Founded in 2013, Georgia Works is a nonprofit with a mission to end homelessness by empowering vulnerable individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. The organization serves men who are chronically homeless and/or re-entering society. Through a combination of paid work, shelter, job training, and support services, Georgia Works empowers these individuals to achieve long-term economic stability. Since its founding, the organization has supported over 1,000 chronically homeless men in obtaining permanent, quality employment. Of these, 95% avoid criminal recividism and 80% remain employed a year after graduation.

The AEMI NMTC transaction will support the acquisition and rehabilitation of the 33,135-sq. ft. historic Odd Fellows Building in Sweet Auburn to serve as the headquarters for Georgia Works. The organization is working with Easements Atlanta to perform extensive restoration to the building’s façade to preserve its historic character. By restoring the Odd Fellows Building to its original prominence, Georgia Works hopes to renew civic pride for one of Atlanta’s most treasured neighborhoods. The project includes 60 shared permanent supportive housing units with 125 beds for program graduates, a 40-bed dormitory for program participants, offices and classrooms for the delivery of support services, and ground-floor commercial retail space for up to four tenants.

Georgia Works plans to support its clients by filling the retail spaces with entrepreneurial businesses like a small grocer and bicycle repair shop. Georgia Works’ new facility will support up to 120 chronically homeless men each year through paid transitional employment and job skills training. Upon entry into Georgia Works’ employment program, participants receive a mental and physical health assessment and are assigned a Case Manager who helps them establish a service plan and provides ongoing support even after program completion. Participants work up to 40 hours a week at over 20 employment partners throughout Atlanta. Seventy percent of participants graduate from Georgia Works’ one-year program with full-time employment and stable housing. Georgia Works will provide an array of on-site support services for up to 210 program participants and graduates each year. These services include case management, counseling, transportation to NA/AA meetings, financial literacy and life skills courses, and GED tutoring. The project includes 60 shared permanent supportive housing units with 125 beds targeted to program graduates.