For over 38 years, the Zaban Paradies Center has delivered life-changing assistance to couples experiencing homeless in Greater Atlanta. In 2021 we expanded our services to include rapid re-housing and diversion services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. We believe that all people should have a safe place to call home. We are here to provide pathways for vulnerable members of our community to obtain housing and reach their goals for stability. OUR WORK IN ACTION
We engage people at all levels of their journey from homelessness to housing and stability. Whether it’s linking unhoused community members on the street to much-needed resources, providing emergency residential services for couples to reset and obtain housing, or helping families with affordable housing solutions, we support the many needs of the community we serve. Emergency Residential Services for Couples - Beginning in September of 2022, ZPC transformed their previous winter shelter for couples, into a year-round program. We currently have 17 rooms available for couples in this program. We define a couple as any two loving adults, regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, or gender. Outreach and Day Services - In our Day Services program, we provide showers, laundry services, community referrals, case management, and a hot meal. Day Services are available on Monday and Thursday (except holidays) beginning from 10 am - 2 pm. Our Outreach team, includes well checks, mobile housing assessments, and homelessness diversion. Rapid Rehousing - We assist couples, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness with locating affordable housing solutions and navigating their way to long-term stable housing. All of ZPC's services are free to the participants. To learn more call 404-872-2915 or e-mail [email protected]. OUR HISTORY:
Members of the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation (aka The Temple) founded the Zaban Paradies Center thirty-eight years ago in 1984. ZPC is the only organization in metro Atlanta that provides emergency residential services for homeless couples. During our first five years, 1984-1989, Temple members converted the classrooms of their religious school into an emergency shelter for up to seven couples – seven nights each week during the winter. Each morning, Temple volunteers converted the ‘shelter’ back into classrooms for their children. In 1989, Congregant Erwin Zaban donated funds to renovate the third floor of The Temple’s Selig Building. The renovation increased the Paradies Center’s capacity. For twenty-five years, from 1984 until 2008, ZPC was entirely a volunteer-based endeavor led by The Temple. Today, the organization has 13 staff and a host of volunteers made up of diverse faith-based congregations, civic organizations, service groups, and community members. Our volunteers provide donations of clothes, meals, and direct services to and for our residents. In September 2022, the residential program shifted from being a winter program to year-round, serving 17 couples. Each couple receives a hot evening meal and continental breakfast, a private, furnished bedroom, linens, toiletries, and free laundry and supplies. In turn, our couples help to clean and maintain the shelter. For more information about the Zaban Paradies Shelter, please call 404.872.2915 or email [email protected]. When all our couples and families have is each other, Zaban Paradies Center is here.
