Atlanta: Skyrocketing Rent Forces Families into CarsAtlanta: Skyrocketing Rent Forces Families into Cars Atlanta, once hailed as a vibrant hub of opportunity, is now facing a severe housing crisis as soaring rent prices force families into homelessness and even into living in their cars. According to a recent report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Atlanta ranks among the top ten cities with the most significant rent increases in the United States. The average cost of a two-bedroom apartment has jumped by over 30% in the past year alone. This surge in rent prices has left many low-income families struggling to make ends meet. According to a survey by the Atlanta Community Food Bank, nearly 40% of households in the city report having difficulty paying their rent or mortgage. For those unable to afford traditional housing, the streets have become their only refuge. Atlanta’s homeless population has skyrocketed in recent years, with an estimated 25,000 people living on the streets or in shelters. Among those forced into homelessness are families with children. In a particularly poignant story, a mother of three shared her experience of living in her SUV with her children due to rising rent. “We’ve been living in my car for almost a year now,” she said. “I work two jobs, but I still can’t afford to pay rent on an apartment. It’s heartbreaking to see my kids living like this.” The city of Atlanta has been slow to respond to the growing housing crisis. Limited affordable housing options and a lack of rent control measures have exacerbated the issue. Experts warn that the situation could worsen as the economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising inflation and increased demand for housing are expected to drive rent prices even higher. Unless the city takes swift action to address this crisis, thousands more families in Atlanta could find themselves on the brink of homelessness and forced to live in their cars. The consequences for both individuals and the city as a whole would be devastating.