Addressing Homelessness
We believe that a livable, vibrant, and economically robust Downtown must reflect our shared values, which means we take an active role in social issues and support our Downtown service organizations that provide for those in need. If you are interested in becoming a part of our work that addresses homelessness, please contact Shevenie Reid Page at sreid@atlantadowntown.com or 404-658-1980.
Focal Initiative: Addressing Homelessness Through Outreach
In September 2020, the ADID Outreach Team pilot program was launched. This effort was deployed as a mobile response unit to build capacity in the homeless service system on a short-term basis while community providers and their outreach teams worked to resume uninterrupted service delivery to those experiencing homelessness on the streets of Downtown.
In 2021, the socially responsible stakeholders who make up our Downtown business community continue to be concerned about the observed perception of homelessness on our Downtown streets. As such, ADID maintains its investment in both people and property using an impactful approach to addressing homelessness through the innovative outreach initiative.
The Outreach Team provides a timely response to non-criminal, non-emergency quality of life, business nuisance, public disturbance, substance use, or mental health concerns in Downtown Atlanta with Social Workers and Safety Advocates trained in de-escalation and crisis management with a network of connections to shelters, as well as treatment facilities, and care providers.
Call the dispatch line: 404-215-9600
2021 Metrics:
- Community Calls for Service = 741
- Connections to Shelter = 1,301
- COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Linkages = 1,282
- Contact Engagements = 2,525
- Collaborative placements into Transitional or Permanent Housing, Cumulative (2020 and 2021) = 276
Learn More About The Outreach Team
Community Resource Card
We have created a Community Resource Card as a tool to assist persons in need of shelter and food resources. It can also be utilized as a helpful guide to contacts for safety, cleanliness, and other Downtown resources. The card is a tangible resource of homeless services, providers, and public safety information that can be downloaded or requested from us as needed. Please keep the Community Resource Card as a reference and stay tuned for opportunities to learn, participate in conversations, and join the collective effort to support the most vulnerable among us with dignity and respect.
2021 Street Homelessness Survey
Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District conducted the 2021 Street Homelessness Survey to understand the reality of unsheltered homelessness on the streets of Downtown Atlanta. Results from the Survey provide an insightful perspective on the number of individuals who are experiencing street homelessness and what their various needs are.