The City Of Atlanta Officially Opens New Homeless Housing Project

Atlanta has officially opened its homeless housing project, a development called The Melody, with units made out of recycled shipping containers.

Atlanta officially opened its new homeless housing project on Jan. 26. The project’s units are built out of recycled shipping containers. Mayor Andre Dickens hopped on TikTok to show what the insides of these untraditional homes looked like.

The development, called The Melody, has already built 40 units, including a majority that are ADA-compliant and ready for move-in. Dickens gave a quick tour of the neighborhood, including the MARTA public train station within walking distance.

@andreforatlanta Introducing “Melody” — a safe and dignified community providing housing for the homeless. With 40 micro unit shipping containers, our goal is to offer privacy, independence, and a sense of community this is just a part of how we plan to follow through on our commitment to producing 500 units of rapid housing on public land by 2025. Alongside supportive services and case management, “Melody” will make a lasting impact in addressing homelessness. This is how we continue #movingatlantaforward ♬ original sound – andre

The homes feature the essentials, including a bed, microwave, desk, free Wi-Fi, and a television for entertainment. Each unit has its own bathroom, with supplies to help the new residents keep their spaces safe and sanitary. Free laundry is also available in a separate location within the community.

“We’re trying to take care of people in a humane way,” shared the elected official in the video.

Safety measures include cameras on-site and controlled access for guests and residents while fostering a neighborly feeling through its community space room. Case managers will also be designated for the apartment holders as they transition from unsheltered to stable living conditions.

The development’s name also holds significance to its mission. Its namesake is in honor of Melody Bloodworth, a woman who struggled for years with addiction and mental health issues before being unhoused, which led to her death before her 40th birthday in 2021.

According to 11Alive, the establishment held a tearful welcome ceremony on its opening day, paying homage to Bloodworth and how her story has inspired the city to take greater action in supporting unsheltered people and the struggles they face.

While The Melody has already seen immense progress during its 60-day construction, it hopes to have 500 units available to help those struggling with homelessness by 2025. According to the mayor, the next site’s location has already been chosen and is in the works.