Georgia is taking a new approach to tackle the issue of homelessness, shifting away from the 'Housing First' model that has been a staple in addressing the issue nationwide. Instead, legislators in the Peach State have earmarked $1 million towards 'stable housing accountability programs.' This new initiative, according to Republican House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration in a statement obtained by WABE, stems from a belief that certain individuals can benefit from structured requirements such as regular drug testing.
The unique model requires participants to commit to staying sober, secure stable employment, and make strides towards self-sufficiency for the chance at 18 months of housing. Reported by WABE, these programs, which must be volunteered for, are available exclusively to U.S. citizens who can affirm having resided in Georgia for a span of at least a year. Designed based on Efstration's past experience as a prosecutor, the programs emulate the progress observed in court-sanctioned accountability programs such as drug treatment courts.
The Cicero Institute, nationally recognized for advocating against 'Housing First' policies and for enforcement of laws penalizing cities that do not address homeless encampments, praised Georgia's legislative move. According to Efstration's vision, as reported by WABE, this 'accountability' model "will be very successful and very well may be adopted elsewhere in the country." The funding backing these programs will come from the existing state Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless, marking the first increase in state money towards the fund in recent years.
Mariel Risner Sivley, director of housing initiatives at St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, welcomed the new funding in a statement obtained by WABE, recognizing the dire need for increased housing assistance in the state. While acknowledging the potential benefits of such structured programs for the working homeless population, Sivley voiced concern that these initiatives might not address the needs of the most vulnerable homeless individuals. “It’s not going to serve the folks that are the most vulnerable, the folks that need a deeper level of services and those who would be service resistant,” she said. She argues for the continued need of 'Housing First' support alongside these new programs to address the full spectrum of homelessness.
Launched into effect this month, the accountability programs are now under the purview of the Department of Community Affairs, which is responsible for the administration of the allocated funds, as detailed in a report by WABE.
