City Hall wants public input on homelessness

City Hall says it is looking for public input on plans to combat homelessness in Athens: the call for feedback comes after the Georgia Legislature, in a session that adjourned last week, called for local governments to crack down on homeless encampments. A feedback form is on the Athens-Clarke County government website and will be accepting comments through April 23.

From the Athens-Clarke Co government website…

In a continued effort to develop a well-informed strategic plan to reduce and prevent homelessness, the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government—in collaboration with consulting firm The Cloudburst Group—is now seeking input from the local business community and college students through two targeted surveys available at www.accgov.com/arpa.

The business-focused survey seeks to better understand how business owners and managers interact with individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as the impact that this complex social issue has on their business. This survey is available through April 23, 2023.

A second survey, available through April 23, 2023, is for individuals who are enrolled in a local institution of higher learning. Undergraduate and graduate students who have previously or are currently living with housing insecurity or homelessness are particularly encouraged to participate.

Both surveys are completely voluntary and take approximately 15 minutes to answer. All responses will be kept confidential and will only be reported in aggregate as part of the strategic plan.

As part of this strategic effort, ACCGov has already conducted surveys for service providers and individuals currently experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, as well as listening sessions with key stakeholder groups. Residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed plan over the summer before it is presented to the Mayor and Commission in the fall.

On May 1, 2022, the Mayor & Commission authorized the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for specific uses and designated program areas including Youth Development and Violence Prevention, Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Business Development and Workforce Support, and Behavioral Health.

The initial advisory group for Homelessness is the Athens Homeless Coalition. They are charged with creating a community‐wide five year strategic plan to address homelessness, to reduce and prevent homelessness in Athens Clarke County, and to strengthen the mental health and social service support systems for unhoused residents.

For more information on ACCGov’s strategic plan to reduce and prevent homelessness, visit www.accgov.com/arpa or contact the Housing and Community Development Department at 706-613-3155.

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