Atlanta presses Fulton County over funding shortfall for homelessness services

Atlanta and Fulton County leaders gathered last week at the Beacon on Cooper, an upcoming rapid housing development in South Atlanta, to address the issue of homelessness.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens addressed Fulton County’s admittance in December that it does not have the promised funds to cover the cost of services, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting.

“Health and Human Services is a requirement of the county government, so we are standing here today saying: Do what you say you’re gonna do,” Dickens said at the gathering. “And for the next 30 years, you’re supposed to put up at a minimum $4.8 million. You can’t walk back from that.”

As part of a 30-year agreement signed in 2019, the city of Atlanta is responsible for funding the construction of 230 supportive housing units scheduled to be completed this year, and Fulton County is responsible to cover the cost of supportive services.

The agreement committed Fulton County to $4.8 million annually, which Dickens said it is short in 2026 by about $2.1 million.

Fulton District 4 Commissioner Mo Ivory said Fulton County needs to honor their commitment to reduce homelessness.

“Fulton County is already paying for homelessness through jail operations, emergency care, and crisis services,” she said. “Supportive housing costs less and produces better outcomes. This is not spending more; it’s about spending smarter.”

Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts told Atlanta News First that the 2026 budget will be voted on Wednesday, and the missing $2.1 million will be in the final budget.

“Read my lips. That $2.1 million dollars will be in the approved 2026 budget,” Pitts said.

However, Pitts said the agreement between the city and county states that the county must only pay the funds if they are available.

“2027 and beyond we’ll have to find the money, because we may or may not have it,” he said.