Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has put forward a plan for a $60 million investment in housing to address the increasing homeless population in the city. The proposal aims to secure a combination of public and private funds to support housing projects throughout Atlanta. Dickens’ goal is to construct 700 units of affordable housing by the following year. If approved by the City Council, this funding will mark the largest single investment in homelessness made by the city thus far.
The mayor emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing, not only in Atlanta but also in cities across the United States. The funding for this initiative will include a $50 million bond and an additional $10 million from Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. With potential contributions from private donors, the total investment in reducing homelessness could exceed $120 million.
To address the homelessness crisis, Atlanta has already transformed a set of shipping containers into 40 studio apartments known as “The Melody,” opened earlier this year. Similar developments in cities like Austin and Los Angeles have incorporated medical and social services to assist individuals in securing housing. Two new projects in Atlanta are in progress, including a rapid rehousing initiative and mixed-income units with permanent supportive housing.
Mayor Dickens, who prioritized affordable housing during his campaign, plans to complete 700 units of affordable housing by the end of the upcoming year. This includes 200 permanent supportive housing units and 500 quick delivery housing units paired with support services. Additionally, Partners for Home, a group collaborating with the city on housing, will receive a $10 million grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to aid in housing placement.
Partners for Home CEO Cathryn Vassell stressed the need to expedite housing placement for homeless individuals. She aims to secure an additional $43 million in private funding to expand services for the growing homeless population. Mental health issues are prevalent among homeless individuals, as highlighted in a survey conducted last year. Vassell called for increased mental health services by government entities, particularly for those without health insurance.
Vassell underscored the ongoing nature of addressing homelessness, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment and resources to respond effectively to this urgent issue. The collective efforts of both public and private sectors are vital in swiftly and compassionately addressing homelessness in Atlanta and beyond.
