Building Lives is committed to assisting our Veterans - rebuilding their lives in thanks for preserving our right to live in freedom in the United States of America. We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization originally formed by a group of business leaders in Nashville, TN. This group of concerned citizens recognized the severity of Nashville's homeless Veteran situation and decided that it coul
d not be ignored any longer. Seeing the need to to impact the lives of Veterans in other cities, Building Lives is expanding to include a new home office in Atlanta, GA in February 2016 with the launch of their first Academy. By providing one-on-one mentoring, health and psychological care referrals, employment, transportation, housing and financial education, the Atlanta staff is committed to servicing homeless Veterans in need. Building Lives Atlanta has a singular goal of providing Veterans with the support they need to continue with the spirit and hope of a better future. The Academy's purpose is to provide Veterans the opportunities necessary to transition from chronic homelessness to sustained independent living. There are two primary programs that serve this purpose: Independent Living (transitions homeless veterans and their families) and Homeless Prevention (assists Veterans already living in permanent housing to stay in their homes). Our Independent Living Program (2 year academy) has five major components that work together to build a solid foundation upon which a fulfilling life can be built. These components include guidance from a mentor, job assistance, affordable housing options, apartment furnishing and transportation/vehicle purchase assistance. Our Homeless Prevention Program (2 year academy) offers (1) Rental assistance: providing rent payments directly to the landlord for Veterans who have gotten behind in their rent payments, (2) Utilities assistance: providing payments of past due utility bills directly to the utility company, (3) Food assistance: where food is purchased and delivered to the home based on review of need by the assigned Resource Coordinator/Case Manager and (4) Counseling on areas such as budgeting and financial life skills as well as provides opportunities and options to address needs as they arise. Guidance
A faith-based resource coordinator (mentor) is provided to each individual. Their role is to assist the individual in successfully attaining their individual life goals through life skills training, budgeting and counseling as needed. The Mentor also encourages the individual to join a church, mosque or synagogue of their choice, get involved with community service and provides avenues to grow the individual's community (new associates, friends and contacts). Job Assistance
Job placement assistance utilizes a network of employment service companies and individual corporations who have agreed to partner with Building Lives to provide employment opportunities to Veterans. Affordable Housing
Housing is obtained at a cost that matches the individual's income or anticipated income through a group of housing partners. Building Lives will pay up to the first two months rent, utilities and deposits depending on the assessed need of the individual. The individual will typically have a job within the first 30 days in the program which allows them to pay their own rent thereafter. Apartment Furnishing
Each participant is provided an apartment package free of charge that includes towels, bedding, cleaning supplies, dishes, pots/pans, silverware, coffee pot, pillows, etc. Complete furniture for the apartment is also furnished as furniture is available. Vehicle Purchase
Each participant is offered the opportunity to purchase a vehicle (with no interest) through Building Lives once they have completed 90 days of employment. If the purchase of a car is not ideal for a candidate, we will assist in other modes of transportation; bus service.
