Last week marked a significant milestone for Mercy Care and the city of Atlanta as McAuley Station, a new mixed-income housing complex on Decatur Street, welcomed its first tenants. Among them was Ms. K, a 58-year-old Mercy Care client who had spent over eight years living on the streets and now has a place to call home. Her journey to McAuley Station is one of resilience, compassion, and hope, representing the profound impact that supportive housing can have on people facing homelessness.

Ms. K’s Story: A Journey of Resilience and Hope

For more than a decade, Ms. K navigated the difficult reality of homelessness, often relying on Mercy Care’s services for medical and emotional support. Through the years, she developed a close connection with Beverly, her PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) case manager, who witnessed Ms. K’s strength and kindness despite her struggles.

Some years ago, Ms. K was diagnosed with breast cancer, and thankfully she was able to receive treatment through Mercy Care, finding temporary stability at the women’s recuperative care program while she healed. After recuperating, Ms. K left the Atlanta area to care for her aging mother. When she returned after her mother’s passing, she continued to manage various health issues but was still homeless without a stable place to live.  Now, with her health stabilized, she has moved into a studio apartment at McAuley Station that overlooks Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood—a new chapter that she’s more than ready to begin.

Beverly’s Support: A Lasting Connection

For Beverly, seeing Ms. K settle into a home of her own is a powerful moment. After years of witnessing Ms. K’s resilience, compassion, and care for others, Beverly feels deep joy in knowing that Ms. K can now live with dignity and peace. Reflecting on their long history, Beverly recalls Ms. K’s unrelenting kindness. “Despite everything, Ms. K has always expressed concern for others. She is big on wanting to volunteer and help other clients like her,” Beverly shares.

As a PATH case manager, Beverly has spent countless hours advocating for people who face the dual challenges of behavioral health conditions and homelessness. McAuley Station is a dream come true for many of her clients, with 30 apartments reserved for those in need of permanent supportive housing. Three more clients have also moved in, and Beverly looks forward to watching each of them take this transformative step.

While Ms. K will transition out of Beverly’s direct care, the Mercy Care philosophy means the door will always be open. “Once you become a part of Mercy Care, the door is always open,” Beverly says. “I’m always here for my clients.” For Ms. K, this means she’ll have an ongoing support network as she adjusts to this new chapter.

The Mission of McAuley Station: A Community That Cares

McAuley Station isn’t just another building; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity. Located next door to the Mercy Care Clinic, it embodies Mercy Care’s mission to provide holistic, compassionate support to those in need. This new complex offers a blend of housing options, creating a supportive, integrated environment where individuals like Ms. K can thrive and rebuild their lives.

The 30 studio apartments dedicated to permanent supportive housing are central to McAuley Station’s purpose. For individuals who have faced long-term homelessness and behavioral health challenges, these units provide more than just shelter—they offer stability, security, and the chance to be part of a vibrant community. Mercy Care is working to ensure all apartments are fully occupied by year’s end, providing a fresh start for dozens of clients who, like Ms. K, have persevered through hardship.

Looking Ahead: Ms. K’s New Beginning

Ms. K’s story is a reminder of the strength it takes to rebuild one’s life, and the importance of a caring community that stands ready to support that journey. For Mercy Care, McAuley Station’s first tenants are just the beginning. Each new resident brings a story, a history, and a renewed hope for the future—a future that now includes stability, compassion, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.