Atlanta Gas Light fuels community impact with donation to Ujima Way

Come rain or shine, Atlanta Gas Light remains committed to fueling the communities where we live, work and serve.

That dedication was brought to life on a recent drizzly day through the company’s support of Ujima Way, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals who are unhoused. Last week, the company donated a decommissioned Ford F‑250 Super Duty truck to the Clayton County-based organization.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Clayton County exceeds 17%, underscoring the growing need for support and resources in the community.

“One of the greatest challenges in Clayton County is the lack of affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness,” said Darryll Starks, founder and CEO of Ujima Way. “This donation is phenomenal for us. It expands our ability to serve more people, more efficiently, and helps us safely transport clients to lodging, healthcare facilities and warming centers.”

With the addition of the truck, Ujima Way volunteers estimate they will be able to serve 60 to 70 individuals during each outreach activation. To help the organization hit the ground running, the company also stocked the vehicle with essential supplies, including multiple canned goods, paper towels and bottled water.

Starks emphasized that the donation would have a lasting impact on both the organization and the people it serves. “Being a small and relatively new nonprofit, this means a lot,” he said. Since its launch in 2017, Ujima Way has helped rehouse more than 100 individuals and continues to provide meals, protective equipment and case‑management services to those seeking stability and support.

Atlanta Gas Light team members and Ujima Way volunteers cheered as company officials handed Starks the keys to the truck—an emotional moment that underscored the power of partnership.

“As we celebrate 170 years of service, Atlanta Gas Light remains intentionally focused on local partnerships and initiatives that fuel possibilities and provide holistic support for the customers and communities we’re privileged to serve,” said Misty Fernandez, vice president of operations for Atlanta Gas Light.