The Odd Fellows Building in Sweet Auburn stands as a symbol of renewal – both as a historic structure that has been restored to its architectural glory and as a place where men are rebuilding their lives and given a second chance.
Georgia Works is a long-term workforce development program for men that provides structured support, transitional housing and job placement services to help participants achieve self-sufficiency.
“The commitment is simple,” says Darlene Schultz, president and CEO of Georgia Works. “Come in, stay clean, sober and drug-free, and do the work to rebuild your life.”
A holistic approach
Because many of the men haven’t worked in years due to incarceration or homelessness, the first 30 days of the program is spent preparing for employment – getting IDs, connecting to mental health services, joining Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous if needed and attending classes, like Dress for Success and 12 Steps to Be a Better Man.
After 30 days, participants transition to a street team assignment, where they clean up litter, beautify city neighborhoods and greet neighbors. They then move on to more structured roles aligned with their career interests, such as positions in restaurants, hotels or landscaping, and are required to contribute $50 from their paycheck each week into a savings account.
Throughout their time at Georgia Works, participants are immersed in a rule-oriented system. Structure, in fact, is the backbone of the program, whose model is intentionally designed to be different than traditional approaches to homelessness.
“We believe in addressing the issues of homelessness, mental health and addiction holistically, so participants are less likely to fall back into harmful habits,” explains Darlene. “The goal is for our men to graduate from this program as self-sufficient, taxpaying members of society.”
A platform for the future
For years, Georgia Works operated out of the Gateway Center, housed in what was once Atlanta’s first city jail. While grateful for the partnership, Georgia Works wanted its own facility, so Darlene set out to find a space that reflected dignity, possibility and future growth. She found that space in the Odd Fellows Building – a historic, albeit deteriorated, structure nestled in the Sweet Auburn community.
In 2022, Georgia Works received a $5 million grant from Investments in Housing, a state funding initiative, and raised another $10 million from the philanthropic community to purchase and rehabilitate the building. Additional support from Invest Atlanta, including a $1.25 million Eastside TAD investment and $2.3 million in New Market Tax Credits, helped to close funding gaps.
“We would not be here without that support,” says Darlene. “Financially and otherwise, Invest Atlanta has been an incredible partner. We now have a permanent home and a platform for the future.”
Growth beyond measure
For Georgia Works, growth is measured in lives changed. Since its inception in 2013, the program has graduated more than 1,200 men, each one leaving with a job, savings and a place to live. In its new home, Georgia Works can now increase the number of men served per year to 300.
But the ripple effect of Georgia Works extends far beyond the individual. A Georgia Tech MBA cohort found that each Georgia Works graduate saves taxpayers more than $40,000 through a reduced reliance on the judicial system, correctional services, emergency medical care and police resources. What’s more, Darlene says Georgia Works and its participants have been embraced by the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and are making a difference in the community.
“If people want to understand what we do, I invite them to come see it, take a tour and meet the men,” says Darlene. “This building is not just a space. It’s a second chance.”
This month, Invest Atlanta joined Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Mayor Andre Dickens, Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari, CEO Darlene Schultz and others to celebrate Georgia Works’ new location.