The Atlanta City Council is reportedly taking action to provide aid to the unhoused population at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. As travelers bustled through the airport on New Year's Day, one of the hub's busiest days, the issue of those who have no journey to make, using the facility for shelter, gained renewed attention, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
The airport for years has been a haven for individuals experiencing homelessness, seeking warmth and refuge. At its peak, an estimated 200 to 300 people were reported to spend the night there. Following discussions spanning several months, officials are ready to address the issue, looking to the airport's General Manager, Balram Bheodari, for guidance. Bheodari emphasized a compassionate approach: "We just didn't want to arrest people, and take them to jail, and put them in a van, and put them on the streets. We want it to be compassionate about it and find out why someone is homeless" he told a transportation committee to Fox 5 Atlanta News.
A screening program by the MARTA transit system, airport officials aim to lower the number of unhoused people staying overnight. The plan involves "renting rooms for X-number of dollars to handle the population," Bheodari explained, with the goal of offering secure housing and keeping individuals out of the cold. The full council is expected to vote on the legislation, with Bheodari having 30 days to submit a plan of action should the measure pass.
Meanwhile, The City Council's Transportation Committee has endorsed a resolution that would urge airport management to respond more effectively to the issue. Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet quoted "The reason this is necessary is because we’re hearing reports that we have a homeless population that needs our help at the airport in the atrium" as per report in 11Alive News. The resolution is still awaiting approval from the full council before it can be formally adopted.
Hartsfield-Jackson is committed to safety and efficiency for both passengers and employees. The airport management, according to a statement, continues to work with partners to direct those needing assistance to proper alternatives and services while ensuring smooth operations. However, the details of the city's resolution are under review to ensure legality. General Manager Bheodaria confirmed the airport's support: "We’re very supportive in looking after and taking care of that population that shows up at the airport," he assured. Improvements to safeguard the well-being of transient airport visitors and long-term solutions for the unhoused are on the horizon for Atlanta's major transit hub.
