Cobb Reporter

The Center for Family Resources (CFR) recently released its 2023 Annual Report, outlining the organization's continued commitment to homeless families and those at risk of homelessness in Cobb County. Serving more than 1,400 families through various programs, including homeless prevention, housing programs, a food pantry, and an Employee Financial Assistance Program, CFR remains dedicated to providing essential services to Cobb County residents.

Highlights of the report include an average of 1,160 phone calls received each month from individuals seeking services. In 2023, 19 percent of these calls were from people seeking shelter, while 51 percent were from families seeking rental assistance. "For the people reaching out to us, housing instability continues to be their greatest challenge," says CEO Melanie Kagan. The CFR served 52 families in short-term housing (108 children) and 61 families (219 children) in its permanent housing programs last year.

Kagan also noted that food insecurity remains a significant issue for families in Cobb County. The CFR distributed over 50,000 pounds of food in 2023, serving more than 1,000 children through its food pantry. Last year, the organization converted the food pantry into a Choice Pantry, which is designed like a grocery store and allows families to select from a variety of healthy food options with dignity. The CFR's largest community food drive—Thanks for Giving—is gearing up for this fall.

"In 2023, our focus was to position The Center for Family Resources to better meet the needs of our community," says Kagan. "Too many children in our Cobb community face housing insecurity—living in motels, cars, friends’ or relatives’ houses—anywhere but a stable place to call home. These are more than statistics; they are a daily representation of a challenging reality for children and their families."

The CFR’s 2023 annual report is available on its website at www.thecfr.org. The organization is funded through community engagement, grants and government contracts, with 23 percent of funds coming from fundraising events and in-kind donations. Individual and corporate donations as well as volunteers are always needed. To donate or volunteer, please contact ChristalMcNair@thecfr.org.

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