The Bigger Vision of Athens Emergency Shelter Program provides nightly shelter to 35 guests. Potential guests must call 706-621-6611 option 2 at 4:00 PM to reserve a bed. Calling in at 4:00 PM gives you the best chance of getting the bed for the night. If you are placed on hold when you call in then you will be able to speak with the next available staff member. You must be at least 18 years old.

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The Bigger Vision Shelter bedroom is a communal living space, so we cannot take any children.

 

Guests who reserve a bed start to arrive at 6:00 PM. If you are going to come in later than 8:00 PM you need to let us know when you call in. After being checked in, guests are fed a hot dinner donated by our Meal Provider volunteers or provided by Bigger Vision. After dinner is served at 6:30 PM, guests have the opportunity to shower and launder their clothes. During this period, we sometimes have groups in the community come in to give presentations, lead religious or counseling services, or facilitate fun activities. All of these activities are always optional, and guests often choose to socialize, read a book, or go to bed instead.

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Guests have the opportunity to eat breakfast in the morning and must then leave by 7:00 AM. Guests must call in to reserve a bed every day they want to stay at the shelter. Guests can stay a maximum of 180 total nights in a yearlong period. If you have a job and are interested in staying at the shelter continuously while you work towards getting your own housing, visit our Community Impact Program page.