News of a shelter to be built for gay, transgender and gender nonconforming children in north Fulton will be welcomed by local charities and the community.
The charity, called Nye, is seeking to build a facility that will house transgender and gay and gender diverse youth.
It will also help provide medical care, counseling and social services to the children and families who need it most.
Nye has received $10,000 from the federal government to fund its mission, said Nye founder and CEO, Ramon Martínez.
The money will be used for rent, equipment and staff.
“There is an epidemic of homelessness in the community,” Martínet said.
“We are hoping that this shelter will provide a safe place for those who are homeless, as well as help them get back on their feet.”
Nees shelter is a new addition to the North Fulton homeless shelter system, which serves about 600 homeless people.
Nees shelter will be the first of its kind in the city, Martíneso said.
It has a capacity of 1,500 people, he said.
Nees will have a kitchen, shower, living area and a small bathroom.
It is also the first shelter in North Georgia to be run by volunteers.
The new facility will be part of a $150,000 funding campaign that is being supported by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, said a statement from the North Fulton Homeless Services Agency.
About 10 people from the shelter will also be joining Nees staff.
They include a nutritionist, a nutrition technician and a social worker.
Nye hopes to hire people from outside the area.
While Nees was not able to locate the specific location for its new facility, it is located on the city’s southwest side, about a mile north of the Fulton County line.