When EG arrived at 3Keys, she had almost no hope. The trauma of homelessness had left her withdrawn and immobilized by severe depression. She rarely left her room and barely ate. Staff began with small, steady acts of care – knocking softly on her door, bringing food from the pantry, and making sure she was drinking water. Over time, her depression deepened to the point that speaking became too difficult, and eventually she stopped talking altogether.

Refusing to give up, her case manager offered her a notebook and pen. For months, EG communicated only through handwritten notes. Each day, her case manager showed up – sitting with her, playing cards, drawing, and taking short walks – patiently building trust. Through those consistent, compassionate moments, EG began to believe she mattered. The notes became a pathway to progress: first small goals like stepping outside each day, then larger ones like addressing her mental health. Staff accompanied her to appointments at Grady 10 Park Place, where she received a full psychiatric evaluation, began medication for depression, and started therapy to process her trauma.

As her relationship with her case manager deepened, EG shared more of her story, including that she had a child. Then one day, after weeks of silence, she spoke. The sound of her voice brought the staff to tears. Today, EG is stable, participating in on-site activities, and working toward permanent supportive housing with the hope of reuniting with her son.

Read more 3Keys resident success stories here.

Here is the story of one of our residents, MD: 

After years of experiencing homelessness, MD came to 3Keys carrying the weight of a physical injury that had cost him his job and, ultimately, his housing. Together with his case manager, he developed a service plan focused on stabilizing his health, addressing his mental health needs, and rebuilding a path to employment. In the beginning, MD was emotionally fragile, often arriving in tears and struggling with severe symptoms of his diagnosis. Still, he was determined to move forward, even as he faced the daunting reality of having no income.

One of his first goals was to renew his CDL so he could return to work, but the fees felt out of reach. Recognizing both the importance of this milestone and the anxiety it triggered, his case manager accompanied him to the DMV, offering steady support throughout the process. Together, they secured his CDL – a moment staff describe as transformative. The pride and relief on his face were unmistakable. Achieving that single goal reignited his sense of confidence and possibility.

Since then, MD has continued to build momentum. He is actively pursuing job leads and employment resources, following through on every opportunity presented. He is now connected to clinical care at Grady 10 Park Place, where he is receiving treatment to better manage his depression and anxiety. Today, MD is focused on the progress he’s making and meets regularly with staff, steadily moving toward stability with renewed hope.

Read more 3Keys resident success stories here.

For our 3Keys staff, each day is different and meaningful as they support hundreds of residents. Donations from our community members fuel this work. If you’re inclined, please consider making a donation at https://www.the3keys.org/donate and make a difference in a life like MD’s!

JB has lived at Welcome House for many years and faces the dual challenges of schizophrenia and a chronic health condition. When the 3Keys supportive services team first connected with him, he was in severe crisis—his mental health had gone untreated and he was often physically unwell. JB’s thoughts were disorganized, he was delusional, and he was unable to take the steps on his own to stabilize and to care for basic needs, such as bathing and eating.

The 3Keys team met JB where he was and began by reestablishing critical connections to care. They reached out to clinics and linked him back to Grady’s Infectious Disease Program (IDP), where he had previously been seen for treatment of medical challenges. Staff accompanied him to appointments, providing encouragement—and even small comforts like packing his favorite snacks—to keep him motivated. They arranged regular transportation to medical visits, helped him place grocery orders focused on healthy choices, and enrolled him in an adult day program that gave him activities and social connection to look forward to each day. With consistent support, JB began taking small but meaningful steps forward.

As JB’s thoughts became clearer, he began setting and achieving personal goals. Outside community providers contacted 3Keys to say they had never seen JB doing so well, which they attributed to the dedicated, compassionate care of the Welcome House team. Today, JB continues to attend his appointments, understands the importance of his mental health medication, and enjoys genuine friendships through his day program. Each day, he checks in with his case manager and the team continues to encourage and cheer him on!

Read more 3Keys resident success stories here.

For our 3Keys staff, each day is different and meaningful as they support hundreds of residents. Donations from our community members fuel this work. If you’re inclined, please consider making a donation at https://www.the3keys.org/donate and make a difference in a life like JB’s!