Calvary Refuge Center
Forest Park, Georgia
404.361.5309
Providing a safe, faith-based environment for individuals and families while providing the tools to transition from homelessness to self sufficiency with dignity and pride.
About Us
History
Calvary Refuge, Inc. operated as an informal service for Clayton County several years before becoming a non-profit organization in 1985. It was originally located at Calvary Baptist Church in Forest Park. Food and overnight shelter were provided for homeless people during the 4 coldest months of the year. It continued to operate in this manner using loaned space and volunteers until 1995. When the building formerly housing the Forest Park Presbyterian Church went on the market, Executive Director Donna Taffar and others began a campaign to purchase the church. Funds were raised throughout 1996. The property was purchased in March of 1997. The center has been remodeled and features a central dining area, kitchen and 14 living units that resemble modest hotel accommodations for the use of short-term housing families. In May of 1998, construction started on a facility for emergency overnight shelter. The emergency night shelter was dedicated in 1999 and now operates as a year round shelter for the homeless in the south metro Atlanta area.
Short-Term Housing
The primary purpose of the short-term housing program is to provide temporary housing for families wishing to move beyond their current situation. They would not be able to do so without the help and support of Calvary Refuge. Our goal is to assist them in transitioning into the working community. Families who qualify may live in the short-term housing facility in their own private quarters. Each room is similar to a motel room with a private bath. Short-term housing residents are required to plan and prepare their own meals as a community. They will receive necessary financial counseling and job skill training to assist them in reaching their goals, and reestablishing them into the community.
Emergency Night Shelter Program
The emergency night shelter program provides 21 nights from (5:45pm -6:30am) of safe and secure lodging for those in need of immediate shelter. This program can accommodate a total of 59 guests, consisting of dorm-style sleeping and bathroom facilities for men, women, children and intact families. Clients are provided with case management, hygiene kits, Marta passes, clothing, over the counter medication, three meals per-day, employment and housing resources. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided by local churches and other organizations.
Employment and Client Participation
Calvary Refuge, Inc does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disabilities in hiring practices or the provision of services.
The Tommy Holland Emergency Shelter
In preparing to open the 44 additional beds in Holland Hall, Calvary Refuge Center is in need of cash donations totaling $20,969. The cost of the items needed to furnish Holland Hall are:
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$551 for a set of bunkbeds
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$151.15 for a mattress
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$9.32 for a pillow
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$13.71 for a set of twin size sheets
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$20.51 for a white blanket
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$2.96 for a white bath towel
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$1.45 for a wash towel
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$1.99 for a white hand towel.
Calvary Refuge Center is located at 4265 Thurmond Rd Forest Park GA. The new building is located on the same site as the present transitional housing program and emergency shelter. The city of Forest Park built the Holland Hall from the closing and sale of the Fort Gillem Military Base.
Donations can be mailed to:
Calvary Refuge Center
P.O. Box 2464
Forest Park, GA 30298
For more inforamtion contact Calvary Refuge Center at info@calvaryrefuge.org
Donate with a credit card or use your PayPal account.