Atlanta’s mayor unveils an ambitious $60 million plan to combat homelessness.
At a Glance
- Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens proposes a $60 million investment in housing to tackle homelessness.
- The proposal includes building 700 affordable housing units by next year.
- The plan calls for the city’s largest single investment in homelessness to date.
- Funding includes a $50 million bond and $10 million from Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
A Comprehensive Plan Unveiled
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has proposed a comprehensive $60 million plan aimed at tackling the homelessness crisis in the city, marking the city’s largest single investment in this area to date. The proposal requires approval from the City Council and seeks to build 700 units of affordable housing by next year. This initiative aims to address both immediate and long-term needs, bolstering the community’s resilience.
The funding package includes a $50 million bond and $10 million from Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Additionally, the city aims to increase total spending to over $120 million with private contributions. Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for Home, emphasized the urgency and need for more resources, including mental health services. Mayor Dickens reiterated that the affordable housing crisis is a national issue.
We're not just building housing; we're building hope. Today, Mayor Dickens announced a historic $60 million investment to tackle homelessness in Atlanta, starting with a $50 million Homeless Opportunity Bond and $10 million from Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. With… pic.twitter.com/LBkus2s4sY
— City of Atlanta, GA (@CityofAtlanta) September 3, 2024
Key Elements of the Plan
The city’s $60 million investment plan includes several critical components designed to provide both immediate and long-term relief to Atlanta’s homeless population. First, the construction of 700 affordable housing units will include 200 permanent supportive housing units and 500 quick delivery housing units, both accompanied by essential support services.
“I believe that the lack of affordable housing has reached a crisis level, not just here in Atlanta, but in cities all across the United States of America and in every part of our region,” stated Mayor Andre Dickens.
Additionally, Partners for Home, an organization collaborating with the city, will receive $10 million from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. The organization aims to raise an additional $43 million in private funds to support its initiatives. Mayor Dickens stressed the urgency of addressing the affordable housing crisis, which he described as a national issue. Last year, Partners for Home successfully housed almost 2,500 households.
Innovative Housing Solutions
Beyond traditional housing, the city has already repurposed shipping containers into 40 studio apartments known as “The Melody.” This innovative approach follows a trend observed in other cities like Austin and Los Angeles. Two new projects are also underway: a rapid rehousing project with 100 modular units and a mixed-income project with 100 permanent supportive housing units. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to rehouse individuals more swiftly.
“We need to rehouse more people, and we need to rehouse more people faster,” said Cathryn Vassell.
The investment underscores the importance of mental health services, as surveys indicate many homeless individuals face significant mental health challenges. With the city’s robust financial support and a focus on comprehensive services, this initiative aims to create a more sustainable solution to homelessness.
