Jerusalem House Donates a Closet in Honor of Kara Thompson

Jerusalem House is Atlanta’s oldest and largest provider of permanent housing for homeless and low-income individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Since opening the original “house” in 1989 as a residence for people dying of AIDS, it has evolved into an organization that provides over 600 metro Atlanta residents with 
fully-furnished apartments, food, clothing and resources to build self-sufficiency.

When former board member Kara Thompson passed away unexpectedly in 2019, her friends wanted to do something special to honor her memory.

Kara’s fashionable style was well known among her friends and colleagues. Working with Jerusalem House’s Manager of Volunteer Services, Robin Reid, it was decided that a complete renovation of the donated clothing space at their family housing campus would be a fitting way to honor Kara. In addition to fully funding the redesign and donating items from Kara’s extensive wardrobe, her friends also contributed their own clothes, shoes and jewelry.

The area had not been remodeled since it was established in 1997. “It was out of date and the space wasn’t being utilized well,” said Robin. Renata Ares, 
co-owner of Closet Factory Atlanta, was brought in to redesign the room. 
The Home Depot, another longtime supporter, donated the carpeting. 
The redesigned space was aptly renamed Kara’s Kloset and is open to 
all residents.

“Attorney Kara Thompson loved Jerusalem House,” said Kara’s colleague, Dr. R. Candy Tate. “‘Kloset’ with a ‘K’ keeps her memory alive for us and inspires us all to aspire to her level of self-care, inside and out. We want the residents to feel that we’re thinking about them. They’ll get our best as they enter Kara’s Kloset!”

For those looking to help Jerusalem House’s cause, there are multiple ways to volunteer and donate. However, at this time opportunities may be restricted due to COVID-19. For donated items, you can construct care packages containing high-need household items and shelf-stable food. For volunteering, individual and group opportunities are available in areas such as home repair/maintenance, youth education, career prep and social events. To learn more, visit their website or email them at info@jerusalemhouse.org.

Details: 17 Executive Park Dr. NE., Atlanta. www.jerusalemhouse.org