Why We Do It

Our ‘Why’

“Me coming to the Davies Shelter was a blessing since I’ve been here. I’ve learned how to make it day by day and how to manage money and put into savings and also learned stability to do it on my own. And being here makes me want to keep accomplishing my goals like my GED, forklift and OSHA training. And I also love all the staff here. They are so sweet and push me to want to do better. So I’m gonna keep on growing. “

“The Davies Shelter has done so much for me. It has given me a place to live so I would not be on the street. The shelter is a life changing experience because I used to do real hard drugs and now I can honestly say that they can’t take control over me anymore. Thanks to the Davies Shelters I can have a meal to eat because people donate food for us people here. The shelter is the best thing in my life. I really thank you for caring so much about me as well as others. Thanks again and God Bless You all that participate in its well being

“Thank you William S Davies Shelter for bringing me in. I was lost and going through a separation. I lost all confidence and this place put all that back in me with the help they gave me. I found a job and am living again with strong belief that I can do anything if you believe in yourself. Once again, thank you! It means the world to me! This place has been the best!”

“I have experienced growth in the house and myself with the other women who have encouraged and supported each other in their setbacks, goals and achievements. The staff continues each week to sit down with me weekly and address any concerns that I have and cares about my progress”

To protect the safety and dignity of our guests, our policy is not to advertise the identities of anyone who has been under our care at any point without permission. Any stories or experiences you see here are shared with expressed permission and without names or photos.

understanding the crisis

Homelessness isn’t a distant problem, it’s a challenge affecting our neighbors, families, and friends

*Hover over the images to see facts about the homelessness crisis in our area

39.7%

of households in Rome are low income

200 +

people in Rome experience homelessness on any given night

15%

of households in Rome are food insecure

2/3

of guests at Davies have struggle with mental illness

68%

the capacity of people experiencing homelessness in Rome & Floyd Co. whose needs can't be met with current resources

1 in 3

guests at Davies struggle with drug and alcohol misuse

1 in 4

guests at Davies are mothers with children

Over 1/2

of Americans are 1 missed paycheck away from homelessness

67%

of guests in 2023 had physical disabilities

42%

of guests have chronic disabilities

650,000 +

homeless individuals in the US

Floyd County does not have enough capacity to meet the needs of those already experiencing homelessness.

The Davies Shelters conducted the 2019 Point in Time Homelessness Count in coordination with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in January 2019 and identified 212 people experiencing homelessness on that night – 156 of whom were living on the street. Rome has a total of 69 available homeless shelter beds including the Davies Shelters – far less than enough to meet the needs of the 200+ people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Rome.

Approx. # of Homeless in GA

Est. # of homeless in rome

Available shelter beds in rome

avg # of shelter guests annually

THE CHALLENGE

Imagine trying to win a complex board game where the rules keep changing, the dice are loaded, and many players start miles ahead. That’s what navigating homelessness can feel like. Each move—finding shelter, securing a job, accessing healthcare, or getting mental health support—requires resources that are often scarce or out of reach. At The Davies Shelters, we work to level the playing field. With your support, we help remove the barriers and provide the tools our guests need to take meaningful steps toward stability. Everyone deserves a fair shot at rebuilding their life—and with a strong community behind them, the odds start to shift.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

When the job market is competitive, it becomes especially difficult for individuals emerging from homelessness to find employment—particularly if they have gaps in their work history or a criminal record. And when the housing market is tight, finding affordable housing becomes just as challenging, especially without a rental history or with similar background barriers.

These challenges are often linked. For example, when jobs are plentiful and hiring is strong—as we saw in 2021—affordable housing is often scarce. On the other hand, when rental prices drop and housing is more accessible—as in the early 2010s—employers tend to be more selective, making it harder for our guests to secure steady work.