VINCE SMITH, STAFF

Gateway's Executive Director has worked to address homelessness in metro Atlanta for more than 20 years. He brings an unparalleled mixture of dedication, optimism and faith to his work every day. In many ways, Vince serves as a “coach” to the Gateway Center’s team, making sure that all staff members, through their work and actions, help people end their homelessness, not make them “comfortable” in their homelessness.

As the executive director of the Gateway Center, Vince works to ensure that the center’s mission is focused and results-oriented. His responsibilities include fund development, public relations, and building collaboration with other service providers. In addition, he works closely with the Gateway Center’s Board of Directors.

“The Gateway Center is the “gateway” to metro Atlanta’s community continuum of care,” Vince says.

“It is a place where every day the focus is on ending homelessness. It is place where the team constantly focuses on the end game … housing, employment, self-sufficiency, and ending homelessness.”

Before joining the Gateway Center in July 2008, Vince worked for Atlanta Union Mission for 18 years. Throughout his career, Vince has been involved in social services, including work with several faith-based entities focused on helping people move their lives toward self-sufficiency. In addition, he has served as a pastor of several churches.

His experience in addressing the needs of homeless individuals allows him to bring a unique perspective to the Gateway Center every day. He’s committed to fostering collaborative partnerships among service providers in Atlanta and meeting the challenge of communicating that the process of ending homelessness for individuals is neither simple nor one-dimensional.

Vince’s educational background in the areas of sociology, theology, and ministry gives him a vantage point that helps him to see “people as they can become,” not simply as they are.

“Changed lives and new beginnings are what motivate me most about my job,” Vince says.