Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens proposed a $60 million investment in housing to address the rising homeless population in the city. The proposal, which requires approval from the City Council, aims to build 700 units of affordable housing by the following year. This would be the largest single investment in homelessness by the city to date. Dickens emphasized that the lack of affordable housing has become a crisis not only in Atlanta but also in cities across the United States.
The funding for the housing initiative would come from a $50 million bond and $10 million from Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Additionally, the city hopes to increase public and private spending on reducing homelessness to over $120 million through additional private contributions. The city has already repurposed shipping containers into 40 studio apartments as part of a community called “The Melody,” which opened earlier this year. Similar developments in cities like Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles have also incorporated medical and social services to address the nationwide issue of homelessness.
Two new housing projects are already in progress in Atlanta, including a rapid rehousing project and a mixed-income development that includes permanent supportive housing units. Mayor Dickens had made affordable housing a priority during his campaign, and the 700 units of affordable housing he aims to complete by the end of next year will include both permanent supportive housing and quick delivery units paired with support services. Partners for Home, an organization working with the city on housing, will receive $10 million from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to assist in finding housing for homeless individuals.
Partners for Home CEO Cathryn Vassell emphasized the need to rehouse more individuals quickly, as the number of homeless people continues to rise. She hopes to secure an additional $43 million in private funds to manage services for this growing population. Many homeless individuals struggle with mental health issues, according to a survey from last year, highlighting the need for more mental health services, especially for those without health insurance. Vassell stressed the importance of ongoing investment and resources to address homelessness effectively and compassionately.
As the city of Atlanta grapples with a growing homeless population, Mayor Andre Dickens’ proposed $60 million investment in affordable housing aims to provide much-needed support. With projects already underway and plans for future developments, the city is working towards addressing the crisis of homelessness in Atlanta. Private contributions and partnerships with organizations like Partners for Home are essential to ensuring that homeless individuals receive the necessary support services. Moving forward, the city must prioritize mental health services and continue investing in housing initiatives to make a meaningful impact on homelessness in Atlanta.
