THE CHALLENGE
THERE ARE OVER
3300
HOMELESS YOUTH & TEENS
IN ATLANTA.
ABOUT US
At The $8 Challenge, we believe every young person deserves safety, stability, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.
Our Atlanta-based nonprofit is committed to addressing youth homelessness by providing essential resources, compassionate support, and meaningful connections to young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Without a safe place to call home, youth may face trauma, food insecurity, interrupted education, exploitation, substance use, depression, and an increased risk of human trafficking.
We work alongside community partners, donors, and volunteers to meet immediate needs while helping young people move toward stability and self-sufficiency. Through every donation, outreach effort, and partnership, The $8 Challenge reminds vulnerable youth that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Small contributions can create meaningful change—and together, we can help Atlanta’s youth move from surviving to thriving.
OUR FOUNDERS STORY
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: A community-powered social media campaign that challenges participants to spend just $8 at a local dollar store on essential hygiene products for Atlanta youth experiencing homelessness.
The roots of The $8 Challenge began long before it became a formal organization. Since 2007, founder Samantha-Nicole Terry has been committed to serving vulnerable populations throughout Atlanta by organizing donation drives and supporting local organizations with food, school supplies, toiletries, clothing, and other essential items.
In 2013, while recovering from Achilles surgery, Samantha used her time away from work to deepen that commitment. Alongside students she mentored, she organized a fall donation drive to collect necessities for individuals and families experiencing hardship.
The following summer, the viral ALS Ice Bucket Challenge inspired Samantha to think bigger. She wondered how the power of social media could be used to raise awareness about youth homelessness in Atlanta and encourage everyday people to help. In 2014, The $8 Challenge formally began.
Samantha challenged her friends and followers to spend just $8 at a local dollar store purchasing hygiene essentials for young people experiencing homelessness. The community responded overwhelmingly, contributing more than $2,000 worth of donated products. The items were assembled into care packages and distributed at Hurt Park and Covenant House Georgia.
What started with eight dollars became a growing movement rooted in dignity, compassion, and collective action—proving that even a small contribution can make a meaningful difference.
OUR IMPACT
Since its founding, The $8 Challenge has inspired more than 400 people to take action. Together, we have donated over $10,000 in toiletries, winter essentials, school supplies, and other critical resources to organizations serving young people and vulnerable communities throughout Atlanta.
Our work proves that meaningful change does not always require a large contribution. When a community comes together, even $8 can help restore dignity, meet an immediate need, and remind someone that they are seen and supported.
At The $8 Challenge, we believe change begins with awareness, compassion, and small acts of kindness. Join us as we support youth experiencing homelessness, restore hope, and help create a brighter future for Atlanta’s young people.
Small challenge. Collective action. Lasting impact.