Our Work
The Welcome Co-op supports its partner agencies by managing housing logistics for new refugee families and individuals. We work with housing providers, vendors and volunteers to secure housing, collect needed household items and furnishings, and set up homes for newcomers. We also manage the Shop of Hope thrift store where refugees can obtain clothing, shoes and personal items free of charge. Our mission is to provide a welcoming home for refugees where they can find immediate safety and stability to begin a new life.
Shop of Hope
The Shop of Hope is a special thrift store where refugee clients from our partner agencies can “shop” for items at no cost. They can select from a variety of quality clothing, shoes, and personal items they may need. The Shop of Hope will eventually be open to the broader community and will serve as a means for the Welcome Co-op to sustain its operations. We always have need for volunteers to work in the Shop helping customers, sorting, organizing, and cleaning. We also have regular need for gently used or new clothing and shoes. If you want to volunteer or donate, please check our “Get Involved” page or email info@welcomeco-op.org
Housing
The Welcome Co-op sets up welcoming homes for refugees from many parts of the world including Afghanistan, Burma, Congo, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Iran, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine. These refugees are arriving into the Atlanta area to begin rebuilding their lives. Many resettle in DeKalb County, though people served by our member refugee resettlement agencies may live anywhere in the state of Georgia. The Welcome Co-op team sets up hundreds of homes for refugees each year. We work with many local housing partners to secure safe, decent, and sustainable housing for refugees. We place basic furnishings and household items in the homes prior to the refugees’ arrival, so we constantly need a supply of these items. If you are interested in donating items, time, or financial assistance please check our “Get Involved” page!