The Cornelia Police Department says it is investigating rumors of homeless being illegally relocated onto private property.
The police department posted to social media Wednesday that the alleged relocation of people is being done without the property owners' permission. Officials said they've received multiple complaints from residents and business owners in the area.
No specific incidents were cited in the release.
"We are currently investigating allegations that a person or persons is going outside of Habersham County, finding and transporting homeless persons to Habersham County, and illegally relocating them onto private property," the post from Cornelia Police said.
The Cornelia post was also shared by the Baldwin Police Department.
The Habersham County Sheriff's Office issed a statement Friday saying they are currently not involved with the above-mentioned investigation by Cornelia Police, but did say that its code enforcement division responded Thursday to a report of people staying in tents on private property just outside of the city.
"Code Enforcement personnel, at the request of the property owners, issued Criminal Trespass Warnings to three individuals who were staying in tents on the property, notifying them they must vacate," the sheriff's office said. "Those individuals vacated the property prior to a check Friday morning."
The sheriff's office did not provide the location of that property, but described it as "undeveloped property located in unincorporated Habersham County." No charges were filed in that incident.
Those with information on cases like those being investigated by Cornelia Police are being asked to contact the police department by calling 706-778-4314 or 706-894-3077.
"While we understand and appreciate the community's compassion and concern for those experiencing homelessness, placing individuals on private land without authorization creates safety, sanitation, and legal issues - for both the individuals involved and the property owners," police said. "These actions can unintentionally place vulnerable individuals in harm's way and create additional strain on city resources."
Cornelia Police also advised those who want to help the homeless in "a meaningful and legal way" to contact the Georgia Department of Community Affairs by calling 470-802-4707.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/7/1292817/cornelia-police-investigating-homeless-being-relocated-private-property