Atlanta-based nonprofits Partners for HOME and SafeHouse Outreach are facing a lawsuit alleging negligence in the death of a homeless man, potentially exposing the organizations to significant financial and reputational risks. The lawsuit, filed Friday by the family of the deceased, claims the nonprofits are partly responsible for the death of the man, who was crushed in his tent by a bulldozer during an encampment sweep in January 2023.
The suit alleges that employees failed to properly check the tent before deploying the heavy machinery, resulting in the man's death and leaving visible blood on the street. While the specific financial damages sought are not detailed, similar negligence lawsuits have resulted in settlements and judgments ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, potentially straining the nonprofits' budgets and impacting their ability to provide services. Partners for HOME, as the city's lead agency on homelessness, manages a significant portion of Atlanta's homeless services budget, which totaled over $20 million in the last fiscal year. Any substantial legal payout could divert funds from critical programs, potentially increasing the city's homeless population, which currently stands at an estimated 3,200 individuals.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing pressure on cities to address homelessness, often leading to encampment sweeps. These sweeps, while intended to improve public safety and sanitation, can be disruptive and dangerous for unhoused individuals. The lawsuit raises questions about the protocols and oversight involved in these operations, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and regulation of homeless outreach efforts.
Partners for HOME is a key player in Atlanta's efforts to combat homelessness, coordinating services and funding for various programs. SafeHouse Outreach is another local nonprofit focused on providing direct assistance to unhoused individuals. Both organizations rely on a mix of public and private funding to operate.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the homeless services industry. A ruling against the nonprofits could set a precedent, requiring stricter protocols and increased accountability in encampment sweeps. This could lead to higher operating costs for organizations involved in these activities and potentially slow down the pace of encampment clearings. Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME, stated that the nonprofit cannot comment on the lawsuit. The legal proceedings will likely be closely watched by other cities and organizations grappling with similar challenges.
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