The program was developed in response to prison overcrowding and the need for a sentencing alternative to prison or probation for marginal, nonviolent offenders who have committed primarily property offenses. With funding from a LEAA grant, the Department of Offender Rehabilitation and the State Crime Commission established four residential community-based shelters acros the State in 1974 and 1975. In addition to serving as a needed alternative to incarceration, these shelters provided either real or symbolic restitution to the crime victims. Twelve diversion centers are now in operation. Most residents admitted are primarily restitution cases. Offenders sentenced to the centers work at outside jobs and pay room and board, taxes, restitution, fines, and court costs. They also contribute financially to their families at home and maintain savings accounts. In addition, they must each contribute at least 30 hours in symbolic restitution through community service work. Diversion centers have proven beneficial to the victim, to the offender, and to the community. In developing the diversion center program, Georgia correctional administrators have encountered problems in the areas of planning, support, implementation, and evaluation. Current centers house an average of 36 residents. The average resident is a white male from 20 to 23 years old who is a high school graduate, is serving 3 years for burglary, and is from an urban area. Centers use paid staff often supplemented by volunteers. The diversion center program will be expanded, with specialized centers for such groups as alcoholics and retardates in the planning stages. Attachments present entrance requirements and financial data.