FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Gateway Center Rules FAQ

Gateway Center Services FAQ

Does the Gateway Center help with resume preparation and job search?

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

In addition, a satellite Georgia Department of Labor Career Center is located at the Gateway Center.

Can a client receive mail at the Gateway Center?

We maintain a direct partnership with Crossroads Community Ministries and other partner agencies to provide mailing addresses to interested clients.

Are residents of the Gateway Center subject to a curfew?

Yes, the curfew for all program clients is 8pm. When in overflow, curfew for female clients is 6pm.

Are clients allowed to receive personal telephone calls?

Yes, program clients 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 form must be on file.

Do residents have access to laundry facilities at the Gateway Center?

Yes. Coin-operated laundry facilities are located on the first floor to serve residents. The facility is also open to all homeless individuals.

What times are showers available for women and children?

Women and children in the program have access to showers from 5:00am - 9:00pm. Showers are available to women and children who present as walk-ins from 9am - 3pm.

What times are showers available for men?

Showers are available to male residents and walk-ins 24 hours a day, except during scheduled cleanings. Occasionally unplanned emergencies may also reduce capacity.

Are meals provided to Gateway Center clients?

Yes, we provide all program clients and overflow clients with two meals per day:

  • Breakfast, served 5:30 - 6:30am, and
  • Dinner, served 6:00 - 7:00pm

In addition, we provide lunch meals to certain program clients per contract specifications.

From time to time local faith groups and community agencies may offer meals through the Gateway Center. In this event, all homeless clients are invited to take part.

Does the Gateway Center provide MARTA cards and gas cards?

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

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

We do not currently provide gas cards.

Is the clothing closet available to residents of the Gateway Center?

Yes, the clothing closet is available to residents.

What are the clothing closet hours?

The clothing closet is open Monday thru Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Exceptions may be made at our discretion in special circumstances.

What are the rules for using lockers at the Gateway Center?

The rules for using lockers are as follows:

  • Lockers are available for non-residential clients for up to 60 days at a time
  • A picture ID is required to obtain a locker
  • A key must be provided to Gateway staff that opens any assigned locker
  • Lockers are assigned on a first come first serve basis
  • No extensions are granted for lockers
  • Food and weapons are not to be stored in lockers
  • Individuals must wait for 6 months between locker rentals

Does the Gateway Center help locate permanent housing for individuals?

Yes, we work in conjunction with the individual seeking housing and partner agencies to assist in identifying appropriate permanent housing options. The Georgia Housing Search affordable housing website (www.georgiahousingsearch.org) is our primary resource for this service.

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

Does the Gateway Center help locate permanent housing for entire families?

No, but we can offer advice, support, and make 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.

Does the Gateway Center provide housing vouchers?

No, but we can offer advice, support, and make 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.

Do individuals transition to permanent housing or long-term shelter after completing a Gateway program?

Our primary goal is to reunify our clients with their family or friends, or help place them in permanent or transitional housing. Client transitions are based on an individual’s status at the completion of his program length of stay. Qualifiers include but are not limited to: income, resources, and barriers to housing.

Does the Gateway Center provide financial assistance for rent and utilities?

We work with partner agencies to provide homeless prevention services such as financial assistance for rent and utilities.

Does the Gateway Center provide services for transgender clients?

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

Can a former client of the Gateway Center volunteer at the Center?

We are honored to have former program clients volunteer with us. We require a 6-month separation, background screening (as with all volunteers), and orientation.

Does the Gateway Center have an ex-offender program?

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

Does the Gateway Center provide services for ex-offenders?

Persons with criminal backgrounds are assimilated into other programs that best fit their current circumstances. Registered sex offenders cannot be served, as facilities are not available.

Does the Gateway Center accept convicted child molesters into any of its programs?

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