DeKalb County Commissioners advance Housing First plan to combat homelessness with new coalition

DeKalb County officials are taking significant steps to address homelessness through a new Housing First model, as discussed in the recent PECS Committee meeting. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive plan that not only provides immediate housing solutions but also integrates essential support services for the unhoused population.

Commissioner Bobby Van Vadimir highlighted the importance of a unified approach, emphasizing that the plan will enhance existing efforts by the Continuum of Care (COC) and involve collaboration with local organizations such as Clarital Behavioral Health and Emory. "Housing First looks at a system approach," he stated, underscoring the need for various housing options, including bridge housing and permanent housing.

The committee is set to wrap up its Behavioral Health Coalition by the end of February, paving the way for the launch of the unhoused coalition in March. This transition is crucial as it will expand stakeholder involvement and refine the strategies to tackle homelessness effectively.

Commissioner Terry raised concerns about the timeline and budget for implementing the new plan, suggesting that the completion date be extended to October 2025 to allow for thorough planning and resource allocation. The committee agreed to defer the resolution for two weeks to gather more detailed budget estimates and input from the newly appointed housing director.

The discussions reflect a growing consensus among DeKalb County leaders on the urgency of addressing homelessness, with plans to present a clear outline of actionable steps and measurable goals. As the committee prepares to move forward, the focus remains on creating a sustainable and impactful strategy to reduce the number of unhoused individuals in the community.