Homeless Atlantans left with nowhere to go as police clear camp surrounding State Capitol

ATLANTA — Capitol police are asking dozens of homeless people camped out around the courthouse and State Capitol to break down their tents and clear the sidewalks, according to The Atlanta Homeless Union.

Many of those being forced to leave told Channel 2′s Darryn Moore that they have nowhere to go and the city isn’t showing them any compassion.

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An Atlanta city ordinance states that no one is allowed to set up a tent on the sidewalk.

Moore spoke with the man who runs Tent City, and he said the homeless need a place to live.

William Price said they are camped out on Central Avenue directly across from the courthouse because going to a shelter is not an option.

“No place for the people to go. I mean, it’s sad. So, I suggest tents because shelters are not working. They only take a certain amount, and people are sleeping outside of the shelter, so you can’t get in,” Price told Moore.

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A local organization called HOPE Atlanta is dedicated to finding safe places for the homeless to live.

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Another reason police want the area around the Capitol cleared is because is has been the target of at least two bomb threats in recent weeks. They say having so many people around can lead to a security threat.

Price says they aren’t making bombs, just searching for somewhere to stay.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Spelman college locked down after 3rd round of bomb threats Wednesday

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