The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, in partnership with the Cloudburst Group, is inviting public input on the final draft of the Strategic Plan for Reducing and Preventing Homelessness until Wednesday, September 27, as announced in a press release.
The plan draft and an associated survey can be accessed online. Multiple in-person forums are scheduled for community members to provide their input. These upcoming forums are scheduled for September 13 from 3-5 p.m. at the Snipes Water Resource Center on 780 Barber Street and September 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the ACC Library on 2025 Baxter Street.
Alejandra Calva, ACCGov Housing and Community Development Community Impact Administrator, emphasized the importance of community and stakeholder support for the success of this strategic plan. The plan aims not only to reduce and prevent homelessness in Athens-Clarke County but also to strengthen support systems for unhoused residents.
The Mayor & Commission plan to discuss the strategy during their September 19 Agenda Setting Session, with a potential vote scheduled for their October 3 Regular Session, according to the release.
The draft of the plan was formulated with input from various sources, including community forums, focus groups, businesses, service providers, and individuals who are currently, previously, or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act was allocated by the Mayor & Commission to address homelessness and other community initiatives.
The release also noted that a separate process is currently underway to gather input on a community affordable housing strategic plan related to housing resources. Public input for that process concluded on August 30.