The EDGE (Earning Dignity, Gaining Employment) provides comprehensive daytime support services to homeless men and women in our community who are seeking employment. The focus of The EDGE is unique — we challenge homeless men and women to develop their own job search strategies and hold them accountable for taking advantage of every opportunity to change their current circumstances.
We only work with individuals who are serious about leaving homelessness and ready to commit to a plan of action for rebuilding their lives.
Why The EDGE Is Needed
Finding employment is a daunting task for anyone, but when you’re homeless it’s an even bigger challenge. Without access to telephones, a mailing address, and transportation assistance, a job search is impossible. Additionally, without a shower, clean clothes, and a full stomach, a successful job interview is unlikely.
The EDGE provides all the resources a homeless person needs to plan and carry out a successful job search. All participants are held accountable for meeting regularly with their employment counselor, attending workshops, and actively searching for employment.
The result – nearly 50% percent of our guests
find employment within 3-4 months!
The EDGE Program Services
The EDGE provides a range of employment readiness services, from the basic necessities to comprehensive services that help our clients develop skills to become gainfully employed. Our services include
Showers
Clothing closet
Laundry facilities
Access to telephones, fax machine, and mailing address
Employment counseling
Case management
Referrals
Daily breakfasts
Job skills training
Life skills workshops
Community Voice Mail
Storage space
Large computer lab
Transportation assistance
Information about job opportunities
Assistance in finding low-income housing
Information about, and referrals to, other service agencies
The EDGE operates Mon through Fri from 7am – 4pm and Sat and Sun from 8am – 10am.
Our Success
Since 1988, The EDGE has helped thousands of homeless people find professions as diverse as restaurant managers, electricians, tax examiners, computer technicians, and security officers. For those who have found work, our services are crucial in helping them keep their jobs and find permanent housing. Program graduates can shower each morning, wash their laundry, receive MARTA cards, find clothing appropriate for work, and use our resources to locate affordable housing.
Cook, Marriott Food Service
Courtesy Clerk, Kroger
Salesperson, J.C. Penney
Veterinary Technician, Smyrna Animal HospitalProduction Coordinator, Network Communications
Account Representative, AT&T
Tax Examiner, IRS
Security Officer, ADF Security
Truck Driver, J.B. Hunt
Job and Substance Abuse Counselor