The Bigger Vision of Athens community shelter is a 501(c)3 nonprofit homeless shelter serving people in Athens, Georgia and surrounding communities. Our Emergency Shelter Program provides up to 36 individuals with a safe bed, two meals, showers, and laundry services each and every night. We also help people who come to our door during the day by providing them with essential supplies, hygiene items, and information on community resources.
Beyond providing immediate relief to people experiencing homelessness, we also work to help people meet their long-term needs and achieve housing stability. Our Abundant Life Program works toward our vision of an Athens where everyone has a safe, affordable home. We do this by providing up to five fully-employed individuals experiencing homelessness with continuous shelter for up to six months while they save money and obtain sustainable housing. We could not do this work without the assistance of our generous network of volunteers, donors, and financial supporters!
Who We Are
To provide help to those in the Athens, Georgia, area who are experiencing homelessness, to keep them safe and comfortable, to help them achieve self-sufficiency, to assist them in achieving their goals, and to advocate for their best interests on an individual and collective basis.
We envision a Georgia where each person has a clean and safe place to live, where they can maximize their health and self-sufficiency, live a life of their own choosing, and find purpose and fulfillment in their lives.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Bigger Vision Updates
Augusta University-University of Georgia Medical Partnership features Bigger Vision on their podcast!
Bigger Vision routinely hosts the Athens Free Mobile Clinic operated by doctors and medical students from the Augusta University-University of Georgia Medical Partnership. This clinic allows people experiencing homelessness in the community to receive quality primary care regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. This partnership was highlighted recently in a podcast that included an interview with our executive director, Ryan Hersh. We are so grateful for the amazing medical students and their lead instructor, Dr. Laurel Morrow, for bringing these transformative services to our shelter guests and other people in the Athens community experiencing homelessness!
Learn more about the AU-UGA Medical Partnership's community service work here:
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Our Community Supporters
Supporting Foundations
Robins Financial Credit Union
The Wyatt Family Charitable Fund
Buzz and CJ Amason Charitable Fund
Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church
The Ramon C and Amanda H Thompson Foundation
Kelly Family Cuidiu Foundation
Mary Allen Lindsey Branan Foundation
Morris Construction
The Newland Family Foundation
Fain Family Foundation
The Middlebrooks Automotive Holdings Fund, Inc.
