Greg's take : The DeKalb County urban camping ordinance
Updated: Sep 2
As the Executive Director for A Home For Everyone In DeKalb, I attended the DeKalb Commission meeting on August 25 to hear public comments on urban camping and observe perspectives from residents and officials. It was encouraging to see many oppose the Urban Camping Ordinance by Commissioner Nicole Massiah. I wonder if our community will continue advocating for our unhoused neighbors and how long we must wear our yellow “Support Unhoused Neighbors” shirts to remind others of the dignity everyone deserves.
Our unhoused neighbors face many challenges, often lacking basic needs like food, showers, clean clothes, storage, and safe sleeping places. Law enforcement lacks meaningful alternatives, and our system doesn't provide enough options.
Shelter options in DeKalb County are limited. Frontline Response, the South DeKalb Day Center and St. Vincent de Paul offer critical services, but gaps remain. On Sundays, resources are scarce, with Tucker United Methodist Church providing meals and showers. Thanks to service providers and faith-based organizations filling these gaps.
The commissioners voted to delay action until September 29th. Contact the DeKalb County Commissioners here to speak out against the ordinance.
As a community, we must ask:
1) Why pursue a standalone Urban Camping Ordinance instead of the approved Unhoused Plan with consultant Carole Dotson, CEO of InTelegy
2) Were listening sessions held with unhoused neighbors to understand the hardships of living on the streets, and what impact will the ordinance have on this fragile population
considered?
3) Why is homelessness increasing in DeKalb County? Factors include an 86% rent increase from 2015-2025, stagnant wages, insufficient mental health resources, scarce emergency housing, transportation and healthcare barriers, limited affordable housing, and arrests for low-level offenses.
4) Why is access to public restrooms difficult?
Practical solutions we can implement now:
1) Offer Unhoused 101 Education Sessions in DeKalb County.
2) Increase funding for street outreach to build relationships and strengthen support systems.
3) Develop diversion programs/alternative response models to avoid arresting vulnerable individuals.
4) Create safe sleeping zones for men, women, and families, providing law enforcement with healthier alternatives.
5) Convene DeKalb County staff and key stakeholders to implement the unhoused plan's recommendations.
6) Create low-barrier emergency housing options for families needing stability pathways.
7) Provide places for community neighbors after 5pm and services on Sundays.
8) Increase public restroom access and create employment opportunities for maintenance.
As a community, we can choose solutions over punishment and compassion over politics. Let's work together to close gaps, strengthen support, and ensure a home for everyone in DeKalb. People over Politics.
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