The PIT Count consists of two parts: the Night Count and the Day Site Count. The Night Count is the larger of the two and takes place from around 7 p.m. on January 26 through about 3 a.m. on January 27. Volunteers meet at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church before dividing up to spread out across the City. Typically, a few hundred volunteers work across 243 Atlanta neighborhoods.

As a supplemental count, the Day Site Counts occur over the next week, from January 27 through February 2. Volunteer slots are for smaller timeframes at specific service centers across the City. This approach aims to capture any individuals that may not have been counted during the Night Count. 

While volunteers do not need any specific training, they must be 18 years or older. 

Head to Partners for HOME’s website if you’re interested in volunteering for Atlanta’s PIT Count! 

What do volunteers do during the Point-in-Time Count?

The Point-in-Time Count involves volunteers canvassing neighborhoods and engaging directly with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, including those living unsheltered and those staying in temporary shelters. Identifiable by reflective vests and matching “Point-in-Time Count” t-shirts, volunteers approach people in public spaces and introduce themselves. After a brief conversation, they administer a short survey covering topics such as basic demographics, veteran status, and the onset and duration of homelessness. For families, each member is asked the same questions. While the survey includes required PIT questions, communities may add locally tailored questions each year to meet specific data needs.

In addition to gathering information, volunteers distribute care packages with essential items like warm clothing, hygiene supplies, and food. Volunteers often work alongside nonprofit partners and street outreach teams who already have established relationships with many of the individuals being counted, helping create a sense of familiarity and trust during nighttime outreach efforts.

Why conduct the Point-in-Time Count? 

The PIT Count gathers essential insights to guide interventions, improve policies, and provide local information needed to apply for funding opportunities through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Key findings from the 2025 Point in Time Count

In 2025, 2,894 persons in the City of Atlanta were counted as sheltered or unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. The following positive numbers were reported by Partners for HOME in 2025:

• 736 individuals (19%) met HUD’s definition of chronic homelessness
• 9% decrease in chronic homelessness
• 3% decrease in veteran homelessness
• 25% decrease in adults with serious mental illness
• 30% decrease in substance use disorders
• 17% decrease in HIV/AIDS 

In the 2025 Atlanta Point-in-Time Count, Partners for HOME reported: 

After years of pandemic-driven fluctuation, homelessness in Atlanta is beginning to stabilize. The 2025 PIT Count, which was conducted the night of January 27 with additional surveying the week following, recorded a 1% overall increase from 2024, indicating a potential plateau.

Chronic homelessness fell 9% due to an ongoing focus on rehousing the most vulnerable individuals in permanent supportive housing (PSH) — a housing intervention that pairs long-term leasing/rental assistance with supportive services like mental health services, employment assistance and ongoing case management. [Note: 3Keys prioritizes housing and care for those considered “chronic and vulnerable populations.”]

Additionally, youth and veteran homelessness declined 6% and 3%, respectively, due to tailored solutions for each subpopulation. These results highlight the success of housing programs and support services facilitated by Partners for HOME and the Atlanta Continuum of Care (CoC).

We are at a critical inflection point — on the cusp of decreasing homelessness in Atlanta.

With a continued focus on rehousing at pace and scale, preventative programs to reduce the inflow and ongoing support across community stakeholders, we will reach our goal of making homelessness in Atlanta rare, brief and nonrecurring.

Each year, Partners for HOME produces a detailed report. Click here to check out Point in Time Count reports from previous years.  

Who manages the PIT Count?

The PIT Count in metro Atlanta area is managed by different cities and counties across the wide geography. In the City of Atlanta, Partners for HOME directs the Point-in-Time Count as the primary administrator for the Atlanta Continuum of Care, a program of HUD. Separate PIT counts are held by Fulton and DeKalb counties in areas outside City of Atlanta. 

Many partner organizations collaborate with Partners for HOME, including:

• Local and federal agencies such as HUD, CDC, Atlanta Police
• Department and the Atlanta Government, including the Mayor’s office
• Healthcare organizations including Mercy Care and Grady
• Business Partnerships including The Home Depot Foundation
• Continuum of Care providers (such as 3Keys)

To volunteer or read more about Atlanta’s Point-in-Time Count, visit Partners for HOME’s website. 

Spearheaded by Coach D, the H2H team worked closely with staff and leadership of 3Keys. One of Coach D’s priorities is helping those experiencing homelessness. His company’s mission is: “Having the most positive impact in our community and with our children.” 

Check out Coach D’s Feed the Hungry recap reel on Instagram!

Staff from The 3Keys who volunteered with H2H’s Annual Feed the Hungry.

3Keys residents stand in line to receive food.

A 3Keys resident paints a canvas as part of the art station.

The magician, Lightskini the Lightskin Houdini, performs a trick for an event goer.

Coach D (right) and the magician, Lightskini The Lightskin Houdini, share remarks with the crowd.

A woman dances after receiving food during H2H’s Annual Feed the Hungry event at the Phoenix House.

The magician, Lightskini the Lightskin Houdini, performs an interactive trick.

A 3Keys resident paints a canvas as part of the art station.

A 3Keys resident stands in the sunshine outside Phoenix House.

The 2025 event took place in Atlantic Station at the law offices of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP. The location on the 17th floor provided a sweeping background of the nighttime Midtown skyline. Scroll down for more on the event and click here for the full photo gallery.

During the festivities, Scott Walker, 3Keys’ President and CEO, took a few minutes to speak to the group, highlighting 3Keys’ work in 2025. He talked about the rehab of O’Hern House, Mayor Dickens’ visit to Welcome House, major grants from the William Josef Foundation and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and 3Keys’ participation in Enterprise Community Development’s Executive Community Leadership Council.

In addition, two plaques were presented to 3Keys board members: Stan Jones and David Lambrecht. Stan was the inaugural Chairperson of Project Interconnections (3Keys’ prior name) and helmed the first-ever board meeting in January 1988. His experience working on mental health issues for Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in Washington and Atlanta led to his founding role. 

Following a distinguished legal career and a lifelong commitment to justice and service, Stan is retiring. We are fortunate that he will continue to serve on our board.

Scott Walker presented a plaque to Stan Jones upon his retirement. 

David, after serving nearly 15 years as the Board Chairperson, has handed the baton to Bona Allen. David will also serve on the board and continue his legacy of integrity, collaboration, and purpose.

Board Chair Bona Allen presented a plaque to outgoing Board Chair David Lambrecht.

Scott took a moment to thank 3Keys’ Board of Directors for their support and furtherance of the agency mission. In a special call-out for 3Keys staff, Scott recognized their dedication and commitment to our residents and the honor it is to work alongside them every day.

The 3Keys’ Board of Directors.

Cheers for a Cause is made possible by our sponsors:

Gold level: Core5 Industrial Partners, and Barnes and Thornburg LLP  

Silver level: Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression, Tapestry Development Group, Delta Community Credit Union, and Fallaize Insurance

Bronze level: Mercy Care Atlanta, Enterprise Community Partners, James Thomas Designs, LLC, Burr Forman, LLP, and Mauldin Jenkins

In addition to 3Keys’ sponsors, our robust network of partners makes our work possible. With their collaboration, we are able to offer many wraparound services and activities to our residents – including support groups, wellness screenings, health fairs, and financial literacy classes to our residents – which is why we exist.

In 2025, sponsors contributed $27,500 (an increase from $24,800 last year), individuals purchased $2,550 in tickets, and additional donations raised an additional $3,575 in support of the event. 

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

View the 2025 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.

On Thursday, Nov. 6, The 3Keys, Inc. will host its annual Cheers for a Cause fundraiser that directly benefits hundreds of formerly homeless individuals in six properties across Fulton and DeKalb counties. All are welcome to join and support The 3Keys’ mission to provide housing and supportive services that enable residents to achieve stability and independence. 

WHAT: Cheers for a Cause fundraising celebration with music, food, and drinks

WHEN: Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.

WHERE: Atlantic Station at the offices of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, 201 17th Street, NW, Atlanta, 30363

Tickets can be purchased online at www.the3keys.org/cheers. 

Cheers for a Cause is presented by the following sponsors:

Gold level: Barnes and Thornburg LLP and Core5 Industrial Partners 

Silver level: Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression, Tapestry Development Group, Delta Community Credit Union, and Fallaize Insurance 

Bronze level: Mercy Care Atlanta, Enterprise Community Partners, James Thomas Designs, LLC, and Burr Forman, LLP

The 3Keys, Inc. serves approximately 500 residents a year through 477 permanent supportive housing units across six properties, where residents receive personalized, wraparound support services on their path to stability. These essential services include case management, service coordination, peer support, life skills training, counseling, eligibility assistance, transportation aid, food assistance, and referrals to local providers. 

By integrating affordable housing with healthcare and customized support, 3Keys removes critical barriers and helps residents achieve lasting success. 

3Keys serves single adults, veterans, and citizens over the age of 18 from diverse racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds. Many residents face dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance use disorders, developmental disabilities, and/or HIV/AIDS. Often arriving from hospitals, behavioral health institutions, emergency shelters, correctional facilities, or the streets, these individuals benefit from 3Keys’ comprehensive programming, which integrates housing, support, and services.

Funds raised from Cheers for a Cause benefit The 3Keys’ programming and operational costs. Learn more about the event and sponsorships at www.the3keys.org/cheers. View photos from the 2024 Cheers for a Cause here.

As The 3Keys’ advances our mission each day to end chronic homelessness, the rehab of O’Hern House is a critical step in preserving affordable housing in Atlanta.

Check out photos below and read all the details in our press release here: Press Conference: Groundbreaking on Renovation for 76 Permanent Supportive Housing Units at Historic O’Hern House.

Media set up their cameras ahead of the press conference for the O’Hern House groundbreaking.

Leonard L. Adams, Jr., CEO of Quest CDC, speaks during the groundbreaking conference at the O’Hern House.

Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari speaks to the media and attendees at the O’Hern House groundbreaking.

Scott A. Walker, CEO of The 3Keys, gives remarks during the O’Hern House groundbreaking.

The audience gathered in the lobby of the O’Hern House for the groundbreaking press conference.

Supporters and staff of The 3Keys at the O’Hern House groundbreaking press conference.

From left to right: Leonard L. Adams, Jr., CEO of Quest CDC; Jim Viviano, President of James Thomas Designs, LLC; Carla Cooper, Construction Project Manager; Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari; and Scott A. Walker, President/CEO of The 3Keys, Inc.

From left to right: Jim Viviano, President of James Thomas Designs, LLC; Carla Cooper, Construction Project Manager; Gerry Richardson, Asset Manager with The 3Keys, Inc.; and Cory Hornsby, O’Hern House Property Manager for The 3Keys.

Group photo with the construction, design, and development team for O’Hern House. From left to right: Scott A. Walker, President/CEO of The 3Keys, Inc.; Blaine Fairbanks, Vice President, with Gibraltar Construction Company Inc.; Pat Gergory, Superintendent with Gibraltar Construction Company Inc.; Carla Cooper, Construction Project Manager; Abena Bentsil, Vice President and Project Managerwith Gibraltar Construction Company Inc.; Leonard L. Adams, Jr., CEO of Quest CDC: and Jim Viviano, President of James Thomas Designs, LLC.

Group photo of The 3Keys’ staff, who work tirelessly everyday to end chronic homelessness in Atlanta.

Reporters interview Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari in the lobby of the O’Hern House.

Berndt Petersen, a reporter with WSB-TV, tours O’Hern House with Leonard Adams of Quest CDC.

Berndt Petersen and a cameraman with WSB-TV tour one of resident rooms at the O’Hern House ahead of renovations getting underway this month.

A residents’ hallway in O’Hern House in September 2025, prior to renovations.

A residential room in O’Hern House in September 2025, before the rehab gets underway.

The game room is one of the amenity rooms that will get an overhaul with the renovation of O’Hern House.

The community space in O’Hern House in September 2025, prior to renovations.

The O’Hern House reception desk decorated for the press conference.

The entrance to the O’Hern House decorated for the press conference.

Cheers for a Cause raised nearly $40,000 that will provide hope and opportunities for individuals and families facing homelessness. 

Located at Wild Heaven West End Brewery and Gardens at Lee + White, guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, beer, and live music from local artist Anderlan. 

Scott Walker, President and CEO, spoke to the crowd, giving updates on 3Keys’ recent work. He highlighted capital projects in O’Hern House, the receipt of over $500,000 in grants (exceeding the goal of $300,000), and partnerships with Truist and Delta Community Credit Union that empower residents with financial literacy training. 

Scott Walker, President and CEO of The 3Keys, speaks to Breakthrough Atlanta supporters gathered for its Cheers for a Cause fundraiser for affordable housing in Atlanta.

In 2023, 3Keys served 532 residents and served 83,200 meals. 86% of residents received supportive services such as case management, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and job and life skills training. Through more than 25 unique onsite activities, residents had the opportunity to participate in support groups, health fairs, financial literacy classes, and community gardening.

The work continues in addressing the challenges of housing affordability and insecurity. 3Keys owns and operates 477 beds in six affordable housing facilities in metro Atlanta. Our model is rooted in three keys that enable individuals with mental illness to live with purpose and dignity:

• Housing: A home of their own that is permanent and stable.
• Help: Supportive services to help residents live independently.
• Hope: An environment that enhances the opportunity for a better life.

Every contribution strengthens our efforts and provides the foundation for sustainable change. If you or someone you know is still interested in supporting 3Keys’ cause, please consider making a donation. Every gift, no matter the size, directly supports housing initiatives, supportive services, and pathways to self-sufficiency for those in need. Together, we are building brighter futures and fostering hope.

Cheers for a Cause is possible thanks to the support of our generous sponsors:

Gold Sponsor: Core5 Industrial Partners

Silver Sponsors: 

• Fuqua Center for Late Life Depression
• Morris, Manning, & Martin, LLP
• Tapestry Development Group

Bronze Sponsors: 

• Mercy Care
• Enterprise Community Partners
• First American Title Company
• McGriff
• Burr + Forman
• Mauldin & Jenkins
• QuestCDC

Staff, board members, and supporters of The 3Keys who work tirelessly every day to solve homelessness in Atlanta.

* All photo credit goes to Strong Vision Photography.

Buy your tickets here today!

WHAT: Cheers for a Cause with live music, food, and drinks

WHEN: Thursday, November 7, 2024

WHERE: Wild Heaven West End Brewery and Gardens, 1010 White Street, SW, Atlanta 30310

We’re thrilled to welcome to the mic local Atlanta musician Anderlan! Coupled with creative direction from her partner, Joseph Waddell, the two will captivate audiences with their soulful songs, influenced by blues, jazz, R&B, and Americana.

WHERE: Rooftop Terrace of Nelson Mullins & Scarborough, 201 17th Street, 18th Floor

WHEN: Silent Auction 5:00pm, Program begins 6:30pm.

For more information about becoming a Sponsor contact Darlene Schultz, dschultz@the3keys.org or NuTrelle Toodle, ntoodle@thekeys.org.

Some scenes from our 2018 Fundraiser & Silent Auction

Rosalynn Apartments is located in an urban area of northern DeKalb County, situated between the cities of Brookhaven to the west, Dunwoody to the north, and abutting northern Atlanta to the east. The site is located just off the Buford Highway commercial corridor, in a residential community that includes mid-century style single family homes and small multi-family apartment communities. Buford Highway is known in Atlanta for having extensive retail options for a wide variety of ethnic groups in their native languages.

The property consists of seven buildings on one acre. There are six residential buildings with 56 efficiency units with full size appliances. There is a community building, where property management and on-site residential services are coordinated, as well as a computer lab and lobby library.

The proposed rehabilitation will be developed by Tapestry Development Group (“Tapestry”), as the lead developer. Tapestry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit affordable housing developer with a long, successful history of partnering with 3Keys on renovations of its supportive housing properties. 3Keys will be a co-developer and remain the current owner and property manager upon completion of the rehabilitation.

Community Friendship, Inc. (“CFI”) will be providing the on-site services for the residents at Rosalynn Apartments. CFI is an Atlanta-based nonprofit comprehensive provider of recovery-based mental health services. Originating in 1962 as a drop-in social center for adults with chronic mental illnesses, CFI incorporated in 1970, and has grown to offer a comprehensive array of services in the psychiatric rehabilitation approach. CFI’s commitment to serving the residents of Rosalynn Apartments will have lasting impact on these residents and the community they live in.

Rosalynn’s seven buildings are in various stages of physical deterioration and require detailed rehabilitation to ensure the property’s ability to offer services and up-to-date accommodations for its residents. The rehabilitation of the Rosalynn Apartments will maintain the current 56-efficiency unit set-up and focus on upgrading the residential units as well as the interior and exterior tenant amenities.

We have been awarded a grant of $2.7M from the National Housing Trust Fund, via the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; we closed on this grant in May, 2017, and construction began in late June.

3Keys approached them with the plan to turn their home and the accompanying three acres into a permanent supported housing facility for homeless Atlantans with mental illnesses.  They were pleased by what 3Keys had in mind and invited me to their home to meet with their neighbors.  That meeting led to other meetings with the Neighborhood Planning Unit – who endorsed the project –  and it was subsequently approved by the City Council unanimously.

Phoenix House was born.    And now it has been re-born.

Thanks to tax credits awarded by the Department of Community Affairs and our philanthropic partners in the City of Atlanta, we have been able to revitalize the property for its 69 residents – ensuring them a safe, new, energy efficient home for as long as they need it.

Thanks go also to the development team:  Scott Kline, Kevin White and Ed Pauls, from National Housing Trust; Jon Toppen from Tapestry Development and Darlene Schultz, from 3Keys –  for your many months of hard work.  This is truly a beautiful property.

The grand re-opening celebration and ribbon cutting on February 16, 2018, was attended by over 100 people; Our guest speakers included Catherine Buell, President of Atlanta Housing Authority; Christopher Nunn, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs; Park Cannon, State Legislative Representative for District 58; and Cathryn Marchman, Executive Director of Partners for Home.

Click HERE to view the news clip of the celebration.

Take a minute to scroll  through these images of the revitalization of Phoenix House.