On November 27th, the night before Thanksgiving, Atlanta’s Paradise On Ponce caught fire, causing significant damage to the 100-year-old building. Also occupying the 46,000-square-foot structure that was once the Colgate Mattress Factory is Three Heart Coffee, who have had to close their doors due to the damages, leaving their employees without any source of income. And now, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to help these baristas as they seek gainful employment.
Organized by Matthew Mullins, Three Heart’s Head Roaster and General Manager, the GoFundMe notes that while insurance will cover most of the equipment damages, it provides no safety net for the employees who find themselves unexpectedly out of a job. The campaign is hoping to raise $10,000 to help the baristas “pay rent, bills and any other expenses while they look for employment.”
The cause of the Paradise on Ponce fire is as yet unknown. Three Heart has posted photos to their Instagram of the extensive damage done to the interior of their former home, including the area where their roaster resided. The company states they are doing everything in their power to re-open as soon as possible, including looking for a potential new home.
But until then, the staff remains with a source of income. As of publication, the GoFundMe campaign was nearing the $2,500 mark. If you are able, please consider contributing to the fund to help out your fellow coffee folk. For more information, visit the Three Heart Staff Fund GoFundMe page.
Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
Top image via Three Heart Coffee
