“Falling into difficult times is not a crime”; Homeless won’t be fined, Atlanta mayor says – WSB-TV Channel 2

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“Some people choose not to go to shelters,” James Robinson said.

Robinson says he’s not homeless. He says he’s moved. Jones asked him what he thought about the court ruling that allows cities to ban homeless encampments.

“I say if you’re going to remove them, put them somewhere. Because some people don’t have families. Some people have problems that they’re dealing with,” he said.

There are homeless encampments in several places in Atlanta. Like under the I-20 bridge at Pryor Street. The Supreme Court has now ruled that homeless people can be fined and arrested if they sleep outside in public spaces.

Jawanza Brown says he is an advocate for the homeless. He said instead of fining people and locking people up, cities should try to help them get by.

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“We need to fund resources for these people. We need to put these people in homes,” Brown said.

Mayor Dickens said going through tough times is not a crime. He says that since he took office, the city has humanely moved hundreds of people from encampments to places like the Ralph David House. He says they are now returning to self-sufficiency.

Robinson says this is the right approach.

“If you’re going to remove people, at least find out why they’re here and solve the problem at the root.”

Dickens says the city has shown that resources are better spent on initiatives like The Melody and The Ralph David House, which provide families with a safe place to live. He says his administration has focused on housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness from day one.

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