Metro Atlanta nonprofit helps working families stay housed through life’s unexpected curveballs

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - At Atlanta News First, our Three Degree Guarantee does more than just keep you informed, it gives back. When our meteorologists nail the forecast, we donate to a local nonprofit. This month, FreeRent.org is the recipient.

FreeRent.org is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that helps working families stay in their homes when emergencies strike; whether it’s illness, job loss or another crisis.

Jonna Harvey, a mother of two, found herself hospitalized for nearly two weeks earlier this year after suddenly collapsing.

“My bills were all being paid on time, so I thought I was doing great and then I collapsed and ended up being in the hospital for 12 days,” Harvey said.

Unable to work her job as a waitress, she fell behind on rent and didn’t know where to turn, until she found FreeRent.org.

“We step in when a family is facing some unexpected crisis,” said Ashley Stewart, the organization’s executive director.

The group provides emergency rental assistance and what they call wraparound services; including financial education, mental health support, food assistance and more.

“When they stepped up and said, ‘Jonna, we got you, don’t worry,’ I was able to heal,” Harvey said. “Something that my doctor thought was going to take 6 to 10 months, I healed in three.”

Now back at work, Harvey calls the experience “a blessing.”

So far this year, FreeRent.org is on pace to help more than 50 working families across metro Atlanta.

FreeRent.org relies on private donations to do their work. You can learn how to donate visiting their website here.