The Norcross City Council has unanimously approved $25,000 in city funds to help fund a “motel-to-home” pilot program that will assist about 20 local families currently living in extended-stay hotels find more stable housing.
“Many of these families are paying up to $1,600 per month in these establishments, which doesn’t allow them to save money needed for deposits and first-month rent. This program will help them overcome that initial hump and move back into more stable housing,” said Lejla Prljaca, executive director of the Gwinnett Housing Corporation and a LiveNorcross co-founder.
United Way of Greater Atlanta will match the $25,000. The combined $50,000 will help selected families pay the deposit and first month of rent. Each family will receive ongoing mentoring to ensure they are successful as they transition to more permanent housing.
The United Way of Greater Atlanta will administer the pilot, with hopes of expanding the program in the future. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Georgia will lead the program and offer customized case management for the families, including assistance in accessing banking services and credit repair.
The Gwinnett Housing Corporation will assist some of the homeless families referred by the SVdP Georgia case managers through its Pathway HOME program. These affordable housing units were funded, in part by, Gwinnett County’s Community Development Program.
Information about LiveNorcross: www.norcrossga.net/914/LiveNorcross.
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