Meet David Gillespie of The Hope and Dignity Community Center in West Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Gillespie.

David, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have worked in the education/education technology business for almost my entire career, always in sales and/or marketing. Back in the 90’s, I began my volunteer work in social justice issues as a member of the Human Rights Campaign. From 1999-2003, I served on the Board of Governors and as a member of the Atlanta leadership team. Subsequently, I served in leadership roles with ChrisKids and helped raise funds for the HIV/AIDS vaccine work at the Emory Vaccine Center. I began doing my own homeless outreach work in 2008, and along with a staff member at Virginia Highland Church, co-founded The River, an organization whose goal it is to transform the way that we view and respond to homelessness. In 2016, we received a $1M gift, which allowed us to partner with agencies and organizations around Atlanta who were doing innovative work in our collective efforts to end homelessness. That gift was the gateway to building the Hope and Dignity Community Center in one of the most economically deprived areas of west Atlanta. The HDCC opened in June 2019, and along with providing for the immediate needs of the community, we help clients navigate access to housing, mental health and medical care, birth certificate and ID access, access to child care, etc. And, we offer a place for learning, playing, and engaging to the many kids in the community.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Work with those experiencing homelessness and poverty is never smooth, as these issues are insidious. Restoring hope, trust, and belief for a better life is tough. I never understood homelessness before I began this work, or the value of respect, non-judgment, and trust, and how those can be lost so easily.

Raising awareness of the issues faced by those experiencing homelessness to the larger community is a constant struggle. I’ve always believed that we cannot change the way we respond to homelessness until we change the way we view homelessness. The face of homelessness is the person on the street corner, or at the exit ramp, or under the overpass. And, it is tough to expand people’s view of the issue.

We’d love to hear more about The Hope and Dignity Community Center.
What I will say is that the HDCC is the first meaningful investment in this community’s life for quite some time, and it means a great deal to them that they can come here for food, training, learning, etc.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me personally, success is determined by how much of an impact I can make to better other people or other organizations. How well can I bring value and worth to my friends, those whom I work with and serve, my family? Is me being there helping to make their lives better and richer. And, what can I leave that will make a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4048497351
• Email: davidgillespie404@gmail.com

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