Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Residents

If you’re in Atlanta and looking for help finding stable work, building financial independence, or moving out of homelessness, the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (ACSS) is one of the key local resources focused on exactly that.

This guide explains what ACSS does, who it serves, what to expect if you get involved, and how it fits into the wider network of support in Atlanta, Georgia.

What Is the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency?

The Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency is an Atlanta-based organization focused on helping adults become work-ready, employed, and more financially stable.

Its programs are typically geared toward:

• People who are unemployed or underemployed
• Individuals who have experienced homelessness or housing instability
• Adults re-entering the workforce after personal, legal, or health challenges
• Atlanta residents who want long-term economic self-sufficiency, not just short-term help

Rather than being a shelter or a traditional social service office, ACSS focuses heavily on:

• Job readiness and job placement
• Career coaching and skills development
• Supportive services that make it easier to stay employed

Where Is the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency Located?

The Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency is based in downtown Atlanta, near public transportation and other social service agencies.

A commonly referenced main location for ACSS is:

Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (ACSS)
460 Edgewood Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone: (404) 874-8001

Because locations, office hours, and program details can change, it’s a good idea to call ahead before visiting in person, especially if you’re traveling by MARTA or arranging childcare.

Key Services the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency Provides

1. Job Readiness & Workforce Training

A core focus of ACSS is helping people prepare for and secure employment. Programs may include:

• Job readiness classes

  • Resume building
  • Interview preparation
  • Professional communication and workplace expectations

• Soft skills training

  • Time management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Teamwork and customer service

• Digital literacy

  • Basic computer skills
  • Email and online job applications
  • Using job search platforms

These services are especially valuable if:

• You haven’t worked in a while
• You want to move from temporary or low-wage jobs into more stable roles
• You’re unfamiliar with modern job search tools and online applications

2. Employment Placement Support

In addition to training, ACSS often provides direct support with job placement, such as:

• Help identifying Atlanta-area employers who are hiring
• Connecting participants to local job fairs and hiring events
• Referrals to industries that commonly hire in metro Atlanta, like:
  • Hospitality and food service
  • Warehousing and logistics
  • Customer service and call centers
  • Building services and maintenance

Many participants find it easier to secure employment through structured job search support rather than applying completely on their own.

3. Supportive Services for Stability

For many people in Atlanta, getting a job is only one piece of the puzzle. The Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency may also help connect you with:

• Transportation assistance (for interviews or early employment, when available)
• Clothing for interviews or work, especially basic professional attire
• Guidance on accessing:
  • Housing support resources
  • Food assistance programs
  • Identification and documentation help (such as replacing a lost ID through the Georgia Department of Driver Services or obtaining a birth certificate)

These supportive services are not always guaranteed, but ACSS typically works to reduce common barriers that keep people from staying employed.

4. Coaching and Long-Term Self-Sufficiency

A major emphasis of ACSS is helping people move from short-term survival to long-term self-sufficiency. This may involve:

• Individual or small-group coaching
• Help setting realistic career goals
• Guidance on budgeting and money management basics
• Planning for career advancement, not just entry-level work

The goal is to help Atlanta residents build a path to stable income and greater independence, rather than relying indefinitely on emergency assistance.

Who Can Use ACSS Services?

Eligibility can vary by program, funding, and current capacity, but ACSS typically serves:

• Adults (usually 18 and older)
• People who are unemployed or underemployed
• Individuals who have experienced homelessness, housing instability, or poverty
• Residents of Atlanta or the wider metro area

Some programs may have additional criteria, such as:

• Recent history of homelessness
• Participation in other local programs (for example, referrals from shelters or partner agencies)
• Legal background considerations, depending on the employer or job field

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the best approach is to call the main number and ask about current program requirements.

How to Get Started With the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency

If you’re in Atlanta and want to work with ACSS, here’s a general step-by-step path:

1. Call or Visit During Business Hours

• Call ACSS at (404) 874-8001
• Ask about:
  • Current intake process
  • Program availability
  • Any documents you should bring

Many people find it helpful to ask specifically:

2. Complete an Intake or Orientation

ACSS commonly uses an intake interview or orientation session to:

• Learn about your work history
• Understand your current challenges (transportation, childcare, housing, etc.)
• Determine which ACSS programs or partner agencies might fit your situation

You may be asked to bring:

• A form of ID, if you have it
• A resume, if you already have one (not required to start)
• Basic information about your work history and availability

3. Enroll in Classes or Workshops

Once you’re accepted into a program, you may be scheduled for:

• Job readiness workshops
• Computer or digital skills sessions
• One-on-one coaching or case management appointments

Attendance and participation are usually important for staying in the program and accessing full support, including job referrals.

4. Work With Staff on Job Search and Stability

As you progress, you might:

• Apply to Atlanta-area jobs with staff support
• Attend interviews and hiring events
• Receive feedback and coaching after interviews
• Work on longer-term goals like moving into more stable housing or budgeting around a new income

What to Expect Day-to-Day if You Participate

While details can change by program, many ACSS participants in Atlanta can expect:

• Structured schedule
  Regularly scheduled classes or sessions on weekdays.

• Classroom-style learning
  Small groups focused on job skills, sometimes in a computer lab setting.

• Supportive, but accountability-based environment
  Participants are usually expected to show up on time, stay engaged, and complete assignments like resumes or practice interviews.

• Networking with other participants
  You’ll likely meet others in similar situations, which can help build encouragement and shared problem-solving.

How ACSS Fits Into Atlanta’s Wider Support Network

If you’re trying to regain stability in Atlanta, the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency is only one part of a larger network. You may also interact with:

• Shelters and housing programs
  Such as those near downtown Atlanta, Midtown, and the Westside that refer clients to job training.

• Fulton County and DeKalb County services
  Including workforce development, public assistance, and reentry programs.

• City of Atlanta workforce programs
  Some city and county offices connect residents to training opportunities, apprenticeships, and employer partners across metro Atlanta.

In many cases, ACSS works in coordination with these other organizations. For example, someone might:

1. Stay at or receive services from a shelter or transitional housing program
2. Be referred to ACSS for job readiness and employment support
3. Use county or city services for benefits, healthcare, or legal help

Understanding that this is an interconnected system can make it easier to navigate and advocate for what you need.

When the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency Might Be a Good Fit

ACSS may be especially helpful if you:

• Live in or can reliably travel to downtown Atlanta
• Are serious about finding work and willing to attend classes or coaching sessions
• Need help with:
  • Building or updating a resume
  • Practicing job interviews
  • Learning how to search for work online
  • Overcoming recent gaps in employment or homelessness
• Want to move beyond temporary help and build long-term self-sufficiency

If you already have stable employment but want career advancement or specialized training, you may still benefit, but you might also want to contact:

• WorkSource Fulton or WorkSource DeKalb for county-based workforce programs
• Local community colleges or technical colleges in the Atlanta area for certificate or degree programs

Simple Overview: Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency at a Glance

If you’re in Atlanta and trying to rebuild after a setback, regain income, or move out of homelessness, the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency is a practical resource to contact. Calling ahead, asking clear questions about eligibility and next steps, and showing up consistently are usually the most important parts of getting the most out of what ACSS offers.