Frequently Asked Questions

About Gateway Rules

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 3 days per week (schedule here).

Can a client receive mail at the Gateway Center?

Unfortunately clients cannot directly receive mail at GWC, but we maintain a direct partnership with Crossroads Community Ministries and other partner agencies in order 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. Under special circumstances, clients may work with their case manager to approve unique scheduling requests.

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 individuals experiencing homelessness requiring Gateway services in our 1st Floor Client Engagement Center.

What times are showers available for women and children?

Walk-in showers for Women and children are available from 1:00pm – 3:00pm seven days a week. Hygeine kits and towels are available in our 1st Floor Client Engagement Center.

What times are showers available for men?

Showers are available to male residents and walk-ins 24 hours a day, except during scheduled cleanings and from 1-3pm when women and children shower. Occasionally unplanned emergencies may also reduce capacity.

Are meals provided to Gateway Center clients?

Yes, we provide all program 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 residential and non-residential clients are invited to take part on a first come, first serve basis.

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 and non-residents.

What are the clothing closet hours?

The clothing closet is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 11:30am til 1:00pm, serving an average of 15-30 persons per day.

Exceptions may be made at our discretion under emergency circumstances.

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

The rules for using lockers are as follows:

    • Lockers in the CEC are available for non-residential clients for up to 60 days at a time
    • A picture ID is required to obtain a locker
    • Clients must also provide their own lock
    • A key must be provided to Gateway staff that opens any assigned locker
    • Lockers are assigned on a first come first served 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 usages

For locker sign-up schedule, click here.

About Gateway Services

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 as our residential programs allow only for temporary stays ranging from 2 weeks to 2 years depending on the program.

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 and/or friends, or to 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. To find other partner agencies in Atlanta that might be of assistance in this area, United Way 211 is a useful resource.

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.

Does Gateway Center serve women and children?

Yes, women and children can still receive any services offered in our 1st Floor Client Engagement Center (please check our service schedule for exact timing). They can also receive service from any partner agencies located in Gateway’s building (i.e. GA Department of Labor, Traveler’s Aid, DFACS, Mercy Care, etc.)

However, women and children can no longer stay at GWC in our residential programs. GWC works closely with the City of Refuge women’s center in order to get women & children access to the programs, shelter and care they need. Only in extreme weather and temperatures below freezing do we have the capacity to safely open our 1st floor for emergency shelter to all. See more details under “Programs & Services.“