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 class volunteers identified the lack of emergency housing for single mothers with children who are experiencing homelessness.
  • A 16-unit apartment complex was identified in Roswell.
  • Inaugural Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ fundraiser was held in Roswell.

 

2006

  • HomeAid Atlanta, the non-profit arm of the Atlanta Home Builders Association, completes renovation of all 16 units.
  • In June, The Drake House doors open to families experiencing homelessness.
  • The Board of Directors approves the purchase of The Drake Center to house the professional staff, food pantry, laundry facilities, classrooms, computer lab, and library.

 

2008

  • Capital Campaign begins to pay off mortgage for the apartments and The Drake Center.

 

2011

  • The Drake Closet opens in Roswell.

2012

  • Capital Campaign raises $1.5 Million to pay off mortgage.

 

2013

  • The Drake Closet opens a second location in Alpharetta.

 

2015

  • HomeAid Atlanta completes renovation and ADA requirement for Drake Center, adding classroom space.

 

2016

  • 10th Anniversary Celebration.
  • After School Enrichment Program launches.
  • The Drake Closet opens a third store in Sandy Springs.

 

2017

  • The Drake Village was purchased, which will serve up to an additional 16 families.
  • The first 6 graduate families move into The Drake Village.
  • Another apartment complex on the same street as The Drake House is purchased and renovation.

 

2018

  • The Drake Village is created to house families at below market rate rent for up two years.

“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.”