In 1982 the St. Bartholomew's Family
Shelter opened as the first shelter in the Atlanta area for homeless
families. Families stayed at night in the Sunday school rooms in the
parish hall, assisted and supervised by volunteers from as many as
thirty churches of all denominations. The shelter shared the parish hall
until 1989, when the shelter was moved to the newly renovated St.
Nicholas Hall (the original church building), and its name was changed
to Nicholas House.
Nicholas House, located along the
back property line behind the church, was developed by renovating and
expanding the original barracks building to house the growing shelter
for homeless families. HUD provided approximately 35% of the $500,000
construction cost. Other funding came from foundations, businesses, and
individuals. Although we own the facilities, Nicholas House operates
independently, with its own board of directors. St. Bartholomew's rector
is an ex officio member of this board. Parishioners of St. Bartholomew's
are still involved on the Nicholas House Board as well as through
volunteer efforts. The parish provides meals for the residents for a
week twice each year. For more information please check the web site at
www.nicholashouse.org
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