If you live in Atlanta, it’s no secret that there is always construction going on in and around the city. While it may interrupt our daily commute for just a few months, it makes a much greater impact on those experiencing homelessness. There has not only been a rise in construction around Atlanta lately, but common areas for those experiencing homelessness have seen a shift and it’s making a big impact. Here’s a closer look at how that construction in Atlanta impacts homelessness.

Many of the changes are small things to most of us, but for those experiencing homelessness, they are deterrents, like closing parks for renovations and placing rocks under bridges. There have been news stories (like this one from 11alive) about the Georgia Department of Transportation placing rocks and boulders under bridges and in areas known for “homeless camps.” The parks are being gated and closed due to upcoming renovations. 

These are places where those experiencing homelessness have found a place to rest. When you have nowhere to go, you find what you can. But what happens when the place you found is taken from you?

Atlanta is home to over one-third of the state’s homeless population of nearly 10,000. 

Around 750 individuals sleep on the streets of Atlanta every night. And now many of the places they have gone for rest are gone, and they are left walking around the city trying to find somewhere to stay.

Additionally, the majority of people facing homelessness are facing relational poverty, meaning they have little to no trusted relationships in their lives. They have no one to turn to for help. They are doing this alone. No one deserves to endure a life of pain, hunger, and uncertainty. 

If you know someone who is experiencing homelessness or see someone trying to find a place to stay, please let them know about Atlanta Mission and send them this link if possible. We are here to help. Together, we can make a difference. For a better understanding of the problem of homelessness in Atlanta, click here.