A Georgia real estate company backed by NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins wants to provide free rent for a year to 25 families across the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Wilkins, an investor and partner in Atlanta-based Roots, will headline a charity event on Sept. 13 to raise money for the giveaway. Roots' nonprofit arm, FreeRentATL, hopes to more than triple last year's effort that provided rent for seven families.
The application process for this year's giveaway is expected to open in the fall, according to the company.
The charity event at Monday Night Garage is set to include a curated chefs' tasting featuring Lazy Betty, Little Rey, Pricci, Ibiza and other vendors, Roots said. The New Orleans Suspects & River Eckhert will play live music.
Wilkins, who played most of his career with the Atlanta Hawks, will co-chair the festivities with his wife, Jedidia. There will also be a silent auction and a golf tournament on Sept. 14.
“When you provide a family with free rent for a year, you’re giving them more than just a roof over their heads," Wilkins said in a statement. "You’re offering them a chance to breathe and to plan and dream for a future without the constant stress of worrying about where they’ll live.”
Roots' business model offers rent rebates to tenants who pay on time and take care of their properties. In addition to paying rent, FreeRentATL provides financial literacy, food, health and wellness support and more.