HomeFirst Gwinnett
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Latin American Association Gwinnett Outreach Center (Norcross Assessment Center) do?
Latin American Association Gwinnett Outreach Center (Norcross Assessment Center) is the lead entity for the Gwinnett Coordinated Entry System. That means that we work with partners throughout Gwinnett County to coordinate referrals for applicants. We coordinate assessments and referrals to emergency shelters, and programs such as permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, or rapid rehousing.
Why can't I just go to an agency directly to get help?
For some things you can, but by going through the Gwinnett Coordinated Entry System first, we do the hard work of determining which agencies have services available, review their eligibility requirements, and make the referral. This minimizes contacting multiple places that you do not qualify for or do not have current availability. Also, many programs require referrals from HomeFirst Gwinnett and the Coordinated Entry System.
How long will it take to get services after I complete my assessment?
Unfortunately, we cannot give a timeframe in which we will be able to make a referral to a housing program. Factors that affect the timeline include, but are not limited to program availability, the number of people on the prioritization list, availability of affordable housing, and changes to your situation. Additionally, sometimes knowing that there are no resources available allows you to consider other options and our Housing Navigators can help you think through alternate solutions.
Do you help with rent or utilities?
We offer referrals to these services when they are available. We recommend that you contact United Way 211 or the Gwinnett OneStop 4 Help.
I know someone who is experiencing homelessness, can I get help for them?
Due to client confidentiality, in most cases, we cannot work through a 3rd party to assist someone. We encourage you to help them access us via phone, internet, or in person so that we can help them directly. How long does my application remain active?
Please note that applications are kept active for 30 days. After this period, whether or not you received assistance, you may need to reapply as we do not retain applications indefinitely.
We offer referrals to these services when they are available. We recommend that you contact United Way 211 or the Gwinnett OneStop 4 Help.
I know someone who is experiencing homelessness, can I get help for them?
Due to client confidentiality, in most cases, we cannot work through a 3rd party to assist someone. We encourage you to help them access us via phone, internet, or in person so that we can help them directly. How long does my application remain active?
Please note that applications are kept active for 30 days. After this period, whether or not you received assistance, you may need to reapply as we do not retain applications indefinitely.
Does the Resting Spot offer shelter to men?
No, the Resting Spot is for women and children only and is currently closed.
Do you only help people who live in Gwinnett County?
The resources available through the Coordinated Entry System generally require proof of residency in Gwinnett County. If you believe you should be eligible, but are unsure, please call us at 770-847-6765.
My organization provides help for people experiencing homelessness and would like to learn more or partner with you. How do we get in touch?
Please connect with us at 770-847-6765 or click here to complete an inquiry form. Do you accept donations?
We appreciate the generosity of our community; please connect with us at 770-847-6765 to see if we have available storage to accept your donation. If you are interesting in making a monetary donation to HomeFirst Gwinnett please click here. What else do help with? The Latin American Association Gwinnett Outreach Center (Norcross Assessment Center) also provides support through a clothing closet, hygiene products, and snacks for our homeless population. Additionally, we offer SNAP benefits assistance (by appointment only) and supportive services for asylum seekers. To learn more about the additional services offered by the LAA, please visit our main website. https://thelaa.org/
Please connect with us at 770-847-6765 or click here to complete an inquiry form. Do you accept donations?
We appreciate the generosity of our community; please connect with us at 770-847-6765 to see if we have available storage to accept your donation. If you are interesting in making a monetary donation to HomeFirst Gwinnett please click here. What else do help with? The Latin American Association Gwinnett Outreach Center (Norcross Assessment Center) also provides support through a clothing closet, hygiene products, and snacks for our homeless population. Additionally, we offer SNAP benefits assistance (by appointment only) and supportive services for asylum seekers. To learn more about the additional services offered by the LAA, please visit our main website. https://thelaa.org/