The Team Up Elementary Program Space will create a safe space for youth and caregivers to relax and find healing from depression and anxiety associated with trauma exposure. This project will include a positive message mural, a new outdoor space, and a dedicated space for teens who need to find peace in their day.

As a behavioral health nonprofit, Sweetser supports children and families with services for mental and behavioral health, developmental services, education and recovery. In wanting to creating a safe space for children to play, this project will replace dilapidated play equipment with a new, ADA-compliant playground and a multi-purpose court for children’s outdoor games.

Two years ago, a group of youth set out on a mission to find a space that was safe for them to skateboard, bike, and ride scooters in the Stewartville Community. After a visit to City Hall, a petition with 300 signatures and two years of fundraising, the youth in Stewartville will finally get the skate park they’ve been wanting, due to the Lowe’s Hometowns grant. Work includes the installation of a flat, safe skating surface, park benches, signage and landscaping.

Status: Home provides homeless and low-income individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS in the Greater Atlanta area with a continuum of housing options, supportive services, and educational opportunities. The Lowe’s Hometowns grant will be used to renovate the historic three-story residential facility, which features 23 individual efficiency apartments and common spaces.

The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store helps to address many challenges among the homeless. This renovation will address 26 years of deterioration and transform the space into a safe and dignified environment. This project will allow the store’s profits to fund services to those in need, from food and tents to rent assistance and car services.

The St. Vincent de Paul Vocational Arts Fair Trade Program will provide instruction for members of the community struggling with homelessness, addiction and mental health and are unable to work in mainstream employment. As volunteers create crafts to sell for fair trade, this project will renovate the basement rooms of a local church to create adequate space to run the program.

Southeast Guilford High School will enhance their school programming with a new space. A new storage shed, raised beds, gardens as well as a space for animals will support the agriculture program at high school, in addition to upgrades to the school’s weight room. All work will be completed by the school’s students to create skills-based opportunities.

The Sojourner Truth Ministries housing is a partially refinished duplex that needs to become livable space. By installing drywall, a new kitchen, laundry, bathroom, landscaping and a privacy fence, the home will allow people to work on life skills, stability, health and sobriety all while having a comfortable place to call home.

This project will build the first two tiny homes in Settled Inn Village and kick-start the organization’s goal to build a supportive, productive community of 50 tiny homes for local community members facing homelessness. Each 200-square foot house will have a front porch and landscaping to make it feel like home.

The Ruth Peterson Senior Center supports many local seniors who live with severe income restraints. By renovating and updating the kitchen, the center will be able to restore food service and help alleviate many residents’ struggle to find enough nutritious food to eat.