Purpose

The ARPA Homelessness Advisory Committee has been charged with creating a community-wide five-year strategic plan to address homelessness, to reduce and prevent homelessness in ACC, and to strengthen the mental health and social support systems for unhoused residents. In addition, the advisory group is tasked with providing specific guidance on how ACCGov can aid in transitioning unhoused residents to permanent housing including supportive housing.

Members of the Athens Homeless Coalition were directed to serve in this role by Mayor and Commission as part of the Commission Defined Option designating the use of American Rescue Plan Funds, approved in March 2022. 

ACCGov has contracted with the Cloudburst Group to develop the Strategic Plan to Reduce and Prevent Homelessness. As part of this process Cloudburst has scheduled a series of meetings with the advisory committee to understand the committee's goals, present data analysis, and present draft high-impact strategies. The Strategic Plan to Reduce and Prevent Homelessness is anticipated to be released in draft form in June 2023, followed by a public comment period, followed by approval of the final plan in Fall 2023.