Homelessness in Atlanta

According to the winter census, released in June, homelessness in Atlanta is up for the second year in a row. The number of people living in shelters increased by 7% this past year, while the number of people living without shelter rose by a third.

The city also acknowledged that the actual numbers are likely higher than those reported.

More Than a Statistic

Earlier this year, Mayor Andre Dickens signed an executive order, allocating $4.6 million to help the city’s unhoused population. The order was part of a plan that prioritizes expanding shelter services, warming center operations, and adding shelter sites.

In a statement reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, the mayor commented: “Every single one of us is one bad day, one disaster, one serious illness or tragedy away from experiencing homelessness.”

And he is absolutely right.

According to LendingTree, 49% of U.S. adults admit they wouldn’t be able to cover a $1,000 emergency. Meanwhile, 93% of adults have experienced a financial emergency at least once and 32% have experienced one in the last six months.

Without a solid financial foundation, many of us are a lot more vulnerable than we think.

Helping Where We Can

There are a wide range of complex factors that contribute to homelessness: access to affordable housing, the economy, job market fluctuations, and systemic barriers that make it difficult for certain groups to access opportunity… and it’s important that we continue addressing these.

One thing we can do today, however, is help our vulnerable neighbors become more resilient by connecting them with emergency assistance, housing opportunities, and financial education.

When the issues are this large and complex, it can sometimes feel like they’re out of our hands. But this one isn’t.

Click below to learn how BCM Georgia helps prevent homelessness in our communities one family at a time.