Residents in an Atlanta neighborhood are criticizing a city initiative, dubbed the 'Hope Shuttle,' that they claim transports homeless individuals from near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to a local supermarket late at night. The program, intended to offer alternatives to sleeping on public transit, is now facing accusations of merely relocating the issue rather than resolving it.
A resident living near a bus stop told WSB-TV that she has witnessed the shuttle buses arriving multiple times a night, between 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., and dropping people off in front of a Kroger near Metropolitan Parkway. She reported an increase in activity in the area since the World Cup and expressed concern that the program is "tainting and corrupting a whole other neighborhood that needs help in itself." She added, "Take them somewhere, get them some help. Don’t just drop them off."
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport confirmed the initiative is called the Hope Shuttle and is designed to provide free transportation to various locations within the city for individuals sleeping on trains. The Atlanta Police Department stated that they offer free transportation and support services through the shuttle. According to the police, the area near Cleveland Avenue and Metropolitan Parkway is the closest well-lit location to the airport with access to a MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) bus stop.
Atlanta has implemented several programs over the years to address homelessness, including MARTA HOPE (Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement), which was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. That program aimed to connect individuals sleeping on public transit with shelter or family services, utilizing case workers and mental health specialists. MARTA has stated it is not involved with the shuttle system that residents have complained about to WSB-TV.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Atlanta mayor's office for comment.