In recognition of World Homeless Day, Commissioner Ted Terry joined community leaders, advocates, and local organizations for Pathways Forward: A DeKalb County Community Town Hall on Homelessness, an event hosted by the DeKalb County Behavioral Health Coalition focused on collaboration, innovation, and action to address the growing challenges faced by DeKalb’s unhoused and housing-insecure residents.

The town hall brought together more than 40 participants, including local officials, service providers, and nonprofit leaders, to discuss strategies for reducing homelessness and strengthening support services. Panelists, including Commissioner Ted Terry from DeKalb County Super District 6, Dr. Alan Ferguson, Sr., DeKalb County Chief of Housing, Joy Monroe from the Single Parent Alliance and Resource Center, Greg White from A Home For Everyone, and Lisa Regan from St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, shared lessons from a recent learning exchange in San Antonio, Texas, where DeKalb representatives observed successful community-based approaches to housing and behavioral health integration.

Attendees also received updates on the development of the DeKalb County Unhoused Support and Services Plan, a countywide initiative led by the Behavioral Health Coalition. Commissioner Terry emphasized the importance of local leadership and interagency cooperation in creating more equitable, long-term housing solutions.

This discussion was a reminder that county agencies, nonprofits, and community advocates must be aligned towards a shared goal for housing stability and dignity for county residents.

For more information on DeKalb County’s Unhoused Support and Services Plan and future community engagement opportunities, visit Engage DeKalb.