January 26th 2024.
According to a report from Fox 5 Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing homeless population in Atlanta. He recently signed an executive order on January 24th, allocating close to $5 million to assist those without permanent housing. In a statement, Mayor Dickens emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating that any one of us could find ourselves in a similar situation. He said, "Every single one of us is just one bad day, one disaster, one serious illness, or tragedy away from experiencing homelessness."
The executive order will provide crucial funding to various city departments, including expanding shelter services, operating warming centers, and establishing additional shelter sites. Moreover, wraparound services and security will also be provided to accompany these locations. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to provide safe and permanent housing for the city's most vulnerable citizens. Currently, hundreds of people, including men, women, and children, are forced to sleep in tents and on blankets on the streets of Atlanta.
Partners for HOME, a leading agency in the fight against homelessness, reported that the city's homeless population has increased by 30% between 2022 and 2023. Executive Director Cathryn Vassell believes that the mayor's executive order is a step in the right direction, but she also stressed the need for safe and affordable housing. She said, "Housing is the solution to ending homelessness, but it must be accompanied by wraparound services and safe, affordable housing."
Of the $5 million allocated by Mayor Dickens, $3.1 million will go to the Gateway Center and Partners for HOME. The Gateway Center will receive $700,000, which will be used for the Evolution Center, a low-barrier men's shelter. Partners for HOME will receive a $2.4 million donation, according to 11 Alive. Local leaders have praised the mayor's actions, with Councilman Jason Winston, the sponsor of the Gateway Center investment, stating that it is long overdue. He said, "This is desperately needed. We still have people living on the streets, and our hearts go out to them."
To ensure the safety of those transitioning out of homelessness, the H.O.P.E. Team officers and members of the Atlanta Police Department have pledged not to criminalize the homeless. Police Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that these officers are now equipped to help individuals experiencing homelessness, with more available opportunities to get them off the streets. These measures were put into effect in early January 2024.
In collaboration with the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation, the Midtown Fire Station 15 is being transformed into a mixed-use site that will provide both affordable and market-rate housing. This project is just one example of the city's efforts to address the homelessness crisis. Other initiatives, such as clearing homeless encampments and providing essential items to those in need, have also been implemented.
Overall, Mayor Andre Dickens' recent executive order and other initiatives demonstrate a significant commitment towards addressing the homelessness crisis in Atlanta. By providing essential funding and resources, the city is taking crucial steps towards providing safe and permanent housing for its most vulnerable citizens.
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