Zaban Paradies Center gala raises more than $322,000 for housing stability

Zaban Paradies Center raised $322,795 at its Home, Within Reach Gala, money the Midtown nonprofit says it will use to move Atlanta couples, families, and individuals out of homelessness and into homes of their own. The center’s second biennial gala took place Thurs., Oct. 29. ZPC expects to assist about 450 households this year through its shelter, financial assistance, and day services programs. Gala proceeds will help sustain those services, expand pathways to permanent housing, and cover repairs and upgrades to the center’s facility. A shelter built for couples Members of The Temple founded the program in 1984 as the Temple Night Shelter for the Homeless. It was the city’s first shelter for couples, and it remains the only emergency shelter in Georgia that houses couples together. The shelter became an independent nonprofit in 2008 and still operates from the second floor of 1605 Peachtree St. NE., next to The Temple. Honoring the families behind it The gala recognized the Paradies family for its long support of the center, which the organization credits with shaping its work and reaching thousands of people over the years. ZPC also honored its founding relationship with The Temple, which remains a partner. The gala comes as ZPC widens its focus beyond emergency shelter. What began as a volunteer-run, seasonal operation is now a year-round organization with a $3.4 million operating budget, Rough Draft reported in August . The center has also launched a homelessness prevention program aimed at helping 150 families in the Atlanta Public Schools district who are at imminent risk of losing their housing, offering financial, legal, and supportive services before a family ends up on the street. More information about the center and ways to volunteer or donate is available at zabanparadiescenter.org .