23rd Annual Essentials Drive
The Essentials Drive Delivers for Families in Need
Building industry nonprofit completes 23rd Annual Essentials Drive in honor of Mother’s Day
Atlanta – May 20, 2024 – HomeAid Atlanta recognizes how challenging it can be for families and individuals to provide for their most basic needs during times of crisis and transition. HomeAid’s 23rd Annual Essentials Drive delivered baby items and more for families affected by homelessness just in time for Mother’s Day.
Throughout the month of April, Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association members, approximately 40 metro Atlanta companies, and countless individuals in Atlanta and beyond donated over 241,000 diapers, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, adult diapers, and more. Donations were collected at 28 public drop-off locations or placed online via HomeAid’s baby registries.
“Diapers and wipes are necessities for those with young children and older adults with incontinence, but their cost can be a heavy financial strain. Providing these essential items enables those in need to allocate their limited resources toward other critical needs, such as rent, utilities, and groceries. This support helps ensure that families and older adults do not have to choose between purchasing diapers and paying their bills,” said Kristie Wood, Grants Manager, The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Command.
Babies can go through 8-12 diapers a day, and the average monthly cost of diapers for one child is $80. Many families experiencing homelessness, economic hardship, or fleeing domestic violence may improvise to make diapers last longer, changing diapers less often, or even attempting to clean and reuse disposable diapers.
“I received this message just the day before we got diapers from HomeAid’s Essentials Drive,” said Barbara Gibson, Housing Services Director, Women's Resource Center to End Domestic Violence. “‘I really need some size 6 diapers. I only have enough for one more day. I feel bad but I told myself if you can't help, I would use washcloths. I'm trying to stay positive but a part of me is asking how I can be a mother and I can't provide the basics.’ Because of the Essentials Drive, we were able to give this mom an entire case of diapers along with wipes. Our ability to care for our children matters. Diaper changing can be a time of care and bonding, it should not be a stressful time because of worry about waning supplies. Thank you for bringing this much needed relief to families working to rebuild after the crisis of domestic violence.”
During the week of May 6, 35 HomeAid volunteers helped unload, sort, count, and pack Essentials Drive donations at Longo Custom Builders’ warehouse in Smyrna. From there, HomeAid staff and volunteers delivered to these nonprofits serving families in need, just in time for Mother’s Day: Atlanta Children’s Day Shelter | Atlanta Mission | Blessings Working Together | Family Empowerment | City of Refuge South | Crossroads Community Ministries | The Drake House | Decatur Cooperative Ministry | Gateway House | Helping Mamas | Mothers Advocacy Project | Motherhood Beyond Bars | Nicholas House | North Fulton Community Charities | Our House | The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Area Command | The Salvation Army Red Shield Services | Serenade Heights | Solomon’s Temple Foundation | Wellroot | Women’s Resource Center
“This year, with the contributions from the Essentials Drive, we were able to distribute vital baby essentials to 177 mothers and 268 babies on May 18. The items alleviated some of the financial burdens these families face daily. Such support is crucial for our participants, who are predominantly young, at-risk, and often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Taressa Lumpkin Williams, Founder & Executive Director, Blessings Working Together.
“We are so proud to report that you have provided a six-month supply of diapers and wipes to our clients in the shelter. Your generosity and support mean the world to us and make an impact on those we serve. Thank you for your continued dedication and compassion,” said Javan Smith, Atlanta Mission In-Kind Donations Manager.
HomeAid’s annual effort to provide much-needed essentials to nonprofits serving families with young children experiencing or at risk of homelessness has delivered more than 2.4 million baby items since 2002.
HomeAid Atlanta is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001, with a mission to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness build new lives through construction, community engagement, and education. HomeAid builds, renovates, and maintains facilities for nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness. HomeAid has completed over 180 construction projects at locations for victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, veterans and more, utilizing connections with building industry professionals and community organizations. HomeAid also provides essential items like diapers, wipes, and hygiene products to those affected by homelessness. HomeAid is the designated charity of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. Learn more at www.homeaidatlanta.org.