WR Council to purchase land preparing for new homeless shelter

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Last week, the City of Warner Robins joined together with United Way of Central Georgia, as well as several local government officials, partners in the local business sector and concerned citizens to form the Greater Houston Coalition, united to find solutions for homelessness in Houston County. Taking steps to do their part, the City of Warner Robins approved a resolution for a Purchase and Sale Agreement Monday evening to procure a building that will one day house a shelter.

On Monday, mayor and council had their second meeting of the month, and the final meeting of the year. After returning from a closed session, the council added their 14th item to the agenda: the resolution.

Upon reaching the item at the end of their agenda, Councilman Charlie Bibb made a motion that the item be approved. Councilman Clifford Holmes seconded the motion.

“This Purchase and Sale Agreement is for the City of Warner Robins,” Mayor LaRhonda Patrick explained. “All these individuals you see sitting up here, to purchase a building for a home shelter in the City of Warner Robins.

“This effort is furthering all of our mission to address homelessness in the City of Warner Robins, and in the greater Houston County area. We’ve all been working hard at this initiative, and signing this Purchase and Sale Agreement, if council does so approve, is a major leap in the right direction.”

Following the mayor’s comments, each of the council members thanked Code Enforcement Officer Brian Wise for his work in the initiative to assist the homeless, as well as Mayor Patrick and the Greater Houston Coalition overall. Unanimously, they voiced agreement that this effort was a good move for the City of Warner Robins.

When it came time to vote, each councilman voted in approval.

“Congratulations, everyone up here, for this major leap of faith we’re making today,” Patrick said, addressing council. “About purchasing this building — I know it’s going to come to fruition.

“We’ve worked hard thinking outside the box. I believe I’m safe to say we’re making major, major strides, just in 2022, working together as a true body.”

This shelter will act as the city’s and the coalition’s first long-term goal, providing beds to around 72 of those without beds.

According to Mayor Patrick in an earlier interview, it is currently estimated that Houston County’s population of unsheltered individuals exceeds 200 in total. Hundreds more are in need of basic needs or are in danger of being unsheltered themselves.

In addition to this major development, the City of Warner Robins approved a Memorandum of Understanding, signing on to take part in the countywide initiative to install a Flock Camera system in Houston County. They are second in this effort only to the county itself — for more information on this initiative, you can read more at hhjonline.com/houston-county-commissioners-approve-flock-camera-system-p18716-95.htm.

Additionally, during her closing comments, Mayor Patrick ensured the public that she and council had not forgotten about their work to build a Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial within the city. She said they would return their attention to the project after the turn of the year.

The agenda and supporting documents for this meeting can be found at the city’s website, or by going to wrga.gov/agendacenter. Mayor and council’s meetings are typically scheduled on the first and third Monday of each month, exclusive of federal holidays.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 9, due to a schedule change. Pre-council will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Carolyn Robbins Room at City Hall. The regular council meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the same building.

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