City of Lawrenceville and Impact46 Open F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center to Support Men Experiencing Homelessness - Explore Gwinnett's Best in Business, AI & Tech News 2025

Read Time:2 Minute, 56 Second

Transformative project sets a new standard for compassion-driven housing solutions in Gwinnett County

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — October 22, 2025 — The City of Lawrenceville, in partnership with Impact46, officially celebrated the grand opening of the F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to help men experiencing homelessness transition from crisis to stability through intensive support and compassionate care.

Located within the Lawrenceville city limits, the F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center transforms a 70-year-old brick building into a fully renovated, apartment-style transitional housing facility featuring eight private units, including one ADA-accessible apartment. The building’s new design combines modern comfort and functionality while preserving its historical character. The Center is scheduled to open its doors to residents in early November 2025.

F.I.R.S.T.—which stands for For Intensive Response and Supportive Transitions—embodies the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness with both innovation and humanity. Residents, referred through the Lawrenceville Police Department and other local partners, will live at the Center free of charge for up to 89 days while working toward long-term stability. Each participant will undergo a psychosocial assessment with a licensed clinician and collaborate with a case manager to develop a personalized plan that includes counseling, workforce connections, and access to essential wraparound services through the Lawrenceville Response Center (LRC) operated by Impact46.

“The F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center reflects Lawrenceville’s commitment to addressing homelessness with both compassion and accountability,” said Mayor David Still. “It’s a place of transition—helping men move from crisis to stability with dignity and renewed opportunity.”

While Gwinnett County has several shelters for women, children, and families, the F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center fills a critical gap—providing the county’s first dedicated transitional housing program for single men. The non-congregate model, which offers private living spaces supported by case management and community resources, ensures residents have the stability they need to rebuild their lives.

“Lawrenceville has chosen to set a higher standard for how we respond to homelessness,” said Jen Young, Executive Director of Impact46. “This project is proof that when a city leads with vision and compassion, partners from every sector rally to make change possible. Together, we’ve transformed a neglected property into a place that restores dignity and hope for men rebuilding their lives.”

The F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center is a joint effort between the City of Lawrenceville and Impact46, supported by a broad coalition of community, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations. The City owns the property and manages operations as the landlord, while Impact46 oversees programming and service delivery through the LRC.

Funding for the project came from federal HOME-ARP grant dollars administered by Gwinnett County and matched by local resources and private donations. Key partners include ViewPoint Health, the Lawrenceville Co-Op, Georgia Center for Opportunity, Streetwise, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, along with several local congregations and neighborhood organizations.

The opening of the F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center represents more than a new facility—it symbolizes Lawrenceville’s visionary leadership and community unity in tackling homelessness through partnership and purpose. By turning a once-blighted property into a hub for hope, healing, and human connection, the city is redefining what it means to serve its most vulnerable residents with dignity.

For more information about the F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center and the City of Lawrenceville’s homelessness response initiatives, visit LawrencevilleGA.org.