BRINGING HOPE TO OUR FELLOW COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO’VE FALLEN ON HARD TIMES

Anchor of Hope, Inc (AOH) was established in 2013 as a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Charitable Organization (EIN: 46-235154). The organization is based in Georgia and serves in the metro Atlanta counties of Cobb and Gwinnett.
EARLY YEARS…
In its first 7 years, AOH primarily focused on providing support for internationally trained medical graduates (IMGS) and youth to transition into a better life.

THEN COVID-19 HAPPENED…
In 2020, AOH's core services expanded to include the provision of essential services to individuals and families impacted by COVID-19. Below are some of the stories that demonstrate how AOH has been contributing positively to the lives of our communities, especially those who’ve fallen on hard times.

Serving the Homeless
At the onset of COVID-19, AOH embarked on a mission to help alleviate the public health hazards for the unsheltered members of our communities. In partnership with another local organization, AOH supplied 229 homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families with PPE, canned goods, utensils, personal hygiene products, rent/utility assistance, case management, and outpatient health care services. That assistance saved lives during a critical, scary, and unpredictable time in our history.
In August 2020, AOH served a nearly homeless single mother with three kids. Her older son suffered from seizures, and her younger son was autistic. The mother developed high blood pressure as a direct result of her stressful life. However, her primary concern was to maintain stable housing and feed her family. Fortunately, through our Anchor Cares Health and Homestead programs, we were able to treat her sick family plus offer rental assistance, thereby making her whole. Equipped with hope and good health, she was then able to face her future from a strong position.

Feeding Programs
In 2021, AOH was involved in various feeding programs. This was achieved directly and/or in partnership with other organizations. AOH fed about 80 homeless people over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The recipients appreciated the kindness and consideration extended to them during these events. They enjoyed delicious traditional Thanksgiving meals comprised of turkey with side dishes of mashed potatoes, stuffing, and dessert. The meals were delivered by a food truck that blasted fun holiday music. So much joy and hope filled the air. Our volunteers, young and old, expressed how rewarding it was to serve their fellow brothers and sisters in need. .AOH is determined to serve double the number of people this year.

In 2022, from January to September, AOH facilitated the weekly delivery of food from a major food chain store to 28 low-income families living in transitional housing in Cobb County. These were healthy food supplies to supplement their low food budgets; for example, baked goods, fresh fruits, and vegetables. In July 2022, AOH participated in the Summer Academic Enrichment Camp, which is a 2-week camp held at the Ethiopian Community Center in Dekalb County, GA. During that time, AOH fed 40 kids daily with a variety of nutritious meals. The kids ranged in age from 8 to 17 years. The meals provided the energy needed by kids to participate in educational programs and active physical exercises. AOH was pleased to be a part of a memorable time in their pre-teen/teenage years.

The above are just a few of many real-life examples that AOH can share about the way people's lives are being improved. All our activities are funded by friends, board members, volunteers, partner organizations, and individuals connected to AOH via various social media platforms. Additional funds come in the form of grants awarded by the government and private organizations.

We believe that people cannot actively or creatively reach their full potential when their basic needs are at risk due to job loss, lack of stable housing, food insecurity, health challenges, and a myriad of other circumstances.

AOH is determined to be a part of the solution. AOH’s leadership team and volunteers are driven by passion and altruism. But however laudable these qualities are, AOH cannot deliver services that achieve measurable and impactful outcomes without adequate funding.

Please help us to continue supporting members of our community during their times of need. Join us in offering them hope through committed efforts to improve their lives for the long haul. We would be honored and grateful to receive your financial or in-kind donations towards our community service.