THE CHALLENGE
THERE ARE OVER
3300
HOMELESS YOUTH & TEENS
IN ATLANTA.
ABOUT US
At The 8 Dollar Challenge we're deeply committed to tackling the pressing issue of youth homelessness in Atlanta. It's a crisis that affects more than 1.6 million children every year, and the numbers are only increasing according to The National Center on Family Homelessness. These young individuals not only lose their homes, but also their sense of stability, safety, and community. Often victims of trauma, they face numerous dangers while struggling to survive on the streets. This situation significantly increases their vulnerability to substance abuse, depression, impulsive behavior, and even trafficking.
OUR FOUNDERS STORY
Our journey began with Samantha Terry, the founder of The 8 Dollar Challenge. While on sick leave recovering from Achilles surgery, Samantha's passion for helping those in need led her to organize an annual fall donation drive in collaboration with students she mentored. Since 2007, this initiative has been supporting multiple organizations across the City of Atlanta. The donation drives encompass a range of essential items, from canned food and school supplies to toiletries.
In the summer of 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge took social media by storm. This got Samantha thinking—how could she leverage such a trend to raise awareness about homeless teens in Atlanta? Thus, the #8DollarChallenge was born. Samantha took to her social media platforms and challenged her friends and followers to spend just $8 at their local dollar store, purchasing 2 deodorant sticks, 2 toothbrushes, 2 tubes of toothpaste, and 2 toothbrushes.
The response was overwhelming. With the support of her community, Samantha collected over $2,000 worth of items. These donations were thoughtfully assembled into blessing bags and distributed at Hurt Park and the Covenant House of Atlanta to make a positive impact on the lives of homeless youth.
OUR IMPACT
THE HARD TRUTH
50%
OF YOUTH AGE OUT OF FOSTER SYSTEMS AND WITHIN 6 MONTHS ARE HOMELESS.
72%
HAVE WITNESSED OR EXPERIENCED VIOLENCE.
42%
OF YOUTH HAVE EXPERIENCED ABUSE.
#8DOLLARCHALLENGE: Social media challenge for friends and followers to take $8 to their local dollar store and purchase toiletry items to benefit homeless teens in Atlanta.
Since its inception, the #8DollarChallenge has resonated with over 400 participants. Together, we have donated over $10,000 worth of toiletries, winter essentials, and school supplies to various organizations throughout Atlanta. Our community-driven approach demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing the challenges faced by homeless youth.
At #8DollarChallenge we believe that change begins with awareness and small acts of kindness. Join us in our mission to provide vital support, restore hope, and create a brighter future for the homeless youth of Atlanta. Together, we can make a lasting difference.