Partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank

Bernard Watts is a Benefits Specialist for the Atlanta Community Food Bank that has visited Emmaus House to connect families to SNAP benefits for the past six years. Bernard comes to Emmaus House three days per week, sits with guests, and patiently goes through the painstaking application process that most Georgia residents have to do alone.

During the pandemic, the Atlanta Community Food Bank ensured that each person in need could still be served over the phone when in-person service just wasn't safe. But with Emmaus House back open to clients five days a week, Bernard is happy to be back sitting and working with clients face to face. In August, he processed 72 applications and renewals for benefits at Emmaus House alone. When asked what his most rewarding experience is doing the work that he does, Bernard responded:

Bernard Watts

"It's about assisting the people who go unassisted. Many of them have had a bad experience trying to work with DFCS, or they just couldn't go through the process alone and would probably never be able to access the help that they need."

Emmaus House has been blessed with a great partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank and is certainly thankful for dedicated workers like Bernard. We are proud that Emmaus House can provide a high-quality in-person service to local residents thanks to these kinds of partnerships.