Atlanta Workforce Development Agency Addressing Unique Needs of Homeless Seniors in Atlanta

AWDA was recently identified as one of the organizations addressing the unique needs of homeless seniors in Atlanta. The following is an excerpt from an article posted on the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, written by Protip Biswas, executive director of the Regional Commission on Homelessness in Atlanta.

Homeless Seniors Grapple With Tough Challenges

Homeless seniors face additional obstacles to employment including health issues that prevent some from performing jobs that require physical stamina. Other seniors may have trouble learning new skills due to lack of education or a state of chronic unemployment. "Yet, when these barriers are overcome by programs designed to address these issues, seniors are found to be very successful employees," says Jennifer Moore, program manager of the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA).

In the last six months, AWDA has found employment for over 25 long-term homeless persons. Five of these are seniors employed in construction and office work who are reported to be performing well in their current jobs.

One success story of this group is 54-year-old Demetrius B., who was homeless for years before finally getting help at the Gateway 24/7 Homeless Services Center, a keystone project of the Regional Commission on Homelessness. While staying at the Gateway he was connected with AWDA. The organization assisted him with skills training and other counseling services. After graduating from the program, he was placed in a job as a sheet metal mechanic, which earns $18 per hour and makes it possible for him to afford his own apartment.