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Residents urge Clayton County to step up on homelessness, voice concern over SB 375 and DFCS delays
Summary
Speakers at the Nov. 4 Clayton County meeting urged continued funding for Calvary Refuge, described homelessness hardships, asked for a coordinated resource giveaway and raised alarms about a local DFCS office closed since 2024; one Fulton County commenter warned about Georgia Senate Bill 375.
At the start of public comment, speakers raised homelessness and services as primary concerns. Trella Daniels (District 1 resident) told the board about residents she said rely on Calvary Refuge and asked commissioners to continue funding the nonprofit. "They're not asking for opulence. They're asking for survival," Daniels said.
Sabrina Hill (Jonesboro) thanked the board for prior funding to Calvary Refuge and asked the county and district leaders to coordinate a countywide resource giveaway as benefits and food assistance programs face uncertainty. Hill and commissioners identified several upcoming food drives and said they would coordinate schedules to avoid duplication.
Joan McNeil, a student navigator with Clayton County Public Schools' Homeless Education Department, highlighted that November is Homelessness Awareness Month and described McKinney-Vento protections for students experiencing homelessness, urged residents to wear green and offered the department's contact information.
Theresa Talley (District 3) told commissioners that the county has had only one Division of Children and Family Services (DFCS) office, which she said has been inoperable since 2024. "I went by there today, still closed," Talley said, urging the board to prioritize repairs, relocation or other fixes because residents rely on the service. Chairwoman Dr. Alika Anderson Henry replied that county staff have spoken with the director and that the state will assist with repairs.
Fulton County resident Peter Friedrich used his three-minute comment to warn the board about Georgia Senate Bill 375, which he said "defines Hinduphobia" and is vague enough to chill academic and public discussion about foreign governments. Friedrich argued the bill could be used by outside groups to influence civil-rights investigations; the clerk ended his time and asked him to leave supplemental materials for commissioners.
Commissioners acknowledged the public comments, noted planned and ongoing county coordination on food drives and services, and said staff would continue work with community partners and the state to address facility repairs and service continuity. No formal board action was taken during public comment; several speakers asked for future coordination and follow-up from county staff.
