ATLANTA — A nearly $600,000 water bill may force hundreds of homeless in Atlanta out of a shelter.
The city ordered the water shut off at the Peachtree Pine Shelter in just a few days and although the shelter got a little help from the community Thursday, it may not be enough to keep the doors open.
As of Thursday afternoon the water was still on, but many organizations spent the day delivering supplies to help the shelter.
The Water Brigade handed off pallet after pallet of bottled water and tea. Hosea Feed the Hungry also delivered drinks when they heard water to the homeless shelter would be turned off.
“That's what we do. We help where we can, when we can,” said one volunteer.
The shelter's director says they're trying to raise money to add to a $100,000 check it tried to pay to the city of Atlanta for back bills that add up to almost $600,000. The city wouldn't take partial payment and has ordered the water shut off.
"This is unconscionable. We're the crisis center for the city of Atlanta for homeless people. It's absolutely outrageous for them to do that,” said director Anita Beaty.
However, nearby business owners say they won’t be sad to see the shelter close. Neighbors say they’ve dealt with trash, vandalism and they say the shelter attracts crime
"It's been a blight in our neighborhood,” said Heyward Wescott. “I'm not against homeless people, not something I’m against, but this is Peachtree Street. All these lots are not being redeveloped because of this problem right here."
The Mayor’s Office says the disconnect order should be carried out in the next five to 10 days. The city says they're working with a number of different agencies and attorneys on a timeline to vacate. They are also negotiating to reopen some other shelters to find space for everyone at the shelter, as well as a plan on what to do if they won't leave."
The shelter's director says she's working on plans to bring in large tanks of water to stay open.
"Remember miracles happen every day," said Beaty