The Governor is requesting very small increases in select programs administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS). The request amends the current fiscal year (FY 2021) spending plan by providing a .5 percent bump in spending, and for the next fiscal year (FY 2022) increases funds one percent.
Legal homeless camps in Georgia pitched in General Assembly bill
Beau Evans
A plan to create legal homeless camps on public and private properties in Georgia by redirecting some funds from existing local outreach and shelter groups drew debate in a General Assembly committee on Monday.
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome, would send state dollars currently earmarked for building shelters and short-term housing to be used instead on so-called “structured camping facilities” for a city or county’s homeless population.
The camps would have to provide water, electrical outlets and bathrooms and could only be used for up to six months by a homeless person, effectively reserving the facilities for Georgians who are motivated to find work and secure permanent housing.