Does Atlanta have a visible homeless problem? (homes, living)

[LowTune]

Does Atlanta have a visible homeless problem? What I mean is, are there a lot of homeless people and panhandlers on the street? I'm currently in Seattle now, I wanted to make it work, I really did... But it's unfortunate to see how many visibly homeless people there are. I don't have anything against homeless people, it just makes me wonder why Seattle's government is doing more to help. I know at least some of these people want to get off the street.

Anyways, does Atlanta have a similar problem?

[Fubarbundy]

So, you don't mind there being homeless people as long as they're invisible?

[0nyxStation]

The homeless in Downtown Atlanta are champions......i often try to dress homeless to keep them from approaching me, my wife always gives me away lol. I like going downtown, but the homeless dudes hurt the fun. Feminism

[LowTune]

Originally Posted by Fubarbundy

So, you don't mind there being homeless people as long as they're invisible?

An article I read similar to this one stated that around 40% of homeless people have jobs. I'm sure not all of them look homeless... What I mean by visibly homeless is just that, people who are homeless and undoubtedly look the part.

[0nyxStation]

Originally Posted by LowTune

An article I read similar to this one stated that around 40% of homeless people have jobs. I'm sure not all of them look homeless... What I mean by visibly homeless is just that, people who are homeless and undoubtedly look the part.

You dont have to explain yourself. Its a good question, good topic.

[lorilove]

Homelessness is not that easy of a solution.

Depending on what stats you are looking at, say 33% of homeless have severe mental illness - that number can increase when you include substance abuse.

The problem is that our rights protect the mentally ill - you can't just force them off the streets. I have known of families that are loving and caring with financial means that have someone on the streets that they are helpless to be able to help

For the invisible homeless which includes far too many children, yes we have a homeless problem.

For the visibly homeless you could argue we equally have a mental healthcare problem of which homelessness is one outcome.

http://homeless.samhsa.gov/ResourceF..._factsheet.pdf

[tikigod311]

Yeah we have a homeless problem. Just check out any of the pocket parks south of North Ave and they are chock full of homeless. These little parks are more like habitats for the homeless.

I wish they could provide enough housing for all of the homeless, all of them. Then, make it illegal to sleep in the street/parks. I don't think people should have the right to sleep and live in public spaces.

[LowTune]

Originally Posted by lorilove

Homelessness is not that easy of a solution.

I never said that it was.

Originally Posted by lorilove

Depending on what stats you are looking at, say 33% of homeless have severe mental illness - that number can increase when you include substance abuse.

The link you provided stated 26% of homeless people have mental problems....

Originally Posted by lorilove

The problem is that our rights protect the mentally ill - you can't just force them off the streets. I have known of families that are loving and caring with financial means that have someone on the streets that they are helpless to be able to help

There should be more homes/shelters for people with mental illnesses, no one said anything about "forcing" them off the streets.

Originally Posted by lorilove

For the invisible homeless which includes far too many children, yes we have a homeless problem.

For the visibly homeless you could argue we equally have a mental healthcare problem of which homelessness is one outcome.

http://homeless.samhsa.gov/ResourceF..._factsheet.pdf

Thank you for finally answering my question.

[alco89]

Yes. Yes we do.

[midtown mile girl]

Yes. In midtown right where west peachtree and peachtree meet, there is a homeless woman who has been living on a bench for about a year.
There are homeless people who walk up and down peachtree all the time asking for money. Today there was a woman with an infant in a stroller in front of Colony Square asking for money.