November is Homelessness Awareness Month. Here’s where Atlanta stands in 2023.
November is an important month in the effort to address homelessness. Not only is it Homelessness Awareness Month. Every November, on Veterans Day, we show gratitude to those who served — who, unfortunately, make up a large percentage of the clients we assist at HOPE Atlanta. And as the temperature drops, we’re reminded of our neighbors who face a long, grueling winter ahead without shelter.
Let’s look at some of the recent data and trends to be aware of this month and every month as we strive for a more equitable community in Atlanta.
#1: Atlanta homelessness is trending upward again.
According to the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, an annual, unduplicated census of people experiencing homelessness on a given night in January, the number of people in emergency shelters increased by 84% between 2022 and 2023. The number of unsheltered individuals counted was up by 15%. While homelessness overall is down 25% since 2017, it remains a humanitarian crisis. After all, the temperature was in the 30s the night of the PIT count — and at least 738 of our neighbors were sleeping outside in the cold.
#2: Economic factors are largely to blame for homelessness.
Atlanta has the highest income inequality in the U.S., combined with a dire lack of affordable housing. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, there is a deficit of 22,000 affordable housing units available to meet the growing need. This systemic inequality, combined with a dire lack of affordable housing, is a one-two punch for low-income Atlanta residents or those experiencing homelessness. To put it in perspective, a person earning minimum wage would have to work more than three full-time jobs to afford a two-bedroom apartment at market rate.
#3: More than a third of the unhoused population are 55 and older.
In 2023, the Atlanta PIT Count expanded its data collection and reporting methodologies to study homelessness by age group. Disturbingly, 34% of the unhoused population are age 55 and older. Seniors on fixed incomes are acutely impacted by rising housing costs and inflation, often forced to make impossible choices to make ends meet. Our team has also seen an uptick in seniors urgently seeking help, often suffering from chronic health conditions.
#4: Veteran homelessness is a persistent issue.
According to a Housing Assistance Council study sponsored by The Home Depot, nearly a quarter (23.4%) of Georgia veterans live in housing that is not considered affordable for their income. A third have a disability connected to their military service. More than 40,000 Georgia veterans live in poverty, and 664 are homeless.
#5: Now is the time for bold action — not just awareness.
Despite the troubling statistics and long-standing structural failings that cause homelessness, we believe homelessness is not inevitable, nor should it be considered a “normal” part of society. The COVID-19 crisis previewed what our community can achieve when we prioritize addressing homelessness; with unprecedented mobilization and additional pandemic relief resources, homelessness dropped 37% between 2020 and 2022.
We also remain HOPEful that lasting change is possible with compassion, collaboration, and innovation. For our part, we are embarking on a new chapter in our 123-year history, with a new strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness by empowering clients to achieve self-sufficiency and thrive.
But, as we’ve said many times before, this work takes a village. If you’ve ever wished there was something you could do to help the unsheltered people you see during your daily commute or in your neighborhood, consider this your invitation to join the cause.
We invite you to stay in the know about our work, impact, and ways to make a difference. Follow HOPE Atlanta on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and subscribe to our blog and emails.
Want to make a difference right away? A donation to HOPE Atlanta is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our neighbors in need.
