DeKalb discusses its response to homelessness

Time now 1140. So DeKalb County officials this morning held a press conference to discuss the administration's coordinated response to homelessness. So let's take a listen to what was said specifically about their priorities moving forward. Good morning. I'm Deanna Smith, Chief Communications Officer for DeKalb County. Thank you for joining us this morning. Today we will provide an overview of the county's response to homelessness including housing investments and available resources. Our speakers will explain the administration's priorities, the BOC's actions, and the relationship between state law and local ordinance. We also want to acknowledge that in addition to our speakers we have members of our board of commissioners joining us as well. Speaking today will be CEO of DeKalb County, Lorraine Cochran Johnson, Presiding Officer, Shakara Johnson, Chief of Police, Gregory Padgett, Chief of Chief of Strategic Initiatives, Marie Crawford and Chief of Housing, Alan Ferguson. We will begin with remarks from our speakers. Afterwards, we will open up for questions from the media. Yeah. When you do ask questions, we do have a mic that we're passing, so we'd ask that you would wait for the mic. Also, please give your name and the outlet you represent before you ask your question. And lastly, please ask one question at a time so we can make sure that we can have as many people as possible ask questions. Now it's my pleasure for us to get started with CEO of DeKalb County, Lorraine Parker-Johnson. Good morning everyone. Beautiful day in DeKalb County. First and foremost, let me thank you all for taking the time to come out as we discuss a very important topic. I think that topic is underscored by the amount of individuals who have come out this morning, not only from the media, but also the members of our Board of Commissioners who stand with us. This morning I am here, I often say that I have a Ph.D. in people, but today I'm here to say that I have a Ph.D. in caring. So it is very important for us that we have a very serious conversation. To discuss DeKalb County's response to homelessness, to also speak on the investments that we have already made, and also to answer questions from the media concerning the urban camping ordinance. As your CEO of DeKalb County, I want to be clear when I say that we will leave no resident behind. I want to assure our unhoused. As well as housing advocates, every resident, as well as service providers who may be concerned about the ordinance, that my administration will act to ensure that there is great care given as we move forward. I want everyone to know that losing your home does not mean that you lose your dignity. Homelessness does not diminish your worth. or your place in DeKalb County's community and also homelessness alone is not the grounds for arrest in DeKalb County. As a county government, we have a responsibility, a responsibility to maintain safe, accessible public spaces. While we also have a responsibility to help people who are facing often the most difficult times of their lives. Our response must fulfill both responsibilities. Thank you. This is not an either-or or zero-sum game. Compassionate legislation can coexist in the same room as long as individuals who are responsible for the creation of policy come together and truly ensure that all individuals are given due consideration. We have been listening there to DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, basically highlighting DeKalb County's, you know, we're moving forward what the plan is to handle homelessness. But we're going to get back to the top story.