Our staff can offer direction and feedback to individuals on resume preparation and assist with job searches. We also make referrals to partner agencies that provide specific training and development in the area of job readiness.

Unfortunately guests cannot directly receive mail at GWC, but we maintain a direct partnership with Crossroads Community Ministries and other partner agencies in order to provide mailing addresses to interested guests.

Yes. The curfew for all residential guests is 8pm. Under special circumstances, guests may work with their case manager to approve unique scheduling requests.

Yes. Residential guests are allowed to receive telephone calls on a limited basis. Calls must be scheduled through program staff in advance, and a signed consent to release information must be on file.

Yes. Coin-operated laundry facilities are located on the first floor to serve all guests, residential and non-residential. The laundry facility is located on the 1st floor of the Engagement Center.

Showers for women and children are available from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hygiene kits and towels are available in the Engagement Center.

Showers for men are available from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hygiene kits and towels are available in the Engagement Center.

Yes, we provide all residential guests with a minimum of two meals per day:

• Breakfast, served 5:30 a.m.–6:30 a.m.
• Dinner, served 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

In addition, we provide lunch meals to certain residential guests per contract specifications.

Occasionally, local faith groups and community agencies may offer meals at Gateway Center. In this event, all residential and non-residential guests are invited to participate on a first come, first serve basis.

Yes, we provide ongoing MARTA transportation assistance to guests participating in specific programs, such as the Veterans Transitional Housing Program, per contract specifications. We also offer emergency MARTA transportation assistance to residential clients when available.

In addition, we can make a referral to partner agencies that provide MARTA transportation assistance for residential guests who have recently obtained employment.

We do not currently provide gas cards.

Yes, the clothing closet is available to both residential and non-residential guests.

The clothing closet is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., serving an average of 15-30 individuals per day.

Hours are subject to change based on volunteer availability.

Exceptions may be made at our discretion under emergency circumstances.

This program is currently closed due to COVID.

When the program resume, the rules for using lockers are as follows:

• • Lockers in the EC are available for non-residential guests for up to 60 days at a time.
  • A picture ID is required to obtain a locker.
  • Guests must also provide their own lock.
  • A key must be provided to Gateway Center staff that opens assigned lockers.
  • Lockers are assigned on a first come first served basis.
  • No extensions are granted for lockers.
  • Food and weapons cannot be stored in lockers.
  • Individuals must wait 6 months between locker usages.

Yes, we work in conjunction with individuals and families who are seeking housing and partner agencies to assist in identifying appropriate permanent housing options. We utilize the Georgia Housing Search www.georgiahousingsearch.org as our primary resource for this service.

It is important to note that our facility itself does not provide any permanent housing  as our residential programs allow only for temporary stays ranging from 2 weeks to 2 years depending on the program.

No, but we can offer advice, support, and create a referral to an appropriate agency that can help families locate permanent housing, depending on their particular circumstances.

It is important to note that our facility itself does not provide any permanent housing.

Our primary goal is to reunify our guests with their family and/or friends, or assist them with permanent or transitional housing placements. Guest transitions are based on an individual’s status at the completion of the program length. Qualifiers include but are not limited to: income, resources, and barriers to housing.

We work with partner agencies to provide homeless prevention and diversion services including financial assistance for rent and utilities. To find other partner agencies in Atlanta that might be of assistance in this area, United Way 211 is a useful resource.

Gateway Center does not have the facilities to provide specific services for transgender guests. However, we are sensitive to the unique situations of transgender guests, and we accommodate their needs to the best of our abilities. We can also connect guests with partner agencies that provide specific services for the transgender community.

While Gateway Center is honored to have former residential guests return to volunteer with us, we require a 6-month separation, background screening (as with all volunteers), and volunteer orientation must be completed.

No, we do not have a formal re-entry program.

Individuals with criminal backgrounds are assimilated into our residential programs that best fit their current circumstances. Registered sex offenders cannot be served in our residential programs.

No, we cannot accommodate registered sex offenders in any Gateway Center program. However, when possible, our staff will help individuals locate alternative programs with another organization or agency.

Yes, women and children can receive any services offered in our Engagement Center (please check our service schedule for exact timing). They can also receive service from any partner agencies located in Gateway Center’s building (i.e. Traveler’s Aid, Mercy Care, etc.).

However, women and children cannot reside at Gateway Center’s main campus. However, we began managing the operations of Trinity Women’s Center in July of 2021. Women and women with children who are interested in a potential placement at Trinity Women’s Center will need to be assessed through Gateway Center’s Coordinated Entry Team at our main campus. In addition, we work closely with City of Refuge women’s center in order to place women & children in short-term residential (shelter) programs. Only in extreme weather and temperatures below freezing do we have the capacity to safely open our Engagement Center to offer emergency shelter to women and women with children. See more details under “Programs & Services.“