Millions of individuals in the US and around the world are impacted by the humanitarian crisis of homelessness. Homelessness is a problem in both rural and suburban locations, despite being most commonly associated with cities.
This essay will concentrate on Atlanta, the Georgian city with the highest number of homeless persons in the state. We’ll look at the reasons for homelessness in Atlanta, its problems, potential remedies, and how it stacks up against other American and Georgian cities.
The Georgian City With the Highest Homeless Population
Atlanta, the largest city and capital of Georgia, holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest homeless population in the state.
As reported by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, Atlanta’s homeless count reached 2,679, equating to 5.4 individuals per 1,000 residents. This marked the highest homelessness rate among all Georgia cities and the 25th highest nationwide.
The issue of homelessness is intricate and impacts individuals from diverse backgrounds and situations. Common factors contributing to homelessness encompass a lack of affordable housing, unemployment, poverty, low wages, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and discrimination.
Those experiencing homelessness encounter numerous challenges and risks, including exposure to the elements, hunger, disease, violence, stigma, and isolation.
Possible Solutions to Address Homelessness Issue
Through a number of projects and organizations, including the Atlanta Housing Authority, the Atlanta Continuum of Care, the Gateway Center, and the United Way of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta has been attempting to address the issue of homelessness.
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, case management, outreach, prevention, and advocacy are just a few of the services that these organizations offer. Atlanta’s homeless population decreased by 17% between 2020 and 2023, which was a major improvement.
Still, a lot of effort needs to be done to put an end to homelessness in Georgia and Atlanta. The World Population Review ranks Georgia as having the 24th greatest number of homeless people in the country in 2024 with 10,689 total.
Along with a high rate of sheltered homelessness, the state has 47.7% of homeless people living in unfit environments. Furthermore, homelessness is a problem that exists in both urban and rural areas.
According to Georgia Public Broadcasting, some Georgians who reside in rural areas have been forced to leave their houses due to growing rental prices and earnings that have not kept up with inflation.
You May Also Read:
- This New Mexico City Has the Most Homeless People in the State
- Homelessness Peaks in This Illinois City, Surpassing State Averages
- Risk on the Rise: This City Faces the Spotlight as Utah’s Most Challenged Locale
- Raising Awareness: This City in Maryland Faces Crisis With State’s Highest Human Trafficking Rate
To Conclude
A comprehensive and coordinated response from all governmental levels, the commercial sector, charitable organizations, and the community is needed to address the humanitarian catastrophe of homelessness. We can guarantee that everyone has a respectable, reasonably priced, and safe place to live if we band together.
Even though Atlanta’s homeless population has decreased, a sizable portion of people still have to deal with the difficult reality of living in the open. More than just emergency services are needed to address this difficult issue; a holistic approach is needed.
Atlanta has a long and difficult road ahead of it, but it is not insurmountable in the end. Through putting a strong emphasis on prevention, encouraging teamwork, and welcoming creative solutions, Atlanta can create a future in which everyone has a secure home.