Fast Facts

• Our mission is to provide loving, high-quality child development and support services for homeless families striving for self-sufficiency.

• Since opening in 1986, the Atlanta Children's Shelter (ACS) has provided loving care for over 7,700 homeless children and helped guide more than 5,050 homeless families to stable, self-sufficiency.

• ACS provides developmentally-appropriate instruction and activities for children one-month to five years old, Monday through Friday, 7am to 6pm.

• Although nearly 20% of the families who enroll drop out in the first 2 months, for families who work through all programs offered, the number that reach self-sufficiency is 96%.

• All childcare and social services are provided at no cost to families, including Case Management, JobTrack, Permanent Housing Resettlement, Life Skills Workshops and Aftercare Services for formerly-homeless families.

• Single mothers with 1-2 children comprise 85% of the families served.

• Approximately 39% of the families served are fleeing domestic violence or spousal abuse. Another 15% are homeless as a result of job loss.

• The agency’s funding sources are diverse. 90% of the funding is from private sources including foundations, individuals, employee groups, faith-based institutions, the United Way, corporations and community groups. Only 10% is from government agencies.

• ACS is accredited for high-quality Early Childcare Program by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a level reached by less than 5% of all childcare in this country.

• Volunteers and visiting groups donate approximately 7,000 hours each year partnering in this mission and making a big impact.