Founded by the Junior League of Atlanta in 1986. In deciding how the Junior League of Metro Atlanta would best commemorate its 70th Anniversary, the League took considerable notice of the alarming number of homeless women and children in Atlanta. Research showed that the two biggest challenges for homeless mothers trying to regain stability were affordable childcare and transportation. In response, the League conceived and opened the Atlanta Children’s Shelter. The Atlanta Children’s Shelter was and remains the only free childcare in the city of Atlanta for homeless families; centrally located among the Homeless Continuum of Care network and easily accessible from public transportation. Acknowledged early as a successful model, the Atlanta Children’s Shelter was replicated in the city of Decatur when successful sister-agency Our House opened in 1988. The League continues to support the Shelter primarily through volunteer support, but also with an annual financial contribution. Visit the Junior League of Atlanta web site.

North Avenue Presbyterian Church (NAPC). NAPC honored the 10th Anniversary of the Atlanta Children’s Shelter by giving it a new home in 1996. NAPC generously donates space to the Atlanta Children’s Shelter and continues to support our mission through financial giving and volunteer support. Visit the NAPC web site.

New Programs Offered. In 1997, the homeless families enrolled at the Atlanta Children’s Shelter continued to struggle with finding employment and maintaining stable housing. The Shelter in response created its Job Track and Aftercare Programs that help homeless families obtain and maintain permanent employment and stable housing.

25th Anniversary Honored in 2011. The North Avenue Presbyterian Church honored the 25th Anniversary of the Atlanta Children’s Shelter by donating additional space which enables the Shelter to better serve its families by adding additional classroom space and a Parent Resource Center.