“Thank you! You make it all possible.”

You’re providing a sense of home this Thanksgiving!

“Thanksgiving means everything to me. It’s actually my favorite holiday,” shares Merle, our Food Service Manager. Because he was raised in a large, loving family, meals were the time of day Merle enjoyed the most as a child. “Growing up in my mother’s house, every meal, we sat at the table. We would go around and talk about our day,” he recalls.

It’s that same home-like atmosphere—the feeling of closeness and community—that Merle wants to re-create for everyone who walks through Atlanta Mission’s doors this Thanksgiving. In fact, he’s been planning it for months in advance.

Creating community around our tables

“We’re going to do family-style serving. Instead of them coming through the line like a cafeteria, every table will have a little bit of everything,” Merle explains. “Like how we are at home with our families, and we pass the bowls of whatever item there is around. We want to do the same thing.” Merle’s vision through this experience, is that men, women, and children will feel nurtured, knowing they’re welcome and cared for this Thanksgiving.

The holidays can feel particularly lonely and isolating for those in our community living on the streets. Merle witnesses it every day. Overseeing food preparation for each of our four different campuses is a massive responsibility. But Merle makes sure he takes time to stay directly connected by serving meals.

“I’ve had clients come to me and say they haven’t eaten in three or four days. When we’re able to go that extra mile with a simple thing like a meal, it changes their day—it changes their outlook—it changes their mood,” he says.

Ensuring no one leaves hungry

It’s the model of service that Merle learned growing up. And with inflation impacting the price of food, he understands the importance of making sure that nothing goes to waste.

One efficiency that Merle recently introduced is dicing up and storing fresh produce like onions, peppers, and carrots immediately upon receiving them for easy use by our cooks. The rest is frozen so not a single bit of usable, nutritious food is thrown out.

It’s thanks to practical innovations like these that, even with rising costs, our team can make sure no person leaves our tables hungry. “I’ve had clients come to me and ask, ‘Is it okay if I have seconds?’ And they’re real reluctant to ask, thinking they’re taking it from someone else,” shares Merle. “And we’re just there to reassure them that we have more than enough for them. And by all means, you can have as much as you want.”

A taste of God’s abundance and love

That’s the power of a Thanksgiving meal at Atlanta Mission. For families facing homelessness and living in lack, a plate piled high with delicious turkey and all the trimmings is a tangible taste of God’s abundance and love. And for many, it’s their first step in getting off the streets to find healing and a whole new life.

Most of all, Merle’s quick to recognize that it’s because of you that we can provide this hope to neighbors in our community. That’s why this Thanksgiving, he’s grateful for everything you do to show those experiencing homelessness that they’re valued and loved. “Thank you! You make it all possible,” concludes Merle.

What are you thankful for?

Kids in our Atlanta Mission community created these delightful drawings to share what they’re most thankful for. Last year we were able to serve hundreds of children because of you!

Your love serves a meal with so much more!

A special note from Tensley Almand, President & CEO

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Dear Friend of Atlanta Mission,

Many families in our community were just starting to get back on their feet after two years of a global pandemic when the cost of living began to soar, placing an impossible strain on budgets that are already stretched thin.

At Atlanta Mission, our capacity continues to grow. Thousands of men, women and children are facing homelessness this year – many for the first time – and they need access to critical essentials such as shelter and food. We’re also committed to being the best stewards of every dollar you’ve donated. That’s why we’re continually evaluating our ministry to lower costs and streamline processes.

With more people than ever turning to us for help this holiday season, I have every bit of faith that through God’s grace—and your compassionate support—we’ll rise to meet the growing need.

Please know that your generosity makes it possible for neighbors to experience a true taste of home this Thanksgiving through a warm meal served with loving care and heartfelt friendship.

Blessings,

Tensley Almand
President & CEO