To address Atlanta’s lack of affordable housing, Georgia Works and Housing Tonight have merged to provide a unique platform for Atlanta’s most vulnerable men. Georgia Works (a program to end homelessness, criminal recidivism and dependency through education, the development of good habits, work ethic and character) joins Housing Tonight to provide homes and wraparound supportive services for Atlanta’s most vulnerable population. The merger with Housing Tonight, an organization providing safe and affordable housing, allows Georgia Works to expand its offerings to provide safe and stable housing.

Georgia Works CEO Darlene Shultz says, “the merger allows us to create a housing division which is the next step in breaking the cycle of homelessness, addiction and crime that provide barriers to independence. Georgia Works and Housing Tonight working together will help many more men become productive members of our community”

“Our goal in bringing Georgia Works and Housing Tonight together is to provide the tools needed for our graduates to become stably housed, as well as the aftercare support they need to remain a self-sufficient part of our community, ” says Chip Patterson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Georgia Works is currently seeking real estate in the Atlanta area for our first housing development. Our long term vision is a Georgia Works Village.”

Since 2013, Georgia Works has helped over 1,000 men find work and a home after being incarcerated and/or homeless. The program houses participants at its facility for up to one year while they work in transitional jobs. All participants must remain drug and alcohol-free while at the facility. Professional support is provided with workforce training, AA/NA classes, GED classes, personal support and life skill courses. After one year, the program’s goal is to have each man in a full-time job and permanent housing. 

·  80%+ of graduates remain employed and housed post Georgia Works

·  90%+ of graduates are now in contact with their minor children and families

·  100% hired by graduation