What 3Keys does

3Keys (legally The 3Keys, Inc.) is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization founded in 1988 that develops and manages permanent supportive housing for adults experiencing chronic homelessness and mental illness in metro Atlanta. Originally established as Project Interconnections at the initiative of Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the organization rebranded to 3Keys — representing its three pillars of Housing, Help, and Hope. 3Keys owns and operates six housing facilities across metro Atlanta totaling 477 beds, including Welcome House (209 units), O'Hern House (76 units), Phoenix House, Rosalynn Apartments, Presley Woods, and Aspen Court. At each property, the organization provides comprehensive wraparound supportive services at no cost to residents, including case management, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, life skills training, financial literacy through the Financial Keys Initiative, peer support, and three daily meals — 83,200 meals were served in 2023. 3Keys maintains a housing stability rate exceeding 85%, outperforming HUD's national benchmark of 80%, and served 532 residents across its portfolio in 2023.

The organization is funded primarily through government grants (HUD Continuum of Care, Fulton County, Georgia Department of Community Affairs), federal Section 4 capacity-building grants from Enterprise Community Partners, corporate and foundation grants (including a $150,000 award from the William Josef Foundation in March 2025), individual donations, and annual fundraising events such as Cheers for a Cause. In 2024, 3Keys raised more than $540,000 in grants exceeding its $300,000 goal, alongside approximately $40,000 from Cheers for a Cause. Residents are placed through coordinated entry with the Atlanta and DeKalb Continuums of Care, and 3Keys participates annually in the Point-in-Time Count conducted by Partners for HOME.

Operationally, 3Keys is led by President/CEO Scott Walker (in role since January 2022) and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with Bona Allen assuming the Board Chair role in August 2025. Strategic priorities for the 2023-2026 period include assuming sole ownership of Welcome House from Enterprise Community Partners, executing a major renovation of O'Hern House in partnership with Quest CDC (groundbreaking September 2025), expanding in-house case management capacity, and growing workforce development. The organization holds a national board seat on the Enterprise Community Leadership Council and is an active member of the Atlanta Affordable Housing Network. The core technology stack is conventional nonprofit property and case management; no proprietary software or AI/ML systems are noted.

Name

3Keys

Legal name

The 3Keys, Inc.

Website

https://the3keys.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

3Keys is a Georgia-based nonprofit founded in 1988 that develops and manages permanent supportive housing with wraparound services for adults experiencing chronic homelessness and mental illness across six metro Atlanta properties totaling 477 beds.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Housing / Permanent Supportive Housing Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities (623220), Other Residential Care Facilities (62399)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Behavioral Health–Capable Assisted Living (Mental Health/SUD Support) (HLADABAI)

Keywords

• Permanent supportive housing
• Affordable housing services
• Mental health housing
• Homelessness support services
• Wraparound case management

Headquarters

HQ city

Chamblee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community supporters provide charitable contributions to fund housing operations and supportive services.
2. Government Grants: Federal, state, and local government grants including Fulton County grants, William Josef Foundation grants ($150,000), and other public funding for permanent supportive housing programs.
3. Fundraising Events: Annual fundraising events such as Cheers for a Cause that raised nearly $40,000 to support housing initiatives and supportive services.
4. Section 4 Grant Funds: Federal Section 4 grant funds from Enterprise Community Partners that support infrastructure needs including human resources, marketing, information technology, and strategic planning.

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

3Keys develops and manages affordable permanent supportive housing with onsite wraparound services for adults facing mental illness and chronic homelessness across six facilities in metro Atlanta totaling 477+ beds. Services include case management, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, life skills training, financial literacy through the Financial Keys Initiative, and three daily meals per resident. All housing and services are provided at no cost to residents.

Product overview

3Keys operates as a permanent supportive housing provider offering a portfolio of six housing facilities across metro Atlanta (Welcome House, Phoenix House, O'Hern House, Rosalynn House, Presley Woods, and Aspen Court). Their core offering pairs affordable permanent housing with comprehensive wraparound supportive services including case management, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, life skills training, and the Financial Keys Initiative for financial literacy. The organization serves adults facing mental illness and chronic homelessness, providing over 477 beds across their properties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• A Way Home: A permanent supportive housing program at Aspen Court Apartments serving individuals living with mental health disabilities who have experienced chronic homelessness
• Financial Keys Initiative

Products and services

• Permanent Supportive Housing Portfolio Portfolio of 477+ permanent supportive housing beds across six facilities in metro Atlanta providing affordable permanent housing with onsite wraparound supportive services for adults facing mental illness and chronic homelessness. Services are provided at no cost to residents.
• Welcome House A 209-unit development in downtown Atlanta providing affordable housing for very low-income single adults experiencing homelessness, with onsite support services. Previously co-owned with Enterprise Community Partners, with sole ownership by 3Keys planned.
• Phoenix House Affordable long-term housing property near the Oakland City MARTA Station for adults who are homeless and have highly service-dependent mental illness, filling a critical gap between institutions and group homes.
• O'Hern House 76-unit permanent supportive housing facility located in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood adjacent to downtown Atlanta, housing residents with severe mental health issues and including an industrial kitchen that trains residents in meal preparation.
• Rosalynn House/Apartments Affordable housing complex in Atlanta for individuals experiencing homelessness, part of the William Josef Foundation grant footprint expanding in-house case management and activities coordination.
• A Way Home at Aspen Court Apartments Permanent supportive housing program at Aspen Court Apartments (1700 Stanton Road, SW) operating 27 scattered-site apartments for individuals living with mental health disabilities who have experienced chronic homelessness, offering case management and community activities.
• Financial Keys Initiative Financial literacy program empowering residents with tools and skills to improve their financial stability, including budgeting, saving, debt management, and credit building through workshops, 1:1 counseling sessions, and resource distribution. Delivered at properties including Phoenix House in partnership with Delta Community Credit Union.
• Wraparound Supportive Services Onsite wraparound supportive services delivered across 3Keys' housing portfolio, including case management, medication monitoring, health screenings, food assistance (three daily meals, 83,200 meals served in 2023), substance misuse counseling, wellness programming, life skills training, job training, eligibility assistance, transportation aid, and peer support. In 2023, 86% of residents received supportive services.

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Enterprise Community PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing strategic partner providing Section 4 grant funds for infrastructure needs including HR, marketing, IT, and strategic planning. Selected 3Keys for Southeast Preservation Academy Cohort focused on portfolio preservation. 3Keys joined Enterprise Community Leadership Council (ECLC) in late 2024, with CEO Scott Walker serving on the national board. Partnership includes Equitable Path Forward (EPF) program providing capital gap funding, advisory services, and career pathways for BIPOC-led organizations.
• Partners for HOMEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary administrator for Atlanta Continuum of Care (CoC), a HUD program working to end homelessness. Coordinates annual Point-in-Time Count across Atlanta's 243 neighborhoods. 3Keys actively participates as a CoC provider, contributing staff to annual counts and providing data for HUD funding applications.
• Kaiser PermanentesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers medical services to 3Keys residents through mobile health van visits, providing healthcare access directly at properties.
• Assistance League AtlantasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides extensive in-kind donations for Welcome House residents including move-in kits (kitchen supplies, bedding), hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, clothing for interviews and seasons, recreation program donations, and specific urgent requests for individuals. Donations return over 70% of income to communities served through all-volunteer organization.
• Mir Home CaresecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerImportant partner within Atlanta Affordable Housing Network, providing home care services that complement 3Keys' supportive housing model.
• Quest CDCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development partner for O'Hern House renovation project - 76 permanent supportive housing units. Partnership includes September 2025 groundbreaking ceremony with City of Atlanta officials. Collaboration on affordable housing development in Sweet Auburn neighborhood.
• Tapestry Development GroupsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner that completed Georgia Supportive Housing Institute's 2025-2026 Cohort alongside 3Keys staff for affordable housing development. Silver sponsor at Cheers for a Cause fundraiser.
• Delta Community Credit UnionsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNamed 3Keys as recipient of financial support in January 2025. Provides 'Financial Keys Initiative' program featuring financial literacy workshops and 1:1 counseling sessions for residents at properties including Phoenix House.
• TruistsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing financial literacy training to residents, empowering them with essential fiscal skills.
• Here 2 Help, Inc. (H2H)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual 'Feed the Hungry' event partner hosting food distribution at Phoenix House, serving residents and community members.
• Kettering Executive NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecutive networking organization that hosts coat drives benefiting 3Keys residents transitioning from homelessness. Featured 3Keys Director of Development at December Women's Special Interest Group event.
• Mercy CaresecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederally qualified health center providing healthcare services. Bronze sponsor at Cheers for a Cause fundraiser. Former employer of Pat Duboise, 3Keys Director of Grant Initiatives.
• Gateway CentersecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization working to solve homelessness in Atlanta through supportive services and housing. 3Keys CEO participated in Georgia Titan 100 Day of Service at the center, prepping meals and distributing hygiene bags to residents.
• Emory University Goizueta Business SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership where student class collaborated with 3Keys on business communications project, providing students real-world experience while supporting organizational communications.
• Breakthrough AtlantasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost organization for Cheers for a Cause annual fundraiser at Wild Heaven West End Brewery and Gardens, bringing together supporters, board members, and staff to celebrate 3Keys' mission.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Catholic Charities USA: National nonprofit network providing housing, mental health, and supportive services to at-risk populations. Comparable as a multi-jurisdiction PSH and supportive-services nonprofit with similar funding mix (government grants + donations).
• Gateway Center: Atlanta-based nonprofit operating facility-based services and housing for people experiencing homelessness. Comparable as a same-metro PSH/services provider; 3Keys' CEO has volunteered at Gateway Center, and the two organizations coordinate within the Atlanta CoC.
• Skid Row Housing Trust: Los Angeles-based nonprofit that owns and operates permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals. Comparable as a PSH owner/operator with integrated supportive services, though in a different geography.
• Mercy Housing: National nonprofit affordable and supportive housing owner/operator. Comparable as a large-scale PSH portfolio owner with integrated services; serves as a benchmark for 3Keys' growth and operating model.
• Quest CDC: Atlanta-based affordable and supportive housing developer; co-development partner with 3Keys on the O'Hern House renovation. Comparable as a same-metro PSH/affordable housing nonprofit developer.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit running permanent supportive housing and behavioral health programs for vulnerable populations. Comparable as a multi-site PSH operator serving chronically homeless adults with mental illness and substance use disorders.

Others

• Partners for HOME: Primary administrator for the Atlanta Continuum of Care. Comparable as the lead HUD-funded coordinating body for the same population 3Keys serves; 3Keys contributes data and staff to Partners for HOME's annual Point-in-Time Count.
• Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH): National intermediary that provides capital, technical assistance, and policy support to PSH providers. Comparable as the field's leading capacity-building partner for organizations like 3Keys; not a direct operator.

Broad incumbents

• Mercy Care: Federally qualified health center serving Atlanta's homeless and low-income populations with primary, behavioral, and HIV care. Comparable as a healthcare provider operating within the same PSH ecosystem; 3Keys' Director of Grant Initiatives previously worked at Mercy Care.

Regional players

• Tapestry Development Group: Atlanta-based affordable and supportive housing developer; completed the Georgia Supportive Housing Institute cohort alongside 3Keys. Comparable as a regional PSH development partner and Silver sponsor of 3Keys' Cheers for a Cause fundraiser.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/the3keys
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3keysinc
• Facebookfacebook.com/3KeysHousing
• Instagraminstagram.com/the3keys

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about 3Keys