MARTA

On a single night in January 2020, 3,240 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. Of those, 939 were unsheltered.
Source: Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

Phone: (404) 848-5309, (404) 848-6300
Email: martahope@itsmarta.com

Click here to access the MARTA HOPE Program brochure [ Spanish version ]

What is MARTA HOPE?

MARTA HOPE (Homeless Outreach and Proactive Engagement)
Launched in August 2020, MARTA HOPE is a partnership with HOPE Atlanta to aid individuals experiencing homelessness who have taken refuge on the transit system. Nationally, homelessness grew increasingly acute amid COVID-19 and a shortage of affordable housing in metro areas.

What was the impetus for the program?

Those seeking shelter may view transit property as a safe haven, but their presence raises customer concerns about safety and security. In response, MARTA adopted a humane, service-centered approach to address the issue.

What are the program’s goals?

Maximize direct assistance provided to unsheltered persons on MARTA property.
Minimize need to involve MARTA Police in non-criminal activities – “…homelessness is not a crime.”
Collaborate with area stakeholders to make homelessness “… rare, brief, and non-recurring.”
Improve overall transit experience for MARTA customers.

How does the program work?

Working in pairs, MARTA HOPE teams — consisting of experienced case managers and uniformed field protective specialists — traverse the transit system.
They engage individuals at rail stations and bus shelters as well as on trains and buses. The outreach teams work to find solutions that safeguard customers and employees while treating everyone with dignity and respect.
The field protective specialists are trained in de-escalation tactics, crisis intervention, interpersonal communication, and cultural diversity.
MARTA HOPE teams connect individuals who accept their help to services based on their respective needs including shelter, clothing, drug and alcohol counseling, mental health treatment, supplemental benefit programs, job opportunities, and family reunification.

How can you contact the MARTA HOPE Team?

Location: Five Points (Peachtree Street entrance)
Phone: (404) 848-5309, (404) 848-6300
Email: martahope@itsmarta.com

What to do if you encounter an unsheltered person on MARTA

Direct persons in need to MARTA HOPE Office at Five Points Station.
Don’t give money or share your personal information.
Practice empathy; avoid making judgments.
Follow your instincts; be aware of others’ body language and your own.
Always contact MARTA Police or alert MARTA personnel in case of emergency.
Get informed and involved. Homelessness isn’t limited to MARTA; it impacts our entire community.

In addition to MARTA, which organizations support the program?

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