Focused Community Strategies
FCS Team

FCS Team

FCS Team

FCS Team

Covid-19 Response Update

Last week our mayor declared Atlantans must shelter in place. As a place-based organization, the mayor’s order has meant that most of the FCS staff is sheltering in the place where we live, love, and serve – Historic South Atlanta. While this has been a season of anxiety and unknowns, we have found great rest and strength by being in close proximity to those for whom we care so deeply.

After many years listening to our neighbors, we know that communities like ours are the most vulnerable during times of crisis. We know that many of our neighbors will be (or already have) lost their employment, lack proper healthcare and lack a financial safety net. Without swift and proactive action, the impact of this crisis will last longer in our neighborhood than other communities. We are taking steps to provide vital relief now while safeguarding long-term, intentional development in the community.

If you saw our 2019 Annual Report, you already know that people like you catalyze all of our long-term development efforts. This moment is no different. Right now, your gifts are more powerful than ever. In normal circumstances, they power a cycle that creates long-term stability and thriving. Today, your gifts also protect the gains we’ve already made as a neighborhood, and preserve the path forward for Historic South Atlanta. We hope you’ll consider joining us in one of these ways:

  • Donate to our Stepping Forward Fund. We’ve maintained this reserve for years to help those in our homes and programs during emergency situations. Now, we are kicking this fund into overdrive and distributing it to families with barriers to paying rent, mortgage, and buying groceries because of the pandemic.

  • Shop at Carver Market. As the only grocery store within 3 miles of South Atlanta, many of our customers, including a large swath of seniors, rely on the store for their food supply. The Carver Market team has been working around the clock to keep the store open and stocked. They have done an incredible job! Normally, Community Grounds’ revenue would help to buffer Carver Market’s food and labor costs. Needless to say, Community Grounds’ dining room has closed, and we’ve rightfully seen a massive decrease in traffic. But that means we need more customers and support for Carver Market than ever before. We hope you’ll be one of those customers!

  • Donate to FCS. Typically, your investments generate additional revenue through our businesses and housing programs. Right now, we are actively reducing that income in order to relieve the pressure on our neighbors. Simultaneously, the cost of engaging our neighbors, supporting mixed-income housing, and preserving economic development have all gone up. You can help bridge the gap by donating to FCS.

More than ever, our team is grateful to have such a committed and extensive network of people who love South Atlanta. You are a key part of that network, and we are thankful for the role you are already playing. Thank you for your faith, action, and generosity during this time.

Stay well,
Katie Delp & Jim Wehner

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