Gwinnett County and LAA Team Up to Reopen Norcross Outreach Center, Aiming to Tackle Homelessness

In a meaningful stride towards addressing housing insecurity in Gwinnett County, officials and the Latin American Association (LAA) recently celebrated the reopening of the LAA Gwinnett Outreach Center in Norcross, formerly The Resting Spot, equipped to offer comprehensive aid to residents in need.

Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson voiced the community's commitment at the event saying, "Everyone deserves a safe place to call home in Gwinnett County, and reopening this center brings us one step closer to that goal," and earlier in the year, the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners had affirmed this dedication through approving a contract upwards of $1 million to fund the center's operations, through this investment, they anticipate not just immediate relief but sustained security for the affected individuals, according to the official announcement.

At the heart of the LAA's mission is "dignity and empowerment", with CEO Santiago Marquez pointing to the center's primary objective: "Our ultimate goal through the LAA Gwinnett Outreach Center is to end homelessness in Gwinnett County," Marquez told Gwinnett County release, and the association's revamped outreach center is a tangible manifestation of these efforts.

The center serves as a one-stop resource offering temporary shelter, case management, emergency rental help, and legal support for issues like eviction or housing discrimination. It also connects people to long-term housing options, providing a vital support system for those in crisis. Moving forward, individuals seeking information on housing and human services can obtain guidance from the county’s website.