Atlanta’s Pledge To Clear Homeless Camps Fuels Anxiety Ahead Of Super Bowl

Tony Hines said a rumor that anyone sleeping in encampments under bridges could face arrest is sparking fear.

Stephannie Stoke / WABE

About a dozen people, bundled up in coats and beanies, are reading Scriptures in downtown Atlanta’s Woodruff Park. They’re part of a Bible study for the Church of the Common Ground.

The church always meets outdoors. So one parishioner wonders during the lesson how the Super Bowl might affect their services.

“If they’re shutting down the streets here,” she asked, “how are we supposed to have church on Super Bowl Sunday?”