Georgia lawmakers create 'accountability' programs to reduce homelessness

A person standing on the side of a street

A new Georgia law creates “stable housing accountability programs” which will provide transitional housing to those who work, stay sober and seek self-sufficiency.

Robert Ray / Associated Press

This year, Georgia state lawmakers put $1 million toward a new type of program to reduce homelessness.

It departs from the widely accepted “Housing First” model, which aims to get people off the streets as quickly as possible without any preconditions. That theory is based on the idea that people need stable housing before they can focus on getting drug treatment or work. 

Republican House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration said he designed the state law to fund “stable housing accountability programs” because he believes some people need requirements, like submitting to regular drug tests.