Haven Hope House Resource Center adjusts hours, cools the community this summer

WARNER ROBINS — The Haven Hope House Resource Center has had their doors open for daily operations for over a month. Now they are shifting their hours temporarily for the summer. 

Located at 79 Green Street, the center will be open from 12-5 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, starting this week. It will also serve as a cooling center from 3-7 p.m. on days when the heat index reaches 105 degrees or higher. 

“[The hours] will give us enough time to handle the admin duties and provide the services available for the population,” Director of Operations and Campus Pastor Brandon Hayes said in an interview. “I don’t think there is a wrong set of hours to offer these services.” 

Hayes said they will evaluate how these hours will affect guests, volunteers and community partners before making a decision on permanent hours of operation after August. 

Haven Hope House is not a homeless shelter, but a homeless resource center and non-profit organization. During hours of operation, the homeless community has access to showers, laundry services, lunch, snacks, clothing, hygiene items, spiritual encouragement, and community resources. 

According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ 2024 Point-in-Time homeless count, there were 6,633 homeless individuals in the state of Georgia. Houston County had 133, with 90 deemed unsheltered. 

Haven Hope House helps around 25 individuals a day, including children. So far, the center has not had any major problems except for the limited availability of housing and transitional housing options in the area. 

Hayes said the public response has been very positive, with support from many churches, nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and community partners. 

These partnerships include Middle Flint Health and Wellness, First Choice Primary Care, Houston County Department of Public Health, Georgia Legal Services Program and the Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Hayes said Haven Hope House is still looking for more partners and more volunteers on days the center is used as a cooling center. 

The resource center is owned by the City of Warner Robins and operated through The Assembly At Warner Robins. 

Previously, Haven Hope House served as an emergency weather shelter during the winter months and was open for 21 days. If the weather was below freezing and remained so for more than four hours, Haven Hope House operated accordingly. Hayes said they will continue to operate this way during the warmer months after he gets clear guidance from the city and Emergency Management Agency. 

Other homeless resources in the county include Genesis Joy House, Perry Volunteer Outreach and Community Outreach Service Center. There are plenty of food pantries in the county as well. Locations can be found by clicking here.