The City of Atlanta is working to eradicate homelessness in downtown ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s all part of the city’s Downtown Rising initiative. However, the effort has drawn criticism from housing advocates. Some say residents recently cleared from encampments remain without access to supportive housing. Cathryn Vassell, CEO of Partners for HOME, talks about the city's rehousing initiative and the importance of meeting the individual needs of a person experiencing homelessness.

 

Plus, we preview our upcoming audio documentary on Oscar Harris, the architect credited with helping shape much of modern Atlanta — from the city’s airport to Centennial Olympic Park.

The City of Atlanta is working to eradicate homelessness in downtown ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It&rsquo;s all part of the city&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100068969499758/posts/1015476397428001/?_rdr">Downtown Rising initiative</a>. However, the effort has drawn criticism from housing advocates. Some say residents recently cleared from encampments remain without access to supportive housing. <a href="https://partnersforhome.org/team/vassell/">Cathryn Vassell</a>, CEO of Partners for HOME, talks about the city's rehousing initiative and the importance of meeting the individual needs of a person experiencing homelessness.
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Plus, we preview our upcoming audio documentary on Oscar Harris, the architect credited with helping shape much of modern Atlanta &mdash; from the city&rsquo;s airport to Centennial Olympic Park.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

Closer Look with Rose Scott

Partners for HOME CEO on Atlanta’s Downtown Rising initiative

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we meet 18-year-old Noah Marbach. After injuries sidelined him from playing soccer, the Cobb County high school student began building software that would become his business. He was inspired to create XShift AI after working in a restaurant and as a lifeguard, and seeing his managers struggling with scheduling their employees. Learn more about his young life as a business owner who is about to start college at the University of Mississippi.

 

Then, we continue our college graduate series with an honors student from Kennesaw State University, who has pursued many ambitious endeavors. Deontae Nelson is a military veteran and a first-generation college graduate. He has experience as a choreographer, performer, teacher, and researcher. Hear what inspired him to graduate from KSU with a bachelor's degree in modern dance and what he hopes to accomplish next.

On today&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>, we meet 18-year-old Noah Marbach. After injuries sidelined him from playing soccer, the Cobb County high school student began building software that would become his business. He was inspired to create <a href="https://www.xshift.ai/">XShift AI</a> after working in a restaurant and as a lifeguard, and seeing his managers struggling with scheduling their employees. Learn more about his young life as a business owner who is about to start college at the University of Mississippi.
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Then, we continue our college graduate series with an honors student from <a href="https://www.kennesaw.edu/">Kennesaw State University</a>, who has pursued many ambitious endeavors. <a href="https://www.kennesaw.edu/news/stories/2026/dance-major-makes-most-of-his-ksu-journey.php">Deontae Nelson</a> is a military veteran and a first-generation college graduate. He has experience as a choreographer, performer, teacher, and researcher. Hear what inspired him to graduate from KSU with a bachelor's degree in modern dance and what he hopes to accomplish next.

Teen turns AI Entrepreneur; 2026 Graduate Series: Kennesaw State University

On today’s Closer Look, more than two-million people cast a ballot in the Georgia primary election on Tuesday night. As results from the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries came in, the numbers revealed sharply different paths toward the November general election. Who advanced? Who’s going to a runoff? And how will the results shape up the November midterm race? We ask a panel of political analysts to give their perspective.

 

But first, we discuss the Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory program. Data show farmers are 3 to 5 times more likely to die by suicide than the average American. The COMET program was especially designed for rural neighbors to help each other during difficult times. We speak to officials from Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance and High Plains Research Network about how they’re getting mental health resources to areas that are usually under-resourced.

On today&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>, more than two-million people cast a ballot in the <a href="https://www.wabe.org/whats-settled-and-unsettled-in-georgias-midterm-primary-elections/">Georgia primary election</a> on Tuesday night. As results from the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primaries came in, the numbers revealed sharply different paths toward the November general election. Who advanced? Who&rsquo;s going to a runoff? And how will the results shape up the November midterm race? We ask a panel of political analysts to give their perspective.
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But first, we discuss the <a href="https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/family-medicine/research-and-innovation/pbrns/hprn/projects-and-programs/comet">Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory</a> program. Data show farmers are 3 to 5 times more likely to die by suicide than the average American. The COMET program was especially designed for rural neighbors to help each other during difficult times. We speak to officials from <a href="https://gafarmstress.org/">Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance</a> and High Plains Research Network about how they&rsquo;re getting mental health resources to areas that are usually under-resourced.

2026 Primary Election Analysis; COMET program helping Georgia farmers with mental health

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” just as emergency room visits for child overdoses seeing a slight increase in Georgia, Emory University is expanding its adolescent addiction care. We speak with Dr. Joe Mathias, an addiction psychiatrist and an associate medical education director for the Addiction Alliance of Georgia, about how they’re assisting kids who are struggling with substance use disorder.

 

Then, we speak with Lamar Stewart, the Interim Executive Director of Showcase Atlanta. With less than a month before thousands of international visitors roam the city streets for a series of eight match ups, Stewart shares how the city is preparing local businesses to take advantage of the boost in foot traffic and how Atlanta will keep World Cup fans entertained.

 

And finally, our graduation series continues with Kathy from Freedom University. She faced many challenges as an undocumented student – with no access to in-state tuition or admission to the top state public schools. However, Kathy remained ambitious and graduated from Freedom University, majoring in psychology and public health. Hear the next goals she’s setting for herself.

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; just as emergency room visits for child overdoses seeing a slight increase in Georgia, Emory University is expanding its <a href="https://news.emory.edu/stories/2026/03/hs_bhc_aag_adolescent_program/story.html">adolescent addiction care</a>. We speak with <a href="https://med.emory.edu/departments/psychiatry/programs/addiction/staff.html">Dr. Joe Mathias</a>, an addiction psychiatrist and an associate medical education director for the Addiction Alliance of Georgia, about how they&rsquo;re assisting kids who are struggling with substance use disorder.
&nbsp;
Then, we speak with Lamar Stewart, the Interim Executive Director of <a href="https://showcaseatlanta.com/">Showcase Atlanta</a>. With less than a month before thousands of international visitors roam the city streets for a series of eight match ups, Stewart shares how the city is preparing local businesses to take advantage of the boost in foot traffic and how Atlanta will keep World Cup fans entertained.
&nbsp;
And finally, our <a href="https://www.wabe.org/closer-look-graduation-series-2026/">graduation series</a> continues with Kathy from <a href="https://www.freedom-university.org/">Freedom University</a>. She faced many challenges as an undocumented student &ndash; with no access to in-state tuition or admission to the top state public schools. However, Kathy remained ambitious and graduated from Freedom University, majoring in psychology and public health. Hear the next goals she&rsquo;s setting for herself.

Partners for HOME CEO on Atlanta’s Downtown Rising initiative

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