Interview with Charles Hardy, June 21, 2022

Partial Transcript: One of the things- and I know the answer to some of it- what makes you, you?

Segment Synopsis: Hardy attributes his mother's last request to build the community as his main inspiration for his work. He mentions the bond that he had with his mother and how he wants the entire community to grow together.

Keywords: Athens Alliance Inc

Partial Transcript: Well in fact tell me about the journey

Segment Synopsis: Hardy states that at the start of Athens Alliance, people only knew of the work that he was doing for the community. He explains that prior to the organization's growth, it was only him and that he often paid out of pocket to support his community. Hardy emphasizes how much he loves seeing people volunteer, and shares that the volunteers now come from diverse locations to assist Athens Alliance.

Keywords: Athens Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

Partial Transcript: So tell me about the support that you're getting from local organizations.

Segment Synopsis: Hardy explains how he wanted to gather elected officials to call attention to the homeless situation in Athens. He details the homelessness he has seen in Athens throughout his life and emphasizes the significance of hands-on action to fix these community issues. He further reinstates how he prefers actively helping the community and does not like attending meetings that bring about no change.

Keywords: Lay park; Martin Luther King Street; Water Street

Partial Transcript: So have you had other communities ask you- or other- yeah, areas in Georgia and out of Georgia come help set that up?

Segment Synopsis: Hardy explains why he is currently contemplating an offer to work in Atlanta, emphasizing that he cares more about helping people than the money involved. He discusses how many people, including himself, are impressed by the growth of Athens Alliance. Hardy also shares his vision on expanding the organization's work, and mentions that he is in negotiation to allow more people to stay in the encampment.

Keywords: North Athens School; Pilgrims Pride De-Bone

Partial Transcript: What did it take to basically get from-um- to get this started?

Segment Synopsis: Hardy explains that to achieve what he has so far, he had to let the public know about the homelessness problem in Athens. He talks about his vision of fixing up the former North Athens school so that he can house people, offices, and resources in one location. Hardy describes that there were many who have doubted him, but because of God and his love for people, he has been able to accomplish his goals.

Partial Transcript: Some of those people that were against having something for the homeless, what were some of their reasons

Segment Synopsis: Hardy attributes the dissatisfaction that some had with the homeless encampment as political discourse and describes how he maintains his focus on his goals. He emphasizes that opening the North Athens School as a housing facility would completely fulfill his goal of ending homelessness. He also details the ways that people can help those experiencing homelessness and Athens Alliance.

Keywords: Athens Alliance; Athens Historical Society; First Step

Partial Transcript: Tell me some of the safety measure that you have in place- some of the rules.

Segment Synopsis: Hardy lists the rules and safety precautions that exist in his encampment. He highlights the difficulties of reentering society that many individuals who had not been housed for several years face. Hardy also reflects on the community that exists between the residents on the campus, emphasizing how much many of them have changed since they first arrived.

Keywords: First Step; Hattie Lawson show; WXAG Radio station

Partial Transcript: What advice would you give you?

Segment Synopsis: Hardy explains that if he could give advice to his younger self, he would tell him to never give up and to do what he loves. He describes the pressure that he sometimes experiences and how he masks that when interacting with the people around him.