ATLANTA — A center in Downtown Atlanta is just about ready to start welcoming people inside -- with the hope of decreasing the number of people who end up behind bars who are dealing with substance abuse, mental health problems and homelessness.
Both Atlanta and Fulton County officials cut the ribbon at the new Center for Diversion and Services on Monday afternoon. Officials said the center will expand upon existing programs along with giving law enforcement officers new options, as opposed to just taking someone to jail. Officials also estimate the center "may divert over 10,000 bookings from the Fulton County Jail annually."
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the center will "create a more effective and compassionate public safety ecosystem," adding that this is critical for Atlanta's public safety.
"We know that substance use and mental health challenges affect many Atlantans and Fulton County residents and play a large part when it comes to homelessness, poverty, and the other socioeconomic factors," Dickens said.
The diversion center will have resources available for people to meet immediate needs, like laundry facilities, a food pantry, showers and a sobering room. Additionally, it will offer longer-term services, like case management and mental health support.
The center is located at 254 Peachtree Street SW in downtown Atlanta. It's the same building that houses the Atlanta City Detention Center.
It's also across the street from where Antonio Bryant said he used to sleep — a man who knows firsthand how help can save someone's life.
"My last night out here on the streets, I got high, I slept underneath the Garnett Train Station," Bryant recalled.
But that morning, something changed for the veteran who deals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. That's the day he decided to accept help. And now, he has a roof over his head.
"I'm housed. I have income now," he said. "Man, I'm on my fast track to where I'd normally be in life."
Bryant said that services like the ones being offered at the diversion center was what helped him get his life back on track.
"Gave me hope, gave me courage, gave me the strength to rise above my addictions, my mental hardships, my everything, to come back to being the person that I know I am," Bryant said.
He said that the services that will be offered at the diversion center are a way to help others who otherwise don't have access or the knowledge to get the services for themselves.
And now, with the help he needed to alter the trajectory of his life, Bryant is ready to lace up his boots and take on the world.
"It’s me against the world, and now I’ve got a world to fight for. Back to being a soldier again," Bryant said with a smile.
The center is expected to officially open next month, according to officials. It will be for people 18 years and older, who are charged with low-level crimes.