community that changed their lives.
Now thriving in her career and faith, Tionn is focused on her future. "This job brings me so' much joy," she said. "I feel like this is where God wants me to be right now."
Tionn's story is a powerful testament to the impact of stability, faith, and opportunity. Thanks to City of Refuge, she is building a brighter future for herself and her children.
Meet Silas
Second Chances and New Beginnings: Silas' Journey of Transformation
If you don't believe in second chances or late bloomers, talk to Silas.
After serving in the Air Force and leaving to support his family following his father's death, Silas worked hard to build a stable life. But health issues led to a dependence on medications, and when those prescriptions stopped, he turned to street drugs. "In the beginning, it was working, and I felt like I was in control. But as time went on, it took control of me," he said. "Everything started crumbling around me."
Determined to change, Silas entered a substance abuse program offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. After treatment, a counselor recommended City of Refuge. "It was the best decision I've made in years," Silas said.
Silas moved into The 345, City of Refuge's transitional housing for men. He soon joined the Automotive Technician Training program. "My mind was made up-I was going to do whatever it took," he said. With determination and support from instructors and peers, he excelled, finishing at the top of his class.
His hard work paid off. After attending a job fair, Silas received a job offer from MARTA and started his new career. "I'm very excited about this opportunity," he said.
At City of Refuge, Silas found more than a place to stay—he found a family. From substance abuse meetings to community events, he embraced the support and fellowship around him.
Silas also deepened his faith, inspired by City of Refuge's church services, leadership, and values."There's nothing better than being close to God and living out His generosity," he said through tears.
Meet Keenan
From “Stagnant” to Cyber Success: Keenan's Story
Keenan knows firsthand the difference that opportunity and determination can make.
Before finding City of Refuge, his life was marked by underpaid jobs and long hours with little growth potential. "Life was stagnant," Keenan recalls. "I was working multiple jobs just to get by." Raised by his grandmother and with a twin brother by his side, he bounced between Boston and Georgia, looking for something more.
At one point, Keenan worked as a groundskeeper at an apartment complex directly across the street from NCR Voyix, a global tech company. He dreamed of one day working at a company like that.
The turning point came when his grandmother brought him a newspaper clipping about City of Refuge's job training programs. Keenan wasted no time and applied the next morning. "It was my calling," Keenan says. "She saw the article for a reason." He enrolled in the Cybersecurity program, that would help him transition into a career he was passionate about.
During his time in the program, Keenan found more • than just technical skills-he found a community. "Between the students, staff, and tech meetups, the connections were most helpful," he said. With support from mentors and classmates, Keenan not only. completed the program but secured an internship at NCR Voyix (the same company he used to dream about), where he now works full-time in both incident response and vulnerability management.
Looking ahead, Keenan has big goals. "I aspire to be a security manager leading a team, but I also have other passions like car customization and fashion." To the donors who make City of Refuge's programs possible, Keenan expresses deep gratitude:
"First, I would like to say a big thank you. A lot of people don't have the means or the resources, and that's what City of Refuge does. Your donations reach farther than you know."
The Year In Numbers
2024
Our Board
