Atlanta Mission: School Uniforms & Backpacks

Every kid walks into school on the first day a little nervous. And for most, the goal is some version of I just want to fit in—to blend in.

Atlanta Mission expects to serve more than 350 elementary, middle, and high school students this year who all know that feeling. When they arrive at Restoration House or My Sister’s House, Atlanta Mission’s two family shelters, they are also enrolled in a local charter school. That means showing up—usually in the middle of the year—and trying to catch up academically, make friends, and fit in.

Knowing the uncertainty that comes with living through housing insecurity, Atlanta Mission strives to make the transition as seamless as possible. They keep a stock of school uniforms, backpacks, and supplies on hand so that every child can show up on the first day looking like everyone else and with the tools they need to succeed.

“It ensures they have a normal school experience like their peers,” said Heather Clarson, Chief Development Officer at Atlanta Mission. “It removes the stress of having to figure out where their uniforms and supplies will come from and allows children to start school with confidence, less stress, and the ability to just be kids.”

Last year through the Be Rich campaign, you helped Atlanta Mission stock their shelves with school uniforms so they’re ready for all children who walk through their doors. Middle and high schoolers at Buckhead Church also got involved and collected over 300 backpacks for Atlanta Mission to give to their residential students.

“Community partners like Buckhead Church help Atlanta Mission unite as one to help end homelessness one person at a time,” shared Heather. “Initiatives like the Be Rich campaign allow us to meet specific needs. It takes a community to contribute to the transformative services we offer and provide hope to those we serve.”

Thanks to your generosity through Be Rich, hundreds of students going through one of the most difficult seasons of their young lives will have one less thing to worry about. One less butterfly in their stomach on the first day at a new school. One more opportunity to learn, make friends, and just be kids.