Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta City Council Propose $60 Million in Funding to Address Homelessness, Largest in Atlanta History

Mayor Andre Dickens and the Atlanta City Council have unveiled a groundbreaking proposal to allocate $60 million to combat homelessness, marking the largest public investment in the issue in Atlanta's history. The legislation includes a $50 million Homeless Opportunity Bond and an additional $10 million from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, with the total investment expected to exceed $120 million. This funding will facilitate the creation of up to 700 new units of high-quality, deeply affordable housing, including 500 quick-delivery units to be completed by the end of 2025. The initiative also aims to enhance the City’s existing permanent supportive housing pipeline, providing crucial support services to unhoused residents. The announcement is particularly timely as Atlanta faces a 63% increase in its unsheltered population since the onset of the pandemic.

Mayor Dickens highlighted the importance of this investment, stating that it goes beyond providing temporary shelter, aiming to build a foundation for a better life. District 1 Councilmember Jason Winston echoed this sentiment, emphasizing housing as a cornerstone of community infrastructure. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including The Community Foundation, reflect a united commitment to addressing homelessness in Atlanta.