HOPE Atlanta will be returning full-time this summer to the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport after a nearly two-decade absence.
Instead of operating a volunteer-centric airport ambassador program, HOPE Atlanta will field social workers to assist the homeless inside the airport. During the winter months, 150 to 200 homeless individuals attempt to live at the airport.
Working flexible hours – early morning until late at night, HOPE Atlanta will staff a new office with a program manager and 4 part-time caseworkers. On a daily basis, the staff will work with the Atlanta Airport Police to find safe and stable homes for the homeless and to help them avoid criminal citations. The airport also hopes these efforts will decrease panhandling within the facility.
HOPE Atlanta’s services will include outreach, reunification services, local transportation, referrals to shelters, emergency housing and rapid rehousing.
In recent years, HOPE Atlanta had been making periodic sweeps of the airport each month to reach out to the homeless as well providing a special needs or VIP escort service.