Latin American Association taking over Gwinnett resource center for those facing homelessness

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A major resource for those facing homelessness in Gwinnett County will now provide even more critical services as the Latin American Association takes over.

Santiago Marquez, the association’s CEO, said he is excited about his organization taking on the Norcross Assessment Center, a place that provides referrals to those who are homeless or families needing help finding stability.

“We will be doing a much deeper dive into the homeless situation that everybody is facing,” Marquez said. “The project will also allow us to bring our services that we offer now to help families get stable. To help families become self-sufficient.”

Marquez said once the association gets settled into the center, it will evaluate the needs and look at the possibility of bringing back a women’s shelter that was closed at the center over a year ago.

The association’s overall goal is to continue providing referrals for resources. Marquez told Atlanta News First through his work, he’s seen the rise in food and housing insecurity post-pandemic, even in the suburbs.

“We know from the requests that we’re getting that housing is a big need and it continues to be a big need,” he said. “Especially for affordable housing for the community we serve, so we feel very strongly this is an area where our community is hurting.”

The Latin American Association will officially take over the center next week.

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