501C3 ORGANIZATION

The Drake House is a 501c3 organization that works to respond to the growing number of single mothers and their children who are experiencing homelessness in North Fulton. We involve members of our community in the effort to keep families united under one roof as they work toward self-sufficiency.

PRIVATE CRISIS HOUSING

We are the only agency in the region offering a private crisis-housing program.
Every year, our private housing serves two apartment buildings 50 families and 100 children. In 2017, we added to the housing program to serve up to 16 more families.

History & Milestones 

The Drake House started in 2004 as a Leadership North Fulton class project to address the growing number of single women and their children experiencing homelessness in the area. Community leaders gathered donations and volunteers from business and civic leaders, faith-based organizations, Fulton County, the City of Roswell, and the United Way of Greater Atlanta to create a non-profit that could address the need.

Our doors opened in June 2006 under the name The Drake House in honor of Roswell native Mary Drake. Mary Drake was a founder of North Fulton Community Charities and advocated for those in need. 

MILESTONES

2004

  • Leadership North Fulton class volunteers recognized a pressing need for emergency housing for single mothers and their children who are experiencing homelessness.
  • A 16-unit apartment complex was identified in Roswell.
  • We hosted our first-ever “Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’” fundraiser in the community.

 

2006

  • HomeAid Atlanta (the nonprofit affiliate of the Atlanta Home Builders Association) completed renovations on all 16 apartment units.
  • In June, The Drake House officially opened its doors to families experiencing homelessness.
  • The Board of Directors approved purchasing The Drake Center — a dedicated facility for administrative staff, food pantry, laundry, classrooms, a computer lab, and a library.

 

2008

  • Launched a Capital Campaign aimed at paying off the mortgages on both the 16-unit apartment complex and The Drake Center.

 

2011

  • The first location of our resale boutique, The Drake Closet, opened its doors in Roswell.

2012

  • Our Capital Campaign successfully raised $1.5 million, enabling us to pay off mortgage of both buildings.

 

2013

  • Expanded The Drake Closet with a second store location in Alpharetta.

 

2015

  • HomeAid Atlanta completed a renovation and ADA upgrades at The Drake Center, adding new classroom space.

2016

  • Celebrated our 10th anniversary
  • Launched the After-School Enrichment Program to support children’s development
  • The Drake Closet opens a third location in Sandy Springs

 

2017

  • Another apartment complex on the same street as The Drake House was purchased and began renovations, becoming The Drake Village and expanding our capacity to serve an additional 16 families.
  • The first 6 families moved into The Drake Village

 

2018

  • Construction was completed on the second building of The Drake Village
  • 6 more families moved in

 

2021

  • The Professional Women’s Career Network (PWCN) launched, providing a forum for professional single moms to connect and to accelerate career progression through professional networks and leadership opportunities.
  • Celebrated our 15th anniversary

 

2025

  • The Workforce Housing Pilot Program (WFH) was launched, allowing families to focus on completing their education without the full burden of rent.
  • The first WFH apartment unit sponsored by The LeitaLift Foundation

 

2026

  • The Drake House celebrates 20 years of serving mothers and children in North Fulton.

“Words cannot express how grateful we are for the opportunity living at The Drake House. What a wonderful experience, a piece of mind and motivation. Especially the Monday night classes. We are forever grateful and appreciate it all. For everything you’ve done… for being the people you are. Thank you.”