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Photo by Atlanta Magazine on September 14, 2026. May be a graphic of magazine and text that says 'A James Jones, now a yoga instr instructor, credits the Center for Diversion and Services with getting him back on his feet. Is it working for others?'.
Photo by Atlanta Magazine on September 14, 2026. May be a graphic of magazine and text that says 'The Center for Diversion and Services opened in January 2025 as an all-hours hub where people who might otherwise bejailed for nonviolent misdemeanors are directed toward support resources. Since then, the center has facilitated more than 2,000 diversions for individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, or a mental health crisis.'.
Photo by Atlanta Magazine on September 14, 2026. May be a graphic of newspaper, magazine, poster and text that says 'But the numbers are tar below the projected capacity of10,000 to 14, 000 annual visitors, hindered by underutilization and disagreements over how it delivers care. The disappointing results have raised fundamental questions about the center's vision and how it should be carried out. Read more at the link in our bio.'.
Atlanta Magazine@atlantamagazine
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The day after Thanksgiving in 2025, a City of Atlanta police officer approached James Jones as he sheltered for warmth outside the library. Rather than arresting Jones for loitering, the officer took him to the Center for Diversion and Services, which opened in January 2025. It was the beginning of his path to stability and housing.⁠ ⁠ The Center has facilitated more than 2,000 diversions. But that number is far lower than the projected 10,000 to 14,000 diversions. Why haven't more been helped?⁠ ⁠ Reporter @grayhchapman investigates at the link in our bio!⁠ ⁠ 📸: @audramelton⁠ ⁠

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Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative@padatlantaCo-author

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@rachel_r_stan Show @padatlanta some love! They need your donations + shout them out to your City Council member

· 2 likes

@dizzyb_xo I love that @padatlanta is making such a positive impact in the community and in peoples lives 🙌❤️

· 2 likes

@antifa_is_for_lovers PAD and the diversion center are not the same. They both have limited abilities, esp PAD bc Andre hates them, bc if we tried to solve problems he'd lose a lot of money

· 8 likes

@foxmelinda 👏👏👏beautiful story, beautiful person. @padatlanta is doing vital work. 🙌

· 6 likes

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