CMD, AIA and Hanley Wood Media Will Renovate an Inner-city Atlanta Shelter

Atlanta Chief of Police George Turner will be speaking at AEC Cares’ projectAtlanta blitz build on May 13. The event, which is organized by construction data provider CMD, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Hanley Wood Media, will bring together construction professionals from around the country to revitalize Covenant House Georgia (CHGA), an inner-city Atlanta shelter for youths in crisis. Other speakers include AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA, and AIA 2016 AIA President-elect Russ Davidson, FAIA, and CNN correspondent Holly Firfer, who will emcee the event. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s office and the Children’s Restoration Network are also partnering to make the renovation a reality.

An annual event that takes place the day before the AIA National Convention, AEC Cares offers construction professionals the chance to give back by using their skills on a one-day project to improve a local charity. CHGA, a crisis shelter for homeless and trafficked youth, opened its doors in 2000. Since that time, more than 15,000 young people have received support from the non-profit organization under the guiding principle of unconditional love and 24-hour care.

“The Covenant House is doing amazing work in Atlanta, providing safety, hope and a path to a bright future for young people who need a chance,” says Graeme McCracken, CEO of CMD, and board president, AEC Cares. “Thanks to the support of our partnering organizations and volunteers, we will be able to update and modernize CHGA so it can provide better opportunities.”

Volunteers for AEC Cares projectAtlanta will tackle projects across the seven-acre campus of CHGA, revitalizing the facility to make it more welcoming, comfortable and safe. This includes extensive landscape work and renovations to the community center that will help CHGA provide support services such as job training, healthcare services and life skills development.

“We are incredibly thankful to all the organizations who are coming together to help us on this project,” says John Riddall, board chair, CHGA. “AEC Cares has a lasting impact on every venture it undertakes, and we are excited for the opportunities the new improvements will provide for Covenant House Georgia.”

CMD, AIA and Hanley Wood Media have joined forces the past five years, during AEC Cares’ annual build, to raise awareness and provide community support for worthwhile projects across the United States. In 2011, these groups collaborated to rebuild five homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Subsequent projects included revitalizing houses for homeless teens in Washington, D.C. and renovating facilities for homeless, disabled veterans and adults in Denver. The most recent project involved transforming a 30-year-old former school building into a cheerful up-to-date daycare and early learning center for impoverished children in Chicago’s Southwest Side.

“I’ve worked the AEC Cares events for the past four years, and each year I’m impressed with the level of dedication, resolve and generosity shown by everyone involved,” says Brandy Koch, AIA, project architect with Ghafari Associates and project manager for AEC Cares. “We have pro bono designers and general contractors, as well as product manufacturers who donate money and building materials. CMD coordinates the entire effort, and of course none of it would happen without the volunteers who show up to help give back to their community.”