Atlanta Initiative Houses Over 400 Homeless Individuals

Partners for HOME surpasses goal of housing 400 people living on downtown Atlanta streets through Downtown Rising program.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:09pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in soft, warm tones depicting a cozy, inviting interior space, conceptually representing the sense of security and comfort that stable housing can provide to those experiencing homelessness.The Downtown Rising initiative has provided stable housing and new opportunities for hundreds of previously homeless individuals in Atlanta.Atlanta Today

The nonprofit organization Partners for HOME has successfully housed more than 445 people experiencing homelessness in downtown Atlanta through its Downtown Rising initiative, surpassing its original goal of 400 individuals. The program, which is part of the broader Atlanta Rising effort, has provided stable and safe housing to those living on the streets, helping them access job opportunities and improve their overall well-being.

Why it matters

Addressing homelessness is a critical issue for many cities, especially as they prepare to host major events like the World Cup. Atlanta's Downtown Rising initiative demonstrates a collaborative, community-based approach to getting people off the streets and into permanent housing, which can have lasting positive impacts on individuals and the broader community.

The details

Through the Downtown Rising program, Partners for HOME has provided housing for 445 people who were previously living on the streets of downtown Atlanta. This exceeds the organization's original goal of 400 individuals. One of the program's participants, Jordan Barron, shared his experience of moving from a homeless encampment to his own apartment at Waterworks Village, saying it has given him 'peace of mind' and new opportunities to look for a job and improve his situation.

  • The Downtown Rising initiative launched in May 2025.
  • As of April 9, 2026, Partners for HOME had housed 445 people through the program.

The players

Partners for HOME

A nonprofit organization in Atlanta that works to address homelessness in the city, including through initiatives like Downtown Rising.

Jordan Barron

A formerly homeless individual who was able to move from a downtown Atlanta encampment into his own apartment through the Downtown Rising program.

Annie Hyrila

The chief programs coordinator for Partners for HOME, who oversees the organization's efforts to house individuals and reduce homelessness in Atlanta.

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What they’re saying

“When I actually got the key to my own place, it was uplifting. I got a lot of opportunities coming my way. Like I said, I got somewhere to keep myself looking decent, so I can go on job interviews, look for a job, and somewhere to just have peace of mind without being around other people.”

— Jordan Barron

“It was an incredible effort led by so many people. You know, no one can do anything on their own, and just like our work, where each part of it compounds each other. Our partners are like that, too. Each provider works so closely with the next, and it's no small feat to house that many people in such a short amount of time.”

— Annie Hyrila, Chief Programs Coordinator, Partners for HOME

What’s next

Partners for HOME officials said they hope to expand on the success of the Downtown Rising initiative and continue their efforts to reduce homelessness throughout the entire city of Atlanta.

The takeaway

The Downtown Rising program demonstrates the impact that can be achieved through a collaborative, community-based approach to addressing homelessness. By providing stable housing and support services, Partners for HOME has helped transform the lives of hundreds of individuals in downtown Atlanta, setting an example for other cities looking to tackle this complex issue.