ATLANTA — A local group helping metro Atlanta’s homeless population find work and housing celebrates the opening of their new facility.

The Odd Fellows Building on Auburn Avenue is the new headquarters of Georgia Works.

Founder Bill McGhan says the program is very effective.

“If a person commits to being clean from alcohol and drugs and to work, they can come into our program. Over 6-12 months, we’ll help them get a job and a place to life,” he said.

The group has helped more than 1,200 homeless men get off the streets since 2013.

The new facility offers 160 affordable housing units to graduates of the program, which McGhan says will make a big difference.

“We can rent them a room for $500 per month. That is way below the price point that they can find in the market place,” he said.