Mayor Dickens: ‘Falling on hard times is not a crime,’ following Supreme Court decision
Mayor Dickens: ‘Falling on hard times is not a crime,’ following Supreme Court decision
The justices determined Friday that such ordinances do not constitute cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment.
ATLANTA — Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has responded to the recent US Supreme Court ruling that allows cities to ticket people for sleeping outside.
The justices determined Friday that such ordinances do not constitute cruel and unusual punishment under the 8th Amendment.
In his statement, Dickens emphasized that “falling on hard times is not a crime” and advocated for directing resources toward initiatives like the Melody, which supports unhoused individuals rather than penalizing them.
The Supreme Court’s decision comes as the United States grapples with a significant rise in homelessness. The case originated in Grants Pass, Oregon, where the city had begun fining people $295 for sleeping outside as housing costs soared and public parks became encampment sites. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals had previously struck down this law, ruling that banning camping in places without sufficient shelter beds amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.
Mayor Dickens’ housing initiatives
Dickens has been proactive in addressing homelessness in Atlanta through various housing initiatives. His administration’s goal is to build or preserve 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030. This effort includes a five-year strategic plan to create and preserve 10,000 affordable housing units by June 2027, utilizing significant investments and partnerships with local organizations.
One of the key programs is the Rapid Housing initiative, which reallocates $4 million from the city budget to help house those in need. This initiative uses shipping containers and temporary structures donated by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to provide quick and cost-effective housing solutions. The first location for this program is at 184 Forsyth Street, near a MARTA station, ensuring residents have access to essential services and amenities.
Additionally, the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors has approved funding for 500 micro units to help those experiencing homelessness. These units are designed to be flexible, serving as temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent housing options, and include access to wraparound services such as healthcare and employment support.
Dickens continues to advocate for innovative and compassionate approaches to help those without permanent housing, emphasizing that every Atlantan deserves a place to call home.
Read his full statement below:
“Our Administration has been focused on housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness since day one. Falling on hard times is not a crime.
Since taking office, we’ve humanely relocated hundreds of individuals from encampments throughout the city. Those folks are now working their way back to self-sufficiency. We have shown that resources are better spent on initiatives like The Melody and the Ralph David House to provide families a safe and secure place to call home—and that is exactly what our Administration will continue to do.”