City of Refuge Athens was founded in October 2018 by Geoff and Connie Rushing

Geoff Rushing is a retired pastor from Grace Fellowship Church. He and his wife, Connie, have big hearts for service and a deep love and compassion for people in need. They began as City of Hope Athens with the vision of bringing hope to those in the Athens area who are living in crisis, and who feel that there is no way up or out. In 2021, COHA transitioned to City of Refuge Athens. Along with their faithful volunteers and supporters, they work to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of underserved individuals, families, and children in Clarke, Oconee, Madison, and Barrow Counties.