DeKalb's Unhoused Support and Service Resolution

As Executive Director of A Home For Everyone In DeKalb, I witnessed the DeKalb Board of Commissioners adopt the Unhoused Support and Service Resolution. I participated in planning since last summer and raised concerns about resource access for community neighbors. Initially, there was no work group for those with lived experience.

Carol Dotson, CEO of InTelegy, facilitated sessions where thirteen unhoused individuals shared insights. They highlighted barriers such as unreturned calls, lack of transportation, unsafe sleeping conditions, poor communication, and the absence of emergency shelters except Frontline Response.

The eight resolutions are:

• Establish a nonprofit collaboration for homeless services in DeKalb County.

• Develop a DeKalb housing and services access line.

• Consolidate the DeKalb resource guide and create an update process.

• Develop regional hubs across DeKalb County.

• Expand coordinated entry access and options.

• Increase street outreach and case management capacity.

• Establish a low-barrier family shelter.

• Organize shared technology, data sharing, and community-level data reporting.

Next steps include a work session with stakeholders and DeKalb County staff to integrate the resolution into the county's housing plan.

New advocacy t-shirts were introduced at the meeting with the slogans: Support Unhoused Neighbors and Lead with Compassion, Act with Collaboration and Serve with Kindness. To join our advocacy efforts, contact Gregory White at gregwhite@ahomeforeveryoneindekalb.org.