ATLANTA, Ga – There are concerns about the homeless being displaced and neglected as the FIFA World Cup approaches Atlanta.
The FIFA World Cup begins June 15 and ends July 15. This year’s World Cup will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
PlayFair Atlanta is one of the organizations trying to combat homelessness as the world's most prestigious international soccer tournament approaches.
Michael Collins, who is the director of PlayFair ATL, shared his concerns with OpGov.News. Collins is against putting the homeless behind bars.
Michael Collins outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Atlanta. Photo Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“We do not believe that arrests or incarceration are the solutions to homelessness,” Collins said. “Being unhoused is not a crime.”
Collins provided a detailed response when asked about why he is skeptical that residents and visitors could wind up in the overcrowded Fulton County Jail. It’s all about planning.
“Because although the city has a plan to house people in the downtown area, we know that they don’t have enough houses, so they have a choice - stop evicting people from encampments or arrest people,” Collins said. “The fear is they will do the latter.”
His organization clearly explains what they are about and their connection to Atlanta.
“Play Fair ATL is committed to advancing fairness, transparency, and equity in Atlanta,” PlayFair ATL website states. “We believe that mega-events and large-scale public projects should create good jobs, protect human rights (including immigrant rights), prevent racial discrimination, and strengthen — not fragment — local communities.”
Chief Executive Officer Cathryn Vassell stated that Partners for HOME has engaged with PlayFair Atlanta to share information about Atlanta’s coordinated approach to homelessness.
Cathyrn Vassell, Photo Credit: Partners for Home website
Vassell detailed the significance of Atlanta playing host to the popular sporting event.
“The FIFA World Cup presents an important moment for Atlanta, not just as a global event, but as an opportunity to demonstrate what a coordinated, compassionate approach to homelessness can achieve,” Vassell said.
Homelessness and displacement of unhoused individuals isn’t anything new for the Peach State.
According to the Brookings website, during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, almost 30,000 Atlantans were uprooted from their homes and faced challenges in finding affordable housing. Brookings added that 9,000 homeless people were illegally arrested, contributing to long-term economic instability for constituents of color.
Vassell detailed the progress Atlanta is making to end homelessness.
“Through Downtown Rising, a multi-year initiative led by Partners for HOME, more than 450 individuals who were previously unsheltered have been connected to permanent housing,” Vassell, who has worked for Partners for Home since 2015, said.
She wants to help homeless people at all times. Additionally, she provided a solution to those who are on the streets during the FIFA World Cup.
“The priority is to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness are connected to safe shelter and, ultimately, permanent housing,” Vassell said. “Through coordinated outreach efforts, individuals are guided to shelters that offer a clear pathway to stable housing, along with supportive services tailored to their needs.”
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact jorden.h@lead4earth.org.
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