July 1, 2025
The Downtown Rising Undertaking hopes to deal with 400 folks by subsequent yr.
As Atlanta kicks off preparations for probably the most vital international sporting occasions, it has one factor on its precedence checklist outdoors of the video games.
The town has intensified its efforts to fight homelessness in preparation for internet hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Based on 11Alive, the initiative goals to take 400 folks off the streets of Atlanta by means of a program known as Downtown Rising.
Led by the nonprofit Companions for House, the $212 million challenge goals to supply shelter for a whole bunch of unhoused Atlantans. Regardless of the timelines coinciding with Atlanta’s stint as a FIFA host metropolis, leaders of this system insist that the nice work would have carried on regardless.
“We’re not doing this simply due to the World Cup,” stated Annie Hyrilla with Companions for House. “We’re doing this to deal with people and to maintain folks housed.”
At present, a number of outreach employees are on the bottom in Atlanta to help unhoused people with the assist and documentation they should safe long-term shelter.
“We’re investing in everlasting supportive housing, and I feel that actually illuminates our dedication,” added Hyrilla.
The town is presently creating two main models to deal with these experiencing homelessness. One of many developments, deemed Waterworks, will function 100 models, with 30 designated for round the clock medical and psychological healthcare. The models will come pre-furnished once they arrive on the website.
So far, 49 folks have been housed because of the Downtown Rising initiative. One other housing website, positioned at 405 Cooper Road, plans to rework a former homeless encampment right into a second supportive housing improvement. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens known as the location “modern” as a result of it addresses town’s homelessness disaster.
Based on Companions for House, Atlanta skilled a 7% enhance in its homeless inhabitants final yr, rising to almost 2,900 unhoused people within the metropolis. Household homelessness additionally elevated by 14%. The nonprofit attributed these rising numbers to rising rents and low emptiness charges, alongside a rising inhabitants.
Nonetheless, governmental investments in initiatives like Downtown Rising can tremendously cut back the variety of these unhoused. Companions for House additionally hopes to surpass its 400-person aim and needs this system’s success through the World Cup to take its efforts even additional.
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