Thirty-three children experiencing homelessness or housing instability headed back to Fulton County Schools on Monday, August 3, better prepared after eight weeks in HomeStretch's Summer Academic Enrichment and Recreational Camp in Roswell.
The camp, which ran Monday, June 8 through Friday, July 31, wrapped up just days before the new school year began. The program targets what educators call the "summer slide," the learning loss that can compound over break for children without stable home environments.
HomeStretch, a nonprofit based at 89 Grove Way in Roswell, serves families working toward economic independence in the Greater North Fulton community. The organization reports it has served 2,635 individuals to date, secured 1,581 jobs for participants, and maintained a 100% housing placement rate for enrolled families.
The Roswell Rotary Club, which lists HomeStretch among the charities it formally supports, helped recruit volunteers for the camp. According to the club's blog post, President-Elect Leslie pledged 33 volunteer hours, one for each child enrolled. Volunteer sessions ran 9–10 a.m. weekdays throughout the camp's duration.
The Rotary described the camp as serving children who have faced extraordinary adversity.
On its website, HomeStretch highlights Brittany, a current participant who joined the program after graduating from Mary Hall Freedom Village. "I finally have a place to call home and prepare my family for a successful and bright future," she said. Since enrolling, Brittany has increased her credit score by 57 points and saved more than $3,000.
HomeStretch has not announced dates for its next summer camp cycle. Residents interested in volunteering for future programs can apply at homestretch.org/volunteer-sign-up.
Upcoming community calendar:
- The Roswell Rotary Club meets Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road.
