3Keys’ Annual Fundraiser, Cheers for a Cause, Supports Nearly 500 Community Members Each Year on Journey out of Homelessness

VIEW OUR 2026 CHEERS FOR A CAUSE PHOTO GALLERY

 

We are so appreciative of everyone who joined us at our annual fundraising celebration last week at Wild Leap! We enjoyed a new venue, delicious apps, and cool drinks – all in support of our goal to provide permanent supportive housing and wraparound services to all who need them. 

At 3Keys, we meet people where they are on their journey out of homelessness. The power of this work was evident in the story that Sheka Brown, Property Manager for O’Hern House, shared at Cheers for a Cause. She told of a resident who she helped move into O’Hern House that very morning. He had spent years trying to find housing, completing applications, reaching out to different organizations, and seeking assistance through various programs.

When he walked into his own apartment, emotions overtook him and he broke down crying with happiness.

It’s why we do what we do – and why your support is so important and so appreciated.

 

During Cheers for a Cause, Scott Walker, 3Keys’ President and CEO, spoke for a few minutes to express his gratitude and to highlight a few milestones from 2026: 

• Launch of 3Keys’ Support Service Team: Thanks to a $300,000 grant from the William Joseph Foundation in 2025, we were able to hire eight staff for a total of ten on the Support Service team. This team services four of our locations. It is rooted in our strategic plan, which identified as a priority assisting residents with their stability and connection to resources in the community. 
• Strategic Plan 2026-2029: We recently completed our second iteration of our updated strategic plan, assisted by consulting firm Guidehouse. In June, we completed an exercise to identify priorities that we’re already putting into practice, like the Support Services model mentioned above. 
• O’Hern House Rehab (Phase I): We completed the first of two phases of our rehab project. Utilizing grant funds from the Governor’ Office of Planning & Budget ($5.4 million), we upgraded systems, 58 residential units, and installed a cell tower in partnership with AT&T. More than 30 residents moved to another apartment complex for 10 months while the roof, third, and fourth floors were renovated. Residents moved back in August and we continue to fill available units with referrals from Atlanta’s Continuum of Care. 
• O’Hern House Rehab (Phase II): Our co-development partnership with Quest Ventures continues into Phase II and we have reached out to Invest Atlanta to identify funds to complete the rehab. Work on the second floor will include: full service kitchen and cafeteria, multi-purpose conference room, recreation / fitness room, and the library. Work on the first floor will include: the rehab of 18 residential units, the lobby / reception area, the security booth, and the reconfiguration of ten office spaces.
• Welcome House Redevelopment: For the past five years, we have had a lofty vision for our largest, oldest property. Welcome House has the most challenges: low rents, Single Room Occupancy (SRO) footprint, and replacement reserve needs that require attention. Our plan is to demolish the building and rebuild with a different approach: 80 efficiency units with bathrooms and kitchens. That will offer our residents a new building, privacy with adequate space in their units, and forego shared space which tends to lead to disagreements and conflicts. Our co-development partner on Welcome House will be Tapestry Development with Jon Toppen, President/CEO at the helm.

 

Partnerships/Collaborations:

• Supportive Housing Institute: Selected at the beginning of the 2026, 3Keys staff, along with members of Tapestry, participated & graduated from the second Georgia Supportive Housing Institute (SHI) Cohort, a signature program of the CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) and Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The program is designed to enhance affordable and supportive housing developments throughout the state. The team walked away with detailed strategies to help position 3Keys to identify and qualify for funding for the redevelopment of Welcome House.
• Emory University’s Goizueta Business School: This past spring 2026, we were invited to collaborate with Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Undergrad students studied our systems/processes and proposed recommendations around improving our engagement and brand outreach in the community. It was rewarding to see the hard work of these young people as they presented well-researched ideas that were presented. They expressed their appreciation for nonprofit work 3Keys does daily.  
• Project Community Connections, Inc. (PCCI): 3Keys received American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to provide services to our residents. Upon reviewing our portfolio, we identified a balance of funds that we are sharing with PCCI to offer re-housing services to their clients.
• Hands On Atlanta: Last month, we were thrilled to work with Hands On Atlanta as their volunteers packed over 200 hygiene kits for our residents in Welcome House. These were distributed to our residents and you can see pictures of the event on our Instagram and Facebook pages. 

We are extremely appreciative of ALL our partnerships!!

 

Grants:

Throughout the year, 3Keys received a number of grants that fuel our ability to care for our community’s most vulnerable members. This year, our generous supporters have included:

• The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
• The Fulton County Community Service Program
• The William Josef Foundation
• Enterprise Community Partners
• The Branan Foundation
• United Community Bank Foundation
• Good Rx Helps 

These funds have covered staff salaries and professional development, have allowed us to engage consultants to provide critical services, have provided transportation and food assistance for our clients, and, perhaps, most importantly, have provided general operating support that we can use where’s most needed.

We have raised a total of $264,452 from the grants referenced. Overall, the total raised in 2026 is $834,452, including an anonymous $500,000 grant.

This support is what enables us to continue to exceed the standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing. HUD sets a benchmark of a housing stability rate of 80%. 3Keys consistently maintains a rate of 85% or above. Last year, 93% of our residents remained stably housed after two years. 

During the event, Scott thanked 3Keys’ staff, saying: “I am in awe of your dedication and commitment to our residents. It gets tough sometimes but you always show up and roll up your sleeves. I am honored to work alongside you every day.”

Scott also recognized the Board of Directors for their support and furtherance of the agency mission. 

 

Cheers for a Cause is presented by the following sponsors:

• Platinum level: Barnes and Thornburg LLP 
• Gold level: Core5 Industrial Partners  
• Silver level: Arnall, Golden, Gregory (AGG), Delta Community Credit Union, Tapestry Development Group, Mercy Care Atlanta 
• Bronze level: Enterprise Community, United Community Bank  

In addition to 3Keys’ sponsors, our robust network of partners makes our work possible.

We are truly grateful for all of you who came out to enjoy food, drinks, music, and one another’s company! 

If you weren’t able to be there in person, you can still contribute and make a difference: www.the3keys.org/donate. 

View the 2026 Cheers for a Cause photo album here.

Learn more about the event and future sponsorships at www.the3keys.org/cheers. 

All photos are credited to Strong Vision Photography.