Photographed by Jason R. Meek / jm photographics.

ATLANTA—Acts of love were at the heart of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia’s (SVdP) 2026 Morning of Hope. 

At Morning of Hope on Sept. 24 at Flourish Atlanta, parish communities, Vincentian volunteers, supporters, business and civic leaders gathered around the theme “Our Mission for This Moment.” Following an invocation by Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III of Atlanta, guests reflected on St. Vincent de Paul Georgia’s call to feed, clothe, house and heal neighbors across Georgia. 

The morning’s Hope Builder awards highlighted three examples of that response: Richard Whitcomb, Publix Super Markets and the Men of St. Brigid, who were recognized for their support of neighbors across Georgia. 

Individual Hope Builder Richard Whitcomb was recognized for his support of Marillac Moms, St. Vincent de Paul Georgia’s transitional housing program for pregnant mothers and their children experiencing homelessness. Marillac Moms is now planning its seventh transitional home and has welcomed five healthy babies. 

Community Hope Builder The Men of St. Brigid Church was honored for its parish-based commitment to neighbors and its support of Marillac Moms. Through this year’s Charity Challenge, the group raised $30,000 to provide supportive housing. 

Corporate Hope Builder Publix was recognized for its partnership in hunger initiatives. The grocery story provides food for St. Vincent de Paul Georgia’s Chamblee Food Market and 40 statewide food pantries. 

Keynote speaker Alan Graham, founder and CEO of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, spoke about faith expressed through service, relationships built over time and the call to love one’s neighbor. 

Georgia Power and Gas South served as co-presenting sponsors of Morning of Hope.