WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — It's been a winding road toward the completion of a 90-day homeless shelter in Warner Robins. On Monday night, city council leaders made a new turn in the journey that could bring the finish line into sight.
"Finally, we have a general contractor who will be finishing the renovations to the building," Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said.
The city council voted to enter a contract with Pro Construction of Georgia LLC to complete work on the Haven Hope House, a 90-day shelter that leaders hope will transform lives.
"A place for people that are in dire need to be able to go to get the resources they need to make it through to the next day," Councilman Kevin Lashley said.
He says he wants it to be a resource for career building.
"Learning how to interview, how to get a job, how to apply for certain funds that are there for them to help get them out of the situation they're in," Lashley said.
Construction on the Haven Hope House started earlier this year. Now, contractors expect it to be complete in April.
"They said 90 days. One thing about construction, sometimes you have one estimate and then sometimes it gets changed," Patrick said.
While the recognize the timeline could shift, she says she's looking forward to a ribbon cutting in the spring.
At Monday's meeting, leaders put nearly $1 million toward the project. Around $898,000 goes for the contracted work, and another $100,000 for any unexpected problems.
Also at their meeting, business owners and students from Veterans High School recognized leaders' work to get this done. One by one they presented checks, totaling $6,000.
"There is a need. People see the need, they address the need and there's no shortage of people that want to help at any point in time," Lashley shared.
They hope more people will add to their B.U.IL.D Initiative a community initiative to get the shelter running.
The support extends even through the opening. Patrick says they are partnered with federally funded organizations to run free programming.
"We have a contract with those different entities to provide the services to those who qualify at our shelter, which is a great cost savings for the city," Patrick said.
Money for this project comes from the city's covid relief funding. The city has an itemized contract with Pro Construction of Georgia, so Patrick says they will get back whatever money isn't used. Any donations will be subtracted from their total.
To be part of their BUILD Initiative you can reach out to the city or donate here.