By Sonia Fuller
Fifteen years ago, the East Atlanta Community Association (EACA) launched Neighbor in Need (NIN) East Atlanta, and ever since, the group has been working to make sure lower-income senior neighbors can stay safe and comfortable in their homes. From emergency repairs to important safety upgrades, since 2010, NIN East Atlanta has completed more than 285 projects for approximately 153 homeowners, all thanks to generous donations, dependable contractors, and a whole lot of community volunteers.
Modeled after the original Neighbor in Need, Inc., which serves the East Lake, Edgewood, and Kirkwood neighborhoods, the East Atlanta chapter runs entirely on volunteers, fundraising, and grants. This means that 100% of the funds raised directly benefits our elderly neighbors by keeping them safe, warm, and dry. Leading the East Atlanta chapter as co-chairs are Robin Polster, replacing longtime volunteer Sinead Quinn, and Stephanie Parker, who has been co-chairing alongside Sinead for the past two years.
“I’ve really loved being involved in Neighbor in Need East Atlanta as it has connected me to so many new neighbors while doing work that helps more of our longtime neighbors age in their homes,” said Stephanie Parker.
Like a lot of organizations, NIN East Atlanta has spent the last few years recovering from the pandemic. But in 2025, the goal is to step things up: more fundraising, more community involvement, and more assistance for elderly neighbors who need home repairs.
To mark its 15th year, Neighbor in Need East Atlanta chapter has a goal of completing 15 (or more) new projects in 2025. To help reach this goal, NIN invites the community to contribute to the “15 Projects for 15 Years” campaign. Whether it’s $15, $25, or $100, every donation makes a difference and goes right back into the community, helping our elderly neighbors remain in their homes.
Visit www.eaca.net/donate to donate and be sure to add ‘NIN’ in the comments. All donations to NIN are tax-deductible, as the East Atlanta Community Association is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Additionally, the committee is excited to partner with NIN East Lake and NIN Reynoldstown to bring back its popular Annual Neighbor in Need Charity Poker Tournament this September. Spots are limited, so be sure to follow NIN East Atlanta on social mediafor updates and registration details.
“We have a lot to celebrate this year, including our dedicated group of volunteers and the support of many contractors who provide us with discounted, licensed, and quality services to help us stretch our budgets,” said Robin Polster, co-chair of NIN East Atlanta. “We’re especially grateful to Tom Bunch HVAC, M. Cary and Daughters Plumbing, and Frank Universe Remodeling for their excellent work and commitment to our neighbors.”
Want to get involved with Neighbor in Need East Atlanta? Whether you’d like to volunteer, donate, become a preferred contractor, or refer a senior homeowner in need, just email NeighborInNeed@EACA.net. Visit EACA.net for more information.
