The City of Lawrenceville and Impact46 have opened the F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center, a new facility aimed at providing transitional housing for men experiencing homelessness in Lawrenceville and Gwinnett County. The center is located in a renovated 70-year-old brick building within the city limits and features eight private, apartment-style units, including one that is fully ADA-accessible.
The property has undergone significant updates, such as new plumbing, walls, windows, and air conditioning, while maintaining its historic character. The center is set to begin operations in early November 2025.
Residents are referred to the F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center through the Lawrenceville Police Department and other community partners. Upon arrival, each individual completes a psychosocial assessment with a licensed clinician and works with a case manager to develop a personalized plan for stability. Residents can stay at the center for up to 89 days while receiving counseling, workforce support, and additional services through the Lawrenceville Response Center (LRC), which is managed by Impact46.
The City of Lawrenceville owns the property and acts as landlord. Impact46 operates the program and manages services through the LRC. The acronym F.I.R.S.T. stands for For Intensive Response and Supportive Transitions.
Mayor David Still stated: “The F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center reflects Lawrenceville’s commitment to addressing homelessness with both compassion and accountability. It’s a place of transition—helping men move from crisis to stability with dignity and renewed opportunity.”
Until now, there were no dedicated shelters or homes for single men in Gwinnett County; existing facilities primarily served women, children, or families. The F.I.R.S.T. Housing Center aims to fill this gap by offering non-congregate housing supported by comprehensive care services.
Jen Young, Executive Director of Impact46, said: “Lawrenceville has chosen to set a higher standard for how we respond to homelessness. 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 initiative was made possible through collaboration between the City of Lawrenceville, Impact46, local organizations such as ViewPoint Health, Georgia Center for Opportunity, Streetwise, Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations, federal HOME-ARP grant funding administered by Gwinnett County, and matching local resources.
