This browser does not support the Video element.
Cornelius Taylor's family reacts to moratorium
A moratorium on efforts to clear out homeless encampments in Atlanta is now in effect. Cornelius Taylor's family reacts to the news with FOX 5 Atlanta. Taylor was killed by a bulldozer while sleeping in a tent in January.
ATLANTA - Just a week before their brother’s funeral, grief is only beginning to set in for Darlene and Derek Haney—siblings of Cornelius Taylor.
"My birthday is tomorrow and I know he would’ve called tomorrow and the death anniversary of our mom was yesterday…he didn’t call yesterday," Haney said. "It’s just heartbreaking."
She tells FOX 5 a decision by Atlanta city leaders to put a moratorium on homeless encampment sweeps was a bittersweet update to her brother’s tragic story.
"I guess I can say I’m happy because it’s a start that we’re being heard, but the fact that it took my brother’s life to be heard wasn’t necessary."
Atlanta homeless man killed by bulldozer
What we know:
Taylor was struck and killed by an Atlanta Public Works crew in heavy machinery while sleeping inside his tent near the King Center on Jan. 16.
Atlanta police were on scene to assist the crew tasked with clearing a homeless camp on Old Wheat Street.
The 46 year-old’s death sparked citywide outrage and calls for change to the city’s approach on homelessness.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Atlanta mayor pauses clearing of homeless encampments
Mayor Andre Dickens is calling for a temporary pause on the clearing of homeless encampments.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens took to social media to announce a moratorium on encampment clean-ups on Friday, just a day after the family held a news conference at City Hall.
"Just knowing that people are valuing his life in this way, it’s keeping me going," Haney said.
Remembering Cornelius Taylor
What's next:
With change now seemingly on the horizon, Haney and her family are trying to focus on laying Taylor to rest.
Cornelius Taylor
The family is accepting donations through Willie Watkins Funeral Home and the Ebenezer Funeral Fund.
"Finances right now is the most difficult thing and publicly grieving. It’s overwhelming," Haney told FOX 5. "I’ll humble myself 10 times over to give my brother a proper burial."
Cornelius Taylor funeral, burial fund
What you can do:
If you’re interested in donating to the fundraiser, you can call Willie Watkins Funeral Home directly at 404-758-1731.
The Haneys’ attorney Mawuli Davis says any leftover funds raised will go to support other homeless people in the area where Taylor died.
Cornelius Taylor's funeral and burial fund information
The Source: Derek and Darlene Haney provided information for this story. Atlanta Police also provided details about the incident.