Atlanta expands homelessness housing program ahead of 2026 World Cup

Atlanta's Downtown Rising initiative, launched last summer, has raised $185 million in state, city and private funding and aims to allocate $235 million to house 3,900 people citywide by next year. The program has already provided shelters for nearly 500 individuals, but encampments persist downtown as many remain uncared for.

Other U.S. World Cup host cities are pursuing similar efforts. Dallas' $30 million campaign has cut street‑sleeping by 87 % and placed about 2,000 people into permanent housing, though police tactics such as zip‑tying have drawn criticism. Seattle is completing 75 tiny homes and seeks to open 500 new shelter units before the tournament begins. A survey of the 16 host cities shows most, including New York, Boston, Miami, Toronto and Vancouver, rely on existing homelessness services with little new funding tied to the event.

Advocates note the broader context of a nationwide rise in homelessness—770,000 counted in 2023, falling slightly to 745,000 in 2024—and warn that events like the World Cup present a choice between superficial sweeps and sustained housing solutions. "These events provide a choice for communities," said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.