Atlanta officials are rethinking how they handle homeless encampments after a man was killed when a bulldozer tore through a tent city ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday events.

Cornelius Taylor, who had been living in the camp near Ebenezer Baptist Church, was crushed inside his tent on Jan. 16. The site, one of Atlanta’s largest homeless encampments, was being cleared in preparation for the holiday’s commemorative service, where dignitaries gather each year.

Taylor’s family is now using his death to push for change. They plan to hold his funeral at Ebenezer on Monday, followed by a procession to City Hall. 

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens acknowledged the tragedy, calling it a wake-up call for the city to reassess its policies on homelessness. The city council is now considering a temporary moratorium on clearing encampments while reviewing its approach.

The Supreme Court has allowed cities to enforce homeless camping bans, but such actions remain controversial. Rising rents and economic hardships have driven homelessness up 18% nationwide.

City officials said outreach efforts were made before the site was cleared, but the circumstances of Taylor’s death have sparked calls for a more humane approach. His family and supporters hope Atlanta can lead by example in finding better solutions.