Our Story

Be:loved Bus was born from a simple belief: every person deserves dignity.

During our 15 years in Atlanta, Be:loved Bus's founders, Brian and Christie Holben have always had a deep passion for connecting with neighbors experiencing homelessness. 

From our earliest years here, we would always stop and make time to share a smile, a hello, and anything we had with those living on the streets.

One of our first relationships was formed with Mr. Johnny James Johnson, Jr., affectionately named “Freeway Johnny” by many Atlanta residents after his tragic passing in 2014. Each Sunday on our way to our church gathering, we’d stop and talk with Mr. Johnny, hearing about his life and story, sharing what we had as we were able. 

One of the most instrumental moments we had was in downtown Atlanta, where we stopped and spent some time with a man experiencing homelessness - “You are the first person since I’ve been living on the street that looked at me and asked my name.” Something came alive in that man, and we sat for a long time sharing conversation and life. What this tells us is that the dehumanization and hopelessness of navigating homelessness can be overwhelming. Too often, these neighbors do not even feel like a human being - they feel invisible, unwanted, and ignored.

During Hurricane Helene in Fall 2025, our family met Mr. Anthony, a 67-year-old Atlanta resident living on a sidewalk in Southwest Atlanta. Disabled, alone, and unable to access shelter, he faced the storm with little more than the clothes he wore. We stopped to offer food, supplies, and protection from the elements. More importantly, we stopped to listen.

As we got to know Mr. Anthony, we realized that his story was not unique. Across Atlanta, thousands of people experience homelessness, isolation, and barriers to accessing services. Often, the simple dignity of a “Hello” and a bag of supplies provides hope to get through another day.

We began stocking our family van with basic supplies each month, and making time to engage with any individual we could during our drives around the city. 

Shortly after beginning, we met Ms. Sheri, who lived under a bridge on Atlanta’s I-20, just a stone’s throw from Morehouse College. From afar, Ms. Sheri appeared to be severely mentally ill, often shouting at the sky, waving her hands. We learned her name during one of our outreach trips to the encampments in her area. When we approached her one day, we gently said, “Hello, Ms. Sheri! Good to see you today.” In that moment, it seemed as if something “switched” in her mind, and she immediately became calm, focused, and responded in a gentle voice saying “Hello, I’m doing fine. It’s nice to meet you. How are you doing?” We then chatted for a while, asked her about her life, and asked her what her needs were as she navigated sleeping on the street. In that moment, her God-given dignity was seen and met with love, connection, and care - and it all began with calling her by name and saying hello.

From these experiences, Be:loved Bus was born.