Our Program
Gathering Industries empowers people who are in a transitional period in Atlanta through hands-on kitchen training, mentoring, and job placement — while sustaining our mission through catered lunches and community partnerships.
How Our Program Works
At Gathering Industries, we believe that the best way to overcome hardship is tooling training, employment, and community support. Our program uses the kitchen as a classroom and food as a medium for transformation.
We combine kitchen training, life skills education, and workforce development to give individuals the tools they need to succeed. Each graduate leaves our program with professional kitchen experience, job readiness, and a renewed sense of dignity and purpose.
1. Kitchen Training
In our professional kitchen, trainees learn knife skills, cooking techniques, food safety, and meal preparation. Every day in the kitchen builds confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
2. Life & Job Skills
Beyond the kitchen, we teach time management, teamwork, communication, and interview preparation. These skills are essential for long-term employment and personal growth.
3. Employment Pathways
We partner with Atlanta businesses including restaurants and hotels to connect graduates with real job opportunities. Our goal isn’t just to train — it’s to ensure lasting stability.
4. Catered Lunch Service
Our boxed lunch program serves companies across the Atlanta metro area. Every order directly supports our mission while providing businesses with fresh, high-quality meals. This social enterprise model keeps our program sustainable and makes every purchase part of the solution.
Why It Matters
Homelessness is one of Atlanta’s most urgent challenges — and it affects far more people than most of us realize. Every night, thousands of men, women, and children are without a safe place to sleep. Some are living outdoors, some in shelters, and many are working but still unable to afford stable housing. Beyond the numbers are real people: parents, neighbors, and future employees who need support, opportunity, and dignity.
That’s why Gathering Industries exists. These numbers tell the story of why our work matters — and why your support is essential in creating a stronger Atlanta.
Homelessness in Atlanta
More than 7,000 people experience homelessness on a given night in Atlanta, showing the scale of the challenge right here in our community. (Source)
Living Without Shelter
Over 2,000 Atlantans sleep outdoors, in tents, or in cars — without access to safe shelter or stability. (Source)
Facing Discrimination
70% of people experiencing homelessness report being treated unfairly simply because of their housing status. (Source)
Working but Still Homeless
As many as 32% of adults in homeless families hold jobs — yet still cannot afford housing in Atlanta. (Source)
Families Without Homes
At least 1,300 individuals in Atlanta are homeless alongside their families, including children who deserve security and opportunity. (Source)
A Community Issue
Homelessness doesn’t just affect individuals — it impacts families, neighborhoods, and the strength of Atlanta as a whole. That’s why our work matters.