On Friday, October 1, at noon, Partners for HOME and Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative (PAD) will host a public, virtual mayoral candidate forum exploring the City of Atlanta’s response to people experiencing homelessness. Moderated by WABE’s Rose Scott, the forum will provide the opportunity for leading mayoral candidates to share how they plan to address homelessness in the City and respond to quality of life concerns, as well as answer questions from people having lived experience with homelessness.
The forum will explore the role of the City in addressing homelessness, including funding, housing options, and affordability. It will also include a discussion of city policies that affect the estimated 3,200 people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta, including enforcement activities, outreach, and use of public facilities. “People experiencing homelessness in our city routinely encounter violence and exposure to the elements and may serve up to six months in jail for survival activities such as sleeping overnight in public parks or asking for money,” states Moki Macias, Executive Director of PAD. “We are looking forward to a solutions-focused conversation which centers the people who have been most impacted by these challenges.”
Currently, the City receives approximately $8 million annually from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a fraction of what most other cities receive, which funds permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs. To date, there is no dedicated funding stream for homelessness in the city, county or state.
Responding to Homelessness: Critical Choices for Atlanta’s Next Mayor will be livestreamed for public viewing. To attend this event, RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/responding-to-homelessness-critical-choices-for-atlantas-next-mayor-tickets-172959355087.