Every Saturday in Athens, thousands of people rally around our community to cheer for the Dawgs. Walk across campus any day and you’ll hear students say they love Athens; they love the food, the nightlife, the culture, the memories they’re making. While Athens is consistently rated as one of the best college towns in America, it’s more than just where we live for four years, we call it home and make memories here that last a lifetime.
But if we truly love Athens, shouldn’t that love translate into action? Too many students leave Athens no better than they found it. We cheer for Athens. Now let’s care for Athens.
The Reality of Homelessness in Our Community
Beneath the surface of our vibrant college town lies a growing challenge. In 2024, the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count surveyed 386 individuals experiencing homelessness in Athens. This federally required count of sheltered and unsheltered people occurs every January and is generally considered an underestimation, as some people don’t consent to the survey or aren’t aware it’s happening.
The numbers tell an important story about our neighbors: over half of these individuals have lived in Athens for more than six years. Many were from here originally or came for friends and family. Thirty-five individuals even said they came to Athens specifically for access to better resources and services.
The number of homeless individuals has increased by about 56% since 2015.
Athens is Taking Action, and You Can Too
Fortunately, our community isn’t standing still. In 2022, Athens-Clarke County developed a Strategic Plan to Reduce and Prevent Homelessness with initiatives focusing on supportive services, unsheltered homeless activities, and increasing low-barrier shelter options. With a budget of $5 million, the community is already seeing a difference.
Your Impact Can Last a Lifetime
And this is where you come in. Giving back is not just an act; it’s a commitment to our neighbors and the legacy we leave in this city, long after we graduate. Even just a few hours can make a lasting impact on our community.
The Backpack Project of Athens provides meaningful opportunities to get involved:
- Saturday Meals: preparing and delivering food
- Hygiene kit packing events
- Street outreach and clean-up efforts
- Seasonal prep events providing weather-specific resources
- Our annual Resource Fair, where we unify nonprofits throughout the community to provide essential resources to anyone in need-–which we can’t wait to host again this year.
Join Our Movement
Show your appreciation for this place we call home and join The Backpack Project of Athens in making a tangible difference for those experiencing homelessness. Foster a sense of community and shared responsibility as we work together to care for our neighbors.
Thank you to Hannah Savard, Community Development Specialist for the City of Athens, and Erin Suh, Executive Director for The Backpack Project of Athens.