The homeless "problem" in Atlanta

April 19, 2008 in Current Events with View Comments

“The same guy asked me for money five times yesterday,” he said, noting the competition is fierce. “I’ve been to Detroit and Houston, but it’s nothing like here.”

I read an article in today’s AJC newspaper that got me thinking, and I want some more perspetive. The article talks about how in Atlanta, there are quite a few homeless people downtown, and how it is a problem in the city.

A study commissioned recently by the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau confirms that panhandling is a major problem, and it’s getting worse.

A sampling of 164 out-of-towners interviewed from October 2007 to February of this year said panhandling ranked second —- behind traffic —- among the things they disliked most about Atlanta.

The article goes on to say that laws were passed that outlawed direct panhandling, but allowed a more passive approach (I guess that means someone holding a sign asking for money). People are mad though because those laws are not being enforced.

I agree, it is a little annoying when you go downtown in Atlanta and are bombarded by several homelss people asking for money. It’s always a little awkward.

But I keep thinking that maybe the solution is not outlawing it, but maybe taking a more proactive approach by maybe investing in some kind of outreach program that helps get people off of the streets and their life back in order. For some of these people, without a swift kick in the pants, they will never get out of the hole they are in. I guess my heart goes out to some people who maybe can’t see the big picture and don’t have the will power themselves to change. Homelessness has been around since Biblical times, so it is obviously a big issue.

What do you think?

Read the article

Photo courtesy of SamPac

  • Amanda
    Being homeless is a choice?
    Sure it is. So was going to Iraq and Afginistan. Bad decision making.
    Being lied into Iraq was something many homeless bought into along with other lies of
    this administration.

    God loves the homeless too. I am fortunate. I am not homeless. We should help
    those who are. It is being recorded somwhere bigger than here on Earth.
  • Amanda
    Being homeless is a choice?
    Sure it is. So was going to Iraq and Afginistan. Bad decision making.
    Being lied into Iraq was something many homeless bought into along with other lies of
    this administration.

    God loves the homeless too. I am fortunate. I am not homeless. We should help
    those who are. It is being recorded somwhere bigger than here on Earth.
  • That is the kind of thing I'm talking about. Imagine if they could get more funding from the government, it might go up to 1 out of 5 that drop out, or maybe even none.
  • That is the kind of thing I'm talking about. Imagine if they could get more funding from the government, it might go up to 1 out of 5 that drop out, or maybe even none.
  • Mackalicious
    Additionally, there is a place downtown called the Temple Zaban something or another run by the Atlanta Jewish Community. My company provided dinner for the people who live there for free and have resources such as internet and resume building to get people jobs and set up with apartment rental once they're employed. The Temple Zaban has a strict policy as to what you can and can't do while living there, mandatory AA, drug screening, scheduled meals and curfews. Unfortunately they have nearly 2 of every 5 people drop out of their program and go back to the streets.
  • Mackalicious
    Additionally, there is a place downtown called the Temple Zaban something or another run by the Atlanta Jewish Community. My company provided dinner for the people who live there for free and have resources such as internet and resume building to get people jobs and set up with apartment rental once they're employed. The Temple Zaban has a strict policy as to what you can and can't do while living there, mandatory AA, drug screening, scheduled meals and curfews. Unfortunately they have nearly 2 of every 5 people drop out of their program and go back to the streets.
  • Mackalicious
    At one point in time I felt sorry for the homeless. I know this is going to sound mean but I believe that being homeless is a choice. It is the final outcome in a life of bad decision making. The thing that changed my mind was when I heard someone say, "Imagine you are living on the streets in the blink of an eye, you immediately turn to family/friends for help. If you have alienated yourself and burned EVERY SINGLE bridge to get where you are now, you deserve to be there because you did it to yourself."
  • Mackalicious
    At one point in time I felt sorry for the homeless. I know this is going to sound mean but I believe that being homeless is a choice. It is the final outcome in a life of bad decision making. The thing that changed my mind was when I heard someone say, "Imagine you are living on the streets in the blink of an eye, you immediately turn to family/friends for help. If you have alienated yourself and burned EVERY SINGLE bridge to get where you are now, you deserve to be there because you did it to yourself."
  • I agree, if there was a program, it could be one that teaches to take initiative and maybe look for a job, manage finances, etc.
  • I agree, if there was a program, it could be one that teaches to take initiative and maybe look for a job, manage finances, etc.
  • an outreach program is great but there should be an initiatve from these homeless people to tend after themselves and get their acts done. sometimes it boils to just being lazy. i don't mean to be harsh about this but america is a rich country. everything is readily available. the opportunities are unbelievably great. :(
  • an outreach program is great but there should be an initiatve from these homeless people to tend after themselves and get their acts done. sometimes it boils to just being lazy. i don't mean to be harsh about this but america is a rich country. everything is readily available. the opportunities are unbelievably great. :(
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