Hope Atlanta is a nonprofit that provides housing and emergency services for the homeless in the metro Atlanta area. Rolling out was with members of the organization as they provided direct services to the homeless on the streets of Atlanta. The homeless received an assessment of their situation and access to resources that Hope Atlanta can provide. The organization also offered on the spot rapid HIV testing for individuals encountered on the street who wanted to be tested. Rolling out spoke with Kenneth Gantt, assistant director of the HIV/AIDS program.
Who qualifies for services with Hope Atlanta?
Anyone who is homeless is at risk of being homeless in Metro Atlanta or need supportive services. We also work with people who are homeless and trying to get to family or a support network but find themselves stuck in Atlanta. So we have a travel program and have worked with veterans. We have an HIV program and we have a PATH team that works with the mentally ill that are homeless. Our team actually goes out and works with the homeless directly on the streets of Atlanta.
What is the age range that you see typically with the homeless that you help?
We work with all ages. But lately, we have been seeing homeless teens as young as 16. The majority of our clients are in their middle ages around 40 or higher.
How does the housing program work?
All of the people that come to our agency come from the emergency services first. We do an assessment to find out where the person is at in relation to their well-being and housing situation. we then work with our resources and can provide transitional housing, emergency housing, housing support services and master leasing so we have an array of housing programs.
How can people get in contact with Hope Atlanta?
They can call us directly or phone number is 404-817-7070. They can also find us online at http://www.hopeatlanta.org as well as visit our offices at 34 Peachtree St. We like clients to call first to set an appointment but we also take walk-in clients at our office.
