Atlanta Launches Ambitious Downtown Rising Initiative to End Homelessness Before FIFA World Cup 2026

Partners for HOME is spearheading an initiative called "Downtown Rising" in Atlanta, aiming to house 400 unsheltered individuals by the end of 2025 in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. The program emphasizes a "housing first" approach and includes outreach, support services, and a commitment to sustainable solutions beyond the event. However, critics express concerns that the strategy may lead to temporary fixes and potential displacement of the homeless population, reminiscent of past actions taken during the 1996 Olympics.