The Blueprint to End Homelessness: Seven Point Plan
Homelessness has been a long-standing problem for the City of Atlanta. Many individuals have been unfortunately placed in this predicament for reasons that are far beyond their immediate control. The continuing presence of homelessness is not an issue to be easily overlooked. In an effort to address the matter, effective programs and services must be implemented that will adhere to the challenges that relate to homelessness by both preventing its occurrence and providing the support to enable self -reliance.
The Seven Point Plan is a set of programs designed to initiate a long-term effort to end homelessness in the City. At the request of Mayor Franklin, the United Way formed The Commission on Homelessness to make a detailed analysis on the issue, the plan is to have an immediate effect by reducing the number of homeless individuals considerably. The programs that are to be utilized in the effort include the following:
Create a 24/7 Services Center to provide the homeless with access to showers, toilets, storage, telephones and emergency beds, and for the appropriate staffing to administer specialized services. The annual operating budget is estimated at $1.7million.
Expand a reunification program to assist those homeless persons who wish to be reunited with verified family or support systems. The annual operating budget is estimated at $275,000.
Establish Hope House, to provide transitional housing program for 70 homeless men who are participating in a program leading to self-sufficiency. The annual operating budget is estimated at $278,000.
Expand Foreclosure/ Eviction Prevention to increase availability of funds for mortgage and rent assistance. The annual operating budget is estimated at $1.5-1.75million.
Establish Shelter-A-Family Faith Community Initiative to select families from shelters and match them with local congregations or civic organizations for six months to a year. The congregation supports the family until the family reaches self-sufficiency. The annual operating budget is estimated at $90,000.
Expand Community Court to provide an alternative to jail and serve as a gateway for homeless and addicted or mentally ill persons to receive the treatment services available to them. The annual operating budget is estimated at $470,000.
Create Permanent Supportive Housing with on-site services (and supervision in addition to property management) for mentally ill, substance addicted, or dually diagnosed homeless adult individuals. The capital budget is estimated at $3.5-4.9 million per facility.