More than 2,000 people run '5K Race to End Homelessness'

Annual event raises $103,000 for Atlanta Mission to help those experiencing homelessness

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Over 2,300 people participated in the annual 5K Race to End Homelessness in Atlanta, raising around $103,000 for the Atlanta Mission, which provides shelter, meals, and job training for the homeless population in the city. The race was held on a chilly February day, with runners and walkers braving the cold to support the cause.

Why it matters

Homelessness remains a significant issue in Atlanta, with an estimated 2,000 or more people experiencing it on any given night. Events like the 5K Race to End Homelessness help raise awareness and funds to support organizations like the Atlanta Mission, which work to provide services and pathways to self-sufficiency for those in need.

The details

The 5K race was organized by the Atlanta Mission, a nonprofit that operates four shelter campuses in the metro Atlanta and northeast Georgia region, serving around 3,000 men, women, and children each year. The race raised $103,000 to support the organization's efforts to identify the root causes of homelessness and create individualized plans to help clients achieve self-sufficiency. According to the Atlanta Mission's CEO, Tensley Almand, 70% of the people who graduate from the program maintain their jobs and housing a year later.

  • The 5K Race to End Homelessness was held on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Tensley Almand

The chief executive officer of Atlanta Mission, which provides shelter, meals, and job training for the homeless population in the Atlanta area.

Mark Panu

A runner who participated in the 5K race for the second year, motivated by the plight of the city's homeless.

Morgan Montgomery

A first-time participant in the 5K race, who wants to help the homeless in Atlanta.

Catherine Bladow

A participant who appreciated the upbeat atmosphere and enthusiasm for the important cause of the 5K race.

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What they’re saying

“It's a good reminder of the privilege that we have coming out here in February in the cold and suffering a little bit when others do a lot more. There's so much struggle in the world. If we can do a little part to help, why not?”

— Mark Panu

“I mean, I just hope that we can kind of help the homeless here in Atlanta, and it gets less and less here in Atlanta, because it's a lot.”

— Morgan Montgomery

“Tons of energy. Everybody's upbeat. It's like if we all could do more, I'll support it. It's fantastic.”

— Catherine Bladow

“I do. I certainly think we can end it one person at a time, that's for sure.”

— Tensley Almand, Chief Executive Officer, Atlanta Mission

What’s next

The Atlanta Mission plans to continue its efforts to provide comprehensive services and support to help those experiencing homelessness in the city, with the goal of empowering them to achieve self-sufficiency.

The takeaway

Events like the 5K Race to End Homelessness demonstrate the community's commitment to addressing the complex issue of homelessness in Atlanta. By supporting organizations like the Atlanta Mission, which take a holistic approach to helping the homeless, the city can work towards the goal of ending homelessness one person at a time.