Latino community in Georgia expands as Latin American Association steps up support

ATLANTA (WRBL) — Georgia is now home to more than 1 million Latinos — about 11% of the state’s population. Nearly a quarter of them live in Gwinnett County in the northeast Atlanta suburbs.

The Latin American Association (LAA) has been serving Georgia’s Hispanic community for more than five decades, providing access to affordable housing, job training, food pantries and immigration resources.

“The Latino community is growing all over Georgia and we are seeing growth in rural Georgia as well,” said Santiago Marquez, CEO of the Latin American Association.

Founded in the 1970s to assist Cuban immigrants along Buford Highway, the LAA now helps Latinos across the state pursue opportunities and “reach the American Dream.”

Growing needs, shrinking budgets

The LAA says it reaches about 30,000 people each year. But with federal budget cuts slashing $3 million over the next few years, the nonprofit has launched a major fundraising campaign to continue expanding its programs.

Last year, the organization:

• Distributed $700,000 in rent assistance for 300 families
• Provided food support to 4,000 low-income households
• Helped 24,000 Latinos statewide, including victims of violence, families in poverty and those with disabilities

Marquez said food insecurity remains one of the toughest challenges.

“Many of these people are working, not just unemployed,” he said. “We thought food needs would decrease after the pandemic, but inflation and high food prices have driven them up.”

Building skills and businesses

Job placement and digital literacy remain a top priority, with 60% of participants finding employment through LAA training programs. The group also offers banking and finance classes.

Beyond the workforce, Latinos are driving entrepreneurship across the state — with nearly 1,000 new Latino-owned businesses launched in Georgia last year.

Expanding across Georgia

While based in Atlanta, the Latin American Association has expanded outreach into rural Georgia. It also provides immigration support, helping 300 families last year through workshops with lawyers and policy guidance.