JONESBORO, Ga. — With this stretch of cold weather, warming shelters across metro Atlanta are opening their doors to help people without homes.
However, opening those shelters isn't always enough. A nonprofit in Clayton County is going the extra mile, literally, by showing up and offering rides to warming shelters.
Darryll Starks, the CEO of Ujima Way, Inc., drove down to a few places off Tara Boulevard to reach those in desperate need of warmth and support. Starks dedicates his time to helping unhoused individuals survive the harsh realities of homelessness, particularly during dangerously cold weather.
"In 2019, there were about 19 people on the streets—now we're at about 44," said Starks.
The rise in homelessness, Starks explained, stems in part from economic struggles.
"A lot of these gentlemen have social security, but with $960 a month, you can't afford anything," he said. "The affordable housing crisis drives homelessness all across the country."
On this visit, Starks brought warm meals, cold drinks, hygiene packs, and encouragement to those sheltering in abandoned buildings along the boulevard. Despite the threat of temperatures hovering around 20 degrees, many declined offers to be taken to warming shelters.
"When they leave this area to go somewhere else, their stuff is vulnerable. Their pets will be left unattended," Starks explained, highlighting the obstacles that prevent many from seeking shelter.
Most shelters don't allow pets, a barrier Starks and local officials are trying to address. Clayton County first responders joined the effort, feeding animals, washing, and redistributing blankets to provide relief.
For Starks, combating homelessness is more than a mission—it's a cause close to his heart.
"Everybody has a cause," said Starks. "There are some people who are into pets, animals, the environment. My cause happens to be homelessness."
Starks understands these decisions and supports those who choose to "shelter in place" by providing blankets and other essentials.
"Those who are ready to receive their assistance, we'll place them either in a hotel or a shelter. And those who shelter-in-place, we'll give them additional blankets," Starks continued. "We do what we can to be comfortable during this time."
Starks began his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially focusing on unhoused youth. However, after the national eviction moratorium ended in 2021, his mission expanded to include adults.
"There are a lot of abandoned structures in Clayton County that I would love to see that we can acquire to use to house individuals versus them just being empty, vacant," he said, standing outside one of the buildings he hopes could one day serve as a shelter.
Starks promises to return regularly, offering what he can to those in need. His efforts aim not only to provide temporary relief but also to bring attention to the growing challenges Clayton County's unhoused population faces.
For now, Starks partners with Anointed Vision of Hope Church in Riverdale, which opens its doors to those he brings by.