Mayor describes ‘challenge’ of addressing homeless camps around Atlanta

ATLANTA — Have you noticed the homeless camps that are popping up around Atlanta?

They look like tent cities along city streets and under bridges.

Channel 2′s Dave Huddleston went straight to the mayor to get answers about what is being done to help.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has talked a lot about affordable housing, but Huddleston asked her specifically about the homeless.

“This is something that's a challenge I see every day," Bottoms said.

In a one-on-one interview, Bottoms told Huddleston her administration is working to help Atlanta’s homeless population, especially since the closing of the Peachtree and Pine Shelter.

Huddleston spotted several homeless camps and hangouts in the downtown area.

One location was where drivers get onto Interstate 20 west as they leave downtown. Another larger camp was under I-20 on Pryor Street. Huddleston counted more than 20 tents there Wednesday.

Hridee Haq said she's seen the homeless tents, and hopes the people are getting help.

"I feel like having shelters is very important and I don't feel like it would be that hard to provide," Haq said.

"We've made so much progress with specific groups, even with the veteran homeless population, but now we're with a population that's a bit more challenged and a bit more reluctant to accept services," Bottoms said.

It is estimated about 3,200 people are living on Atlanta’s streets.

Bottoms said there has not been an increase in the homeless population, but what people are seeing are the tents being passed out to help those who refuse to go to a shelter.

"We are not going to simply try and hide our homeless population; we really want to provide services," Bottoms said.

Bottoms said if you see a homeless camp, call the city’s 311, that way they can come out check out the camp and provide services to anyone who wants them.

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