Mayor, City invest millions into new plan to assist Atlanta’s unhoused

Dozens of people gathered outside of Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta for the press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta VoiceMayor, City invest millions into new plan to continue assisting Atlanta’s unhousedBy Donnell SuggsAtlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Partners for HOME CEO Cathryn Vassell, Georgia State University President Dr. M. Brian Blake, Frank Fernandez of Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, and members of the Atlanta City Council gathered on the corner of Peachtree Street near Woodruff Park for the special announcement. The park, a regular stop for the city’s homeless and unhoused, alike, was surrounded by Atlanta Police and people in suits and casual dress. New York City native and Atlanta resident Demetrius Overton wondered if it all meant anything at all. “You don’t see a lot of these people around here any other time,” Overton, 38, said. “They preach that good song, but does anyone here it.”Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (left) and Partners for HOME CEO Cathryn Vassell. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta VoiceThe Mayor was first to speak and announced a major investment in the effort to combat what remains a major issue in Atlanta: homelessness. A public-private investment of some $150 million will...