(ATLANTA) -- As the holidays approach, homelessness becomes a prevalent topic.
The Peach State isn’t immune to homelessness, and the numbers speak for themselves.
Approximately 2,894 residents are homeless as of this year, according to data from the Point-in-Time Count. Data from the Point-in-Time Count also shows that 1,061 people are sheltered and 1,833 are unsheltered.
The number of homeless people is staggering and has increased from 2,867 in 2024, despite the unfortunate circumstance of those unhoused, homelessness organizations in Atlanta step in to provide a helping hand.
Street Groomers and Partners for Home are among many organizations aiming to end homelessness.
Street Groomers mission is to clean up neighborhoods, reduce violence, restore dignity, and offer real alternatives to the streets.
OpGov.ai reached out to Street Groomers President LaQuana Ramsey for comment. Ramsey provided insight to what her organization does to combat homelessness.
LaQuana Ramsey and husband Phillip Ramsey (Photo courtesy LaQuana Ramsey)
“We don’t just hand out supplies,” Ramsey said. “We build community, opportunity, and hope where it’s been stripped away.”
Street Groomers' actions speak louder than words.
“In 2025, we purchased and distributed cots for unsheltered people, prioritizing women and elders so they don’t have to sleep on cold, hard ground,” Ramsey said.
The organization also hosts food, clothing, and hygiene drives every second Saturday in neighborhoods like the West End, according to Ramsey. Street Groomers is also distributing cots, blankets, sleeping bags, coats, and warm clothing during the cold winter months.
OpGov.ai was happy to hear from the CEO of Partners for Home, Cathryn Vassell.
Cathryn Vassell (Photo: Partners for Home website)
“Partners for Home was founded in 2015, the mission of Partners for HOME is to coordinate a comprehensive response system to end homelessness in the City of Atlanta,” According to their website.
Street Groomers has respect for Partners for Home and works with Vice President of Programs and Implementation Camille Russell.
“Street Groomers has actively partnered with Ms. Camille Russell to support the transition of homeless individuals into stable housing,” Ramsey said. “Their efforts demonstrate what genuine community leadership looks like: hands-on support, compassion, and real results for people who need it most.”
Vassell shared her perspective on homelessness.
“Homelessness is not simply a housing issue,” Vassell said. “It is a human issue. Behind every data point is a person who has navigated trauma, loss, or systemic barriers.”
Veterans, families, and youth experience homelessness.
There has been a 14% increase in family homelessness and a 2% increase in unsheltered homelessness, according to Vassell. The increase is shocking and disappointing, knowing some families need housing, especially with inflation, cold weather, and the necessities required to survive.
OpGov.ai also reached out to Councilmember Jason Winston who handles homelessness in his role.
Email sent to councilmember Jason Winston who didn’t respond
Unfortunately, Winston didn’t respond, showing a lack of care for the serious issue of homelessness.
Residents brought up the topic of homelessness during a recent City Council meeting on Dec. 1. Organizer with the Housing Justice League Matthew Nursey shared his thoughts.
Matthew Nursey speaks at the December Atlanta City Council meeting (Photo: Atlanta City Council YouTube)
“We need to focus more on things that keep people actually safe and that is an affordable place to live,” Nursey said.
Atlanta has experienced rise of homelessness as time has progressed. Certain factors contribute toward why the city is seeing more people unhoused.
“Atlanta, like many cities, is grappling with skyrocketing housing costs, shrinking affordable housing stock, and increased demand for behavioral health and supportive services,” Vassell said.
Partners for Home is staying proactive to help the homelessness crisis. The organization is making progress on providing housing for those unsheltered.
“We are making significant progress toward delivering 500 permanent supportive housing (PSH) units as part of the City’s investment and the broader Atlanta Rising campaign.”
The 500 units comes from $60 million provided by Mayor Andre Dickens to end homelessness. Ramsey wants to remind people about the true purpose of Street Groomers.
“Street Groomers isn’t a charity,” Ramsey said. “We are a movement. A grassroots force restoring dignity, safety, and opportunity, while tackling the systemic roots of violence and homelessness.”
Housed individuals can help the homelessness crisis by supporting housing first solutions, advocating for affordable housing, engaging with compassion, countering stigmas surrounding homelessness, and partnering with local organizations according to Vassell.
Homelessness is also a nationwide issue.
“Homelessness increased by 18 percent from 653,104 people during the 2023 Point-in-Time(PIT) Count to 771,480 people during the 2024 PIT,” according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
The numbers show how significant the issue is and why people like Ramsey, Vassell, and Nursey are passionate about homelessness.OpGov.ai cares about homelessness and wants people to have a comfortable space to live.
If you have any additional comments, questions, or concerns please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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