(NOV. 19, 2025) -- The 2nd annual Love Where You Live Community Giveback recipient was announced Tuesday during the Board of Commissioner’s work session, and plans are being made for Love Where You Live 2026.

Love Where You Live is a local tourism and community multimedia initiative that highlights local residents sharing why they choose to live in Cherokee County and what they like about it. Its mission also is to spread positivity and kindness.

Love Where You Live videos are shared on Cherokee County social media channels, including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

“This initiative focuses on what makes Cherokee County great, and that is the people who call Cherokee County home,” said Communications Director Erika Neldner. “Every participant for Love Where You Live 2025 was nominated by someone in our very own community. This project, begun in 2024, is developing into what we had hoped, a positive and uplifting community-led initiative.”

The initiative includes a community giveback component that benefits at least one local nonprofit each year. In 2024, Never Alone Community Food Pantry and Stand Up for Seniors each received $1,497. Funds are raised through T-shirt, polo, sweatshirt, hat, and drink tumbler sales through a partnership with locacl business Deadline Apparel. Merchandise sales dictate how much a donation will be and how many nonprofits can benefit.

No general fund (property tax) dollars are used to fund the initiative.

The 2025 Community Giveback raised $1,941, and this year’s recipient is the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County

A volunteer committee selected the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County from the nomination applications received.

“We are beyond thrilled to receive this award and acknowledgement for the work we are doing in the community. The Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County is committed to helping individuals and families who are facing housing insecurity,” said Dr. Marianne Butler, executive director of the organization. “We do that through a variety of programs. We are a tiny little organization, and we take referrals from everyone in this community. It’s an amazing community, and it’s amazing how we all work together. It takes a village to serve those who are struggling a little bit or may need some assistance along the way. Our goal is always housing stability and sustainability.”

Programs include short-term hotel stays for about seven days, as well as a longer stay, which is currently averaging five months, Butler said. Since the organization is referral based, Butler said anyone needing temporary housing should reach out to a local church or organizations like MUST Ministries. Those organizations refer to the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County. For more information, visit homelesscoalitioncherokee.org.

During periods of cold weather, the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County works with local churches to provide a warming station in Woodstock for anyone who needs shelter from the cold. While based in Woodstock, Butler said the warming station is open to anyone in the county.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2026 Love Where You Live resident features and the 2026 Community Giveback. Merchandise items also are available for purchase. Learn more at lwyl.cherokeecountyga.gov.