Even in a busy city like Atlanta, there are moments when people become invisibleโparticularly those experiencing homelessness. As 61-year-old Chuck, who has lived unsheltered for three years, explained,
Weโve lost people out here. Nobody cares. If we were dogs, theyโd find us a place to stay.
ChuCK
But in Atlanta, the tide is turning.
On a recent winter night, more than 220 volunteers and 50 organizations gathered to participate in the Point-in-Time Count, an annual census of the cityโs unhoused population. Among them was Mayor Andre Dickens, who has been part of the count for nearly a decadeโnot for photo ops, but out of a genuine commitment to understanding and serving Atlantaโs most vulnerable.
โThese are our neighborsโour family, our friends, our constituents,โ Mayor Dickens said. โTonight is about collective impact. Itโs about seeing people fully and acting on their needs.โ
A Home and a Second Chance
For some, help came just in time.
George Suddeth, who had multiple strokes and was unable to find care in his hometown of Carrollton, found safety and support through The Melody, one of the cityโs rapid housing communities. Located downtown, it provides permanent supportive housing for those recovering from chronic homelessness and health challenges.
Meanwhile, Labera Patton, who was on the brink of homelessness while raising three grandchildren, was connected to Martin Street Plaza, an affordable townhome development made possible through city partnerships.
โI can finally close my bedroom door,โ Patton said, holding back tears. โItโs quiet. My grandkids are safe. This has changed our lives.โ
A Historic Investment with Measurable Impact
In September, the City of Atlanta passed a $50 million Homeless Opportunity Bondโthe largest investment in homelessness response in city history. The funding is already being used to rehabilitate vacant buildings and transform them into safe, supportive homes, like the 729 Bonaventure development downtown, which had been a hotspot for crime before the city stepped in.
Between now and next year, the city will deliver 635 permanent supportive housing units and continue efforts to prevent displacement through eviction assistance and property tax relief.
A Call for Collective Action
Mayor Dickens made clear that tackling homelessness is not a job for government alone.
โI invite all of youโnonprofits, developers, businesses, philanthropistsโto join us in this work,โ he said. โTogether, we are building a city that cares.โ
To learn more about Atlantaโs housing initiatives or how to get involved, visit: www.atlantaga.gov/housing
Interested in volunteering for the next Point-in-Time Count or supporting rapid housing efforts? Contact the Mayorโs Office of Human Services for upcoming opportunities.