City of Atlanta 90-Day Homelessness Task Force
City of Atlanta 90-Day Homelessness Task Force
Background and Review of Scope
The City of Atlanta City Council authorized the creation of a 90-Day Homelessness Task Force to examine the City’s current policies and procedures utilized to address issues surrounding persons experiencing homelessness, with a primary emphasis on establishing standard operating procedures for decommissioning encampments (Legislation 25-R-3086). In fulfillment of the legislated purpose, the Task Force is pleased to share a presentation at the 45-Day point at the Community Development and Human Services Committee on April 29th, 2025, as well as this Executive Summary.
The legislation specified 36 organizations, in addition to City departments, to comprise the Task Force and included nonprofit, faith-based, advocacy, and other governmental entities. This Task Force has been facilitated by outside consultant and four Subcommittees were formed to organize the work streams: Standard Operating Procedures and Policies (SOPP), Medical and Mental Health, Prevention and Diversion, and Alternative and Emerging Solutions. All Task Force members were given the opportunity to participate in as many Subcommittee meetings as they desired. Prior to the 45-Day Report, an in-person kickoff meeting, two in-person Task Force Core meetings, and 20 virtual Subcommittee meetings were conducted.
Standard Operating Procedures Recommendations
The full proposed Standard Operating Procedures for Decommissioning Encampments will be shared alongside this Executive Summary. Additional details may continue to be fine-tuned over the remaining duration of the Task Force. The list below represents key recommended improvements to the City’s Standard Operating Procedures for Decommissioning Encampments:
· Enhanced day-of-safety procedures through a multi-check verification approach
· Clear and consistent communication prior to any site activity
· Leverage trusted on-the-ground service providers with established relationships to support outreach
Preliminary Findings of Other Subcommittees
The below outlines early recommendations from each of the Subcommittees on topics for further review and discussion. The goal for the remaining 45 days of the Task Force will be to refine these recommendations for our final report to Council.
45-Day Report Presentation
On April 29, 2025, the 45-Day Report was presented at the Community Development and Human Services Committee meeting.
Click here to view the full presentation
90 Day Executive Summary
On June 10, 2025, the Final Report on Recommendations from Homelessness Task Force released.
Access the full 90 Day Task Force Report
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the City of Atlanta Homelessness Task Force?
A collaborative initiative to review, align, and improve the City’s response to homelessness.
2. Who participates in the Task Force?
City departments, elected officials, nonprofit providers, service organizations, and advocacy groups.
3. What are the Task Force's focus areas?
Encampment SOPs, healthcare needs, prevention strategies, and creative housing alternatives.
4. What is an encampment and how is it managed?
Encampments are informal settlements of 3+ tents or 7+ people. The City addresses them through outreach, cleanup, and decommissioning — with a goal of connecting people to shelter or services.
5. What is the “By-Name List” (BNL)?
A real-time, consent-based list of individuals experiencing homelessness used to coordinate housing and services.
6. What is Coordinated Entry (CE)?
A system that assesses and matches people to housing based on their level of need and urgency.
7. What is Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)?
Long-term housing paired with voluntary services for people with chronic homelessness or disabilities.
8. What is re-encampment?
When people return to a site after it's been cleared due to a lack of long-term solutions.
9. What are “spotters”?
Staff who monitor and document decommissioning activity, help ensure safety, and support humane treatment.
10. What’s the overall goal of Atlanta’s homelessness strategy?
To ensure every individual and family has access to shelter and a path to permanent, stable housing.
11. What is the Continuum of Care (CoC)?
A federally supported local network coordinating homelessness services and funding.
12. How can the public stay informed or get involved?
While the Task Force is limited to designated members, updates are regularly shared. Interested individuals can connect with Partners for Home or the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services for opportunities to support the work.