The best part about it? Drawchange made it so easy to go and volunteer with them at the homeless…read moreshelter, and especially Cindy with her guidance and support at all times, they made us feel not just volunteers but like superheroes. Without a doubt I 100% recommend Drawchange if you or your company are willing to live a great experience, painting smiles in the face of a group of homeless children, and also having a great time doing a lot more than just art with a group of kids that have it so hard in life...please try to help Drawchange, volunteering, donating, however you can, they're making a difference, do it for the kids: their smiles, laughter, and heart. We connected with the kids, we left the place with a renewed sense of hope and life, which comes from the kids. What a great opportunity to give back to our community, for a roofing and construction company like us it really makes sense to participate in activities outside of work that connect us together even more, as the team we already are, and if at the same time we can help homeless children experience a happy, joyful and fun time? well, is a win-win scenario for everybody. Thank you Drawchange! Deliana, CFO at Hd Roofing and Construction.

Drawchange is an AMAZING organization to volunteer with. Every team member puts 100% into each…read moresession for the children. I have been volunteering with Orlando drawchange for close to a year now and have seen how well each art project is tailored for the children and what they are going through in their day to day lives. I highly recommend drawchange as the perfect organization to support and volunteer with. Keep up the great work!

I was curious...habitat for humanity on Yelp! Fantastic organization in so many levels…read more Habitat for humanity really does embody what giving a hand really should look like. They teach people "how to fish" (self reliance) so they can have long term success. I volunteer every so often, yet in reality I am the one who is always grateful to be able to learn on house build days from the house leaders on "how to"... painting being my favorite as I go into a meditative state when doing detailed work. Not interested in construction or physical labor... no problem. I like to volunteer/ have my hands on many different things myself, and this place can offer that. If you like sales or cleaning volunteer at the warehouse. You like photography? Sign up for house dedication. On weekdays want to help doing office work or help on weekends signing up folks into their home ownership required classes? Love finance, numbers or plain teaching? Sign up. I myself can't pass over an opportunity to help others budget their desired long term lifestyle! lol Habitat for humanity is truly a brilliant non profit organization with well established "ideals".

I have purchase assorted building products from here. I…read morehave also been to Atlanta, GA, West Jefferson, NC and Boone, NC were extremely high on there prices for items. I would of bought several things at these stores but I looked up the prices on line and I could get them cheaper in the store. The Albany store seems so over priced on a lot of there items. Take for instance I picked up a metal cover plate for an electrical box and the original price tag on the package was $1.50 they were asking $1.00 and they got it for nothing. I saw an oak desk in there they had a price of $250 for it.

I never thought to "rate" a volunteering center until I saw a list of the best places to volunteer,…read morebut it is definitely important. I have been here several times both for school credit and for interest. It was funny how the first time I went here, it was shortly before I started nursing school and I was exposed to so many different types of medical equipment and I was thinking "I am going to be working with all these things?" Years later, I can quickly tell the difference between different types of equipment, or at least sometimes I can give a basic category. The staff here is awesome and I love the way they are set up online. I have always left here feeling like I contributed to a global movement and it helps that I work in healthcare. My only complaint once was that after emailing the volunteer coordinator about a potential friend joining, they said they were "past the limit" when many people didn't show up that day and from my experiences with planning volunteer events, 100% of the people who sign up never come. Also, I think they can do a little better job of orienting new people. Even after having volunteered here a couple of times, there were days where I had no direction and was confused as to what I was suppose to be doing and did extra work for 20 minutes before I realized what I was suppose to be doing. I could have used those 20 minutes for productivity.

Medshare is a non profit humanitarian aid organization. I volunteered with a bunch of coworkers on…read moreour annual day of service. This was my third year. I believe the work they do is phenomenal. Medshare collects and distributes medical supplies and biomedical equipment and training to underserved communities in need around the world; 97 countries to date. It's hard to critique such a place. They are literally saving lives! As a volunteer who was on the afternoon shift (1pm-4pm), there was significant time wasted and not used to actually pack supplies. They told our group to arrive 15 minutes early before the shift started, which we did. However, orientation didn't start until 1:15. They showed a 5 minute video explaining what they do and who they help. Then introductions of the staff and a tour of the large facility. Not sure exactly how long that took but easily 30 minutes. For us repeat volunteers not time well spent. Then around 3:30pm the staff told us to finish our final boxes and clean up our area. After a brief wrap up speech and tally of boxes packed for our shift, we were out the door at 3:50pm. We probably got 90 minutes of hands on work. Would love to do more.

A lot of people don't know about Our House, but what the staff does is amazing. Our House is a…read moreplace where homeless families can get childcare for their children as they go and seek jobs, housing and other basic needs to get themselves back on their feet again. I volunteered last summer. The first time I went, I read to some 3 and 4 year olds. I almost cried when one of the kids asked me if I lived in a house. When I said yes, her eyes lit up and she said, "Really? I want to live in one, too." If I could have put all of those kids and their families into an apartment that day, I would have. Our House always needs volunteers AND donations, so help them out however you can.

I donated clothes and money to them today and I was touched by the environment and their…read morepurpose/goals. I walked in and everyone was really nice and very appreciative. The kids were happy and that was such a delight. If you read this, please make a donation. No donation is too small and little drops of water will turn into a pond. Also, volunteer if you have the time. God bless you!

The City of Refuge is located in the most dangerous zip code in all of Georgia per capita - 30014…read more(Atlanta's West Side). Within this complex are a host of individual ministries that have come together for the hope of transforming lives in the community; primarily homeless women. My family and I just completed a weekend serving as volunteers @ the City of Refuge and I have simply been blown away by the experience. THE SCENE In 1970, an organization called "Mission Possible" started a feeding program in Atlanta. By 1997 it was re-incorporated as CITY OF REFUGE. In 2003 Pastor Bruce approached the owners of 200,000+ sq ft abandoned warehouse that was in bad repair. The owners wanted 1.6 million dollars, but Pastor Bruce asked if they would consider donating it instead. As you might expect, he was rejected. However, 6 months later the owners did indeed gift the warehouse and its 8 acre tract to the City of Refuge. Relocating to this space would allow them to expand services & reach more people, not only offering a refuge from crisis, but a place to restore their health, self-respect & transition into lives of personal responsibility, value & independence. But that was not without its challenges. Pastor Bruce petitioned the Atlanta City Council for a license as a homeless shelter. He was denied... TWICE! Two years later in 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans & Atlanta found itself hosting thousands of displaced families. Space was desperately needed. Shirley Franklin (the mayor at the time) called Bruce to asked if he would consider being a shelter. Pastor Bruce explained he'd petitioned the city twice before and was rejected. Shortly after this phone call, City of Refuge was cleared to operate as a homeless shelter. The shelter provides: - Emergency shelter - 40 individual, hotel-style units for mothers w/children - Single women's shelter (100 beds) - Unwed teenage mothers - Young females rescued from sex trafficking (short term) - and currently under construction is long term care for sex trafficking victims who cannot be placed at other shelters due to criminal records or mental illness. On site, these ladies have access to a wide variety of benefits including lawyers, child care, schools, case managers, after school programs, job training, medical/dental clinics and transition into permanent housing. All of which operate behind a secure metal gate where even the Security Guard has an amazing testimony. Students from nearby Georgia Tech and Morris Brown College regularly help tutor the young students living here. Kindred Spirits House is the name of the section of the shelter that provides housing for teenage moms who were in the foster system, but have no family support. These moms are allowed to stay one year after their baby is born. In that time they work on receiving a high school diploma, practical mothering skills and healthy delivery. Two very impressive opportunities for growth and job placement are the culinary classes and auto mechanics program: The culinary class teaches valuable culinary skills that have helped 100% of its participants get jobs in Atlanta restaurants. Atlanta is experiencing a huge food renaissance and the need for skilled cooks is HUGE. The program also offers catering & a food truck as a way to help fund this educational benefit! NAPA auto parts chain partnered with City of Refuge to build an on-site auto mechanics shop as part of their job training program. Here is where the City of Refuge reaches out to the male population in the surrounding community as well as its female residence. If accepted into the program, NAPA guarantees jobs to all graduates of this 6 month mechanics course. THE EXPERIENCE We volunteered for a weekend through the 'overnight experience' ministries called RestorationATL (RATL for short). The motto of this ministry is to spend time WITH the residents and not just come in and drop off money or gifts and say "have a nice life" as you leave. We had the entire weekend to getting to know many of these ladies and their wonderful children. Just being here to help with the kids and give them much needed attention and kindness was a blessing. Mom's get a chance to breathe and socialize, kids get new playmates and all get to experience what it feels like to be part of building a community. Look for my RATL review coming soon for the details of our experience. FINAL THOUGHTS The goal of this ministry is simple. Develop a plan of action and set time frames for the achievement of those plans which address employment, housing, educational, physical/mental health, and child-related needs of all residents. Volunteers are expected to practice modeling love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control when serving (Gal 5:22-23). The level of commitment here is unmatched to anything I've ever seen in an urban setting. If you have ever considered making a difference, this is a wonderful place to start.

It is with profound gratitude and deep humility that I reflect upon my time with The House of…read moreCherith and City of Refuge. After facing unforeseen and traumatic experiences, this organization became the very sanctuary and place of restoration I desperately needed. The staff, each one a true blessing, exemplified extraordinary dedication and grace. Their commitment was nothing short of a divine appointment; they poured their care and spiritual guidance into me like no other. We must give all the glory to God for utilizing every individual within this organization to genuinely minister to and love the brokenhearted who seek refuge here. They embraced me exactly where I was in my journey, providing an atmosphere where I could rediscover solace, peace, tranquility, dignity, and integrity, but most importantly, unconditional love. Because of their unwavering support, grounded in faith, I have been able to look onward and forward, never back. The fellowship we built was a testament to perseverance a family connection that, while not always easy, was always achievable. For the genuine love, the steadfast support, and the restorative family environment fostered by The House of Cherith and City of Refuge, I am eternally grateful.

Very helpful people and you don't have to feel shame they are there to help you throughread more

St. Vincent De Paul of cherokee County Ga. Left a voicemail, call was returned by a young volunteer…read morewho assured me that my utility shut off would be paid, assured me that a pledge was called in and a few days later...my lights were cut off. I have left voicemails, called, emails and no response. Do not rely on this place! It has taught me valuable lesson..try not to go through hardships..pay your bills on time if you can! i prayed and prayed and seemed like my prays were answered. no

Quality of food excellent. Value very good. They give products that a family can actual ly use.read more

I came to the ACFB for a volunteer event with my work. This was my second time back. I always enjoy…read moremyself when I come here. The staff is all so nice and they do such a great job at explaining what ACFB is all about and how we can all do our part to contribute to something for a greater good. Both times I went, I was sorting food and making sure the appropriate things were getting passed through, and discarded if they weren't. I always have so much fun doing this, and the time just goes by so quick. It never really feels like you're working when you come here. It's just so much fun being with so many people all there for the same reason. I definitely plan on coming back in the future.

My son was homeless..living in restaurant booths , sleeping sitting up in a booth or getting woke…read moreup by police when he tried sleeping in the woods. Walking around in the rain and cold he felt hopeless..But a friend helped him get into Gateway and they helped him to feel normal to have the basic necessities..They had a counselor a job advisor.He was at Gateway from January until May 16 th NOW Because of Gateway he just moved into his own apartment!!! This man is a totally different person then the one that first walked through those doors!! I'm so thankful and beyond blessed that my son got on his feet to a normal and good life because of GATEWAY!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH GATEWAY!!!

We as a group of 25-30 people went last Saturday for helping the organization with clothes donation…read moreand food donation. This event was organised by ISKCON Temple of Atlanta. I loved serving residents of the Gateway Center and working with their employees. Most of the staff was energetic, helpful and friendly, though there were minor and totally forgivable exceptions. Many services offered but you have to pay close attention to everybody and everything. It is a wonderful place to volunteer for an individual or group. "I am endeavoring to see God through service of humanity; for I know that God is neither in heaven, nor down below, but in everyone." - Mahatma Gandhi Gateway Center is an Non-profit organization in Atlanta, Georgia. Gateway Center is the "gateway" to a continuum of care that helps individuals move out of homelessness. Gateway Center works to end homelessness in Metro Atlanta through therapeutic program and community collaboration. Located at 275 Pryor Street in Atlanta, Georgia, the Gateway Center is a keystone project of the Regional Commission on Homelessness' effort to impact chronic homelessness. The Gateway Center is designed to serve as the "gateway" to the community continuum of care that helps individuals move out of homelessness. Gateway Center provides 352 beds for men who enter into programs geared to address the underlying reasons for their homelessness, such as unemployment, addictions, mental illness or domestic abuse. They strive to provide a supportive and IAMCHANGED setting where individuals can receive the tools they need to end their homelessness and achieve self-sufficiency. In their 10 years of operation they have served 35,100+ individuals. 500+ individuals served daily. 108,000+ Meals served. 10,000+ medical services provided. 48,000+ clothing closet visits. It helps people in the hardest times of there life on it's mission to end homelessness.