The Guardian
·Jul 2026
Outcry after Atlanta tosses unhoused people’s belongings near World Cup spot
City workers in Atlanta discarded tents, documents, medications and other belongings of unhoused people in Freedom Park without warning, contradicting procedures created after a fatal incident last year. The action occurred near a major World Cup viewing area, intensifying concerns over how the city is managing homelessness during the event. Local officials and advocates dispute the city’s claim that the area was not an encampment, noting the disruption to healthcare access, stability and personal safety. Activists report broader displacement from fenced-off downtown parks, while the city highlights its housing initiatives. The incident raises doubts about compliance with established policies and the city’s commitment to protecting unhoused residents during the tournament.