HomeFirst Gwinnett
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HomeFirst Gwinett actually do?
HomeFirst Gwinnett is the lead entity for the Gwinnett Coordinated Entry System. That means that we work with partners throughout Gwinnett County to coordinate things for an applicant. Some of the things we coordinate are emergency shelter, including motel vouchers, and entry into medium term, and long term, housing programs such as transitional housing and rapid rehousing.
I am going to be sleeping on the streets tonight if I don't pay my hotel right now, what can I do?
Because HomeFirst Gwinnett receives a high volume of requests and works through partners to provide assistance, we generally cannot provide same day assistance. In addition, we are only able to provide emergency shelter for those that meet the federal definition of homelessness 1 and 4 found in in 24 CFR 576.2. Why can't I just go to an agency directly to get help? For some things you can! If you need emergency shelter you can go directly to an agency that provides it. But, by going through HomeFirst Gwinnett first, we do the hard work of finding out which agencies have funding, and make sure you meet their eligibility requirements before making the referral. That way you aren't calling 10 different places only to be told that you don't qualify or they don't have funding right now. Also, for permanent housing programs, like Rapid Re-housing, the Coordinated Entry System requires you to go through HomeFirst Gwinnett to complete the assessment. How long will it take to get permanent housing after I complete my assessment? Once your assessment is complete we can tell you right away which type of housing program you may be eligible for. It could be days, weeks, or months before we are able to make a referral to housing program, and even longer before you are able to actually move in to permanent housing. Factors that affect the timeline include, but are not limited to: program availability, the number of people on prioritization list, availability of affordable housing, and changes to your situation. What is the point of HomeFirst Gwinnett if you can't find any resources for me? Unfortunately, sometimes there are no resources available for either emergency shelter or ongoing housing assistance. While we want to help everybody, we do not have unlimited resources. One benefit to using the Coordinated Entry System, even when resources are not available, is that it helps us identify the gaps in service. HomeFirst Gwinnett can then use this information to support requests for additional funding and other resources to help even more households over time. In addition, 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.
Because HomeFirst Gwinnett receives a high volume of requests and works through partners to provide assistance, we generally cannot provide same day assistance. In addition, we are only able to provide emergency shelter for those that meet the federal definition of homelessness 1 and 4 found in in 24 CFR 576.2. Why can't I just go to an agency directly to get help? For some things you can! If you need emergency shelter you can go directly to an agency that provides it. But, by going through HomeFirst Gwinnett first, we do the hard work of finding out which agencies have funding, and make sure you meet their eligibility requirements before making the referral. That way you aren't calling 10 different places only to be told that you don't qualify or they don't have funding right now. Also, for permanent housing programs, like Rapid Re-housing, the Coordinated Entry System requires you to go through HomeFirst Gwinnett to complete the assessment. How long will it take to get permanent housing after I complete my assessment? Once your assessment is complete we can tell you right away which type of housing program you may be eligible for. It could be days, weeks, or months before we are able to make a referral to housing program, and even longer before you are able to actually move in to permanent housing. Factors that affect the timeline include, but are not limited to: program availability, the number of people on prioritization list, availability of affordable housing, and changes to your situation. What is the point of HomeFirst Gwinnett if you can't find any resources for me? Unfortunately, sometimes there are no resources available for either emergency shelter or ongoing housing assistance. While we want to help everybody, we do not have unlimited resources. One benefit to using the Coordinated Entry System, even when resources are not available, is that it helps us identify the gaps in service. HomeFirst Gwinnett can then use this information to support requests for additional funding and other resources to help even more households over time. In addition, 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?
Yes, but only in certain circumstances. We recommend that you call United Way 211 or the Gwinnett Coalition Help Line. I know someone who is homeless, 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. 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 call us at 770-847-6765 and you will be connected with the appropriate department. Do you accept donations?
While we appreciate the generosity of our community, we have limited storage space and cannot accept most donations. Please consider sending something from our Amazon Wish List, or making a monetary dontation.
Yes, but only in certain circumstances. We recommend that you call United Way 211 or the Gwinnett Coalition Help Line. I know someone who is homeless, 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. 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 call us at 770-847-6765 and you will be connected with the appropriate department. Do you accept donations?
While we appreciate the generosity of our community, we have limited storage space and cannot accept most donations. Please consider sending something from our Amazon Wish List, or making a monetary dontation.
Address
5320 Jimmy Carter Blvd Norcross, GA 30093Same building as Nett Church
Our Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 AM - 4:00 PMWalk-in Hours: Monday - Thursday10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Online application available 24/7