Homelessness

Last Tuesday, there was a lot of buzz at the regular Mayor and Commission meeting about an ordinance which would make it illegal to sleep on sidewalks.

On August 4th, several Athens community members attended the Mayor and Commission meeting to speak against an ordinance that prohibits individuals from interfering with foot traffic in or out of any private or public area and also prohibits camping in public areas.

Representative Houston Gaines added a provision against allowing local governments and hospitals to take homeless people to other counties without permission.

In brief: A bill creating a Georgia oversight board — Georgia House enforcing ban on public camping — Georgia professor named director of nutrition security and health equity — Atlanta Hawks face off at home

The money can go towards a number of purposes, including creating affordable rental housing, rental assistance, and capacity-building for non-profit groups.

Georgia cities and counties could be compelled to enforce bans on public camping or sleeping by homeless people under a bill moving forward in the state Senate.

In brief: release of the cognitive Monitoring Report — county given funds to address homelessness — bill moving forward to enforce bans on public camping by homeless people — state representative pushing for legal sports betting — Georgia mens basketball set to play LSU — Atlanta Hawks lost

Athens-Clarke County commissioners debated Accessory Dwelling Units on Tuesday.

The Democratic candidate for Georgia House District 120 conducted a press conference to discuss the growing housing shortage.

In brief: Commissioners vote on strategic plan, open discussions on future of transit, and argue over quorum rules — UGA ranked #21 by Forbes — Bulldogs climb to #2 in AP football poll