First Step Staffing

First Step Staffing, an Alternative Staffing Organization, is designed to eliminate barriers to employment. First Step believes in providing an economic opportunity for everyone. To do so, First Step contracts with businesses and directly employs men and women who have experienced homelessness, veterans, and returning citizens to fill these contract jobs. To help our clients successfully re-enter the job market and support job retention, First Step provides training, job coaching, transportation assistance to/from work, and any necessary uniforms, tools, or equipment. First Step has had a powerful impact on individuals' lives and in the community. Since being founded in Atlanta in 2007, First Step Staffing has helped thousands of individuals re-enter the workforce in its eight current locations (Atlanta, Augusta, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Fontana) and paid millions in earned wages.

First Step Disability Services helps men and women with severe disabilities access Social Security Disability Income (SSI) and Medicaid. Prior to First Step Disability Services, only 19% of homeless people who applied for disability are approved. In contrast, over 80% of First Step's clients are approved and in an average of 12-24 months (compared to 3 - 5 years in Georgia). Over the last 4 years First Step Disability Services has secured approximately $3,000,000 in retroactive benefits and almost $200,000 in recurring monthly benefits.

In 2023, First Step added a housing assistance program in Atlanta, GA and Philadelphia, PA. The program provides direct housing assistnace to those facing eviction and/or homeless during their employment with FSS. Housing payments vary and do not extend past 6 months.