WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — As colder weather approaches, many people are thinking more about the unhoused community. Meanwhile, Warner Robins continues to work on their planned homeless shelter.
The city bought the building on Green Street in April 2023. Since then, they've hoped to have it up and running twice, then postponed it.
As of this week, construction looks further along than we showed you back in July.
However, it is still a live construction zone.
While the opening date remains unclear, one business has remained dedicated to seeing this dream become a reality.
When you walk into Buttons and Threads thrift store off of Houston Lake Road, you'll find more than donated clothes and shoes.
"For what they give, we're able to give back," Octavia Richmond said.
You'll also see a glimpse of the impact that's sowed from your business.
"Our mission is to be able to provide support to the homeless charities that are here in Houston County," Richmond said.
Richmond founded the store out of their organization, Diamond in the Rough. Since they opened in January, Richmond has put part of their proceeds toward building up others.
"First recipient that we gave to was Genesis Joy House, the veterans women's shelter," Richmond said.
This Summer, they donated $1,500 toward the organization, and in December they'll give to the Haven Hope House.
"We need a place for our unhoused residents to have a place to be, and to call home and to begin making those transitions. It's very important," she said.
Working closely with the unhoused herself, she says bringing help requires a community effort.
"There are little small initiatives, but they can't hold the demand of the people and the families that are in need," Richmond said.
Along with the charities they serve, they also have a BUILD initiative pamphlet on their wall. We told you about the BUILD initiative this summer. It stands for Builders Unite In Lifting Dreams.
It's the city's plan to invite the community to help build the shelter or donate money to speed up the construction.
"We need help, we need volunteers, we need contractors," Richmond said repeating the word we, "If everyone comes together you know it's going to be a better place."
Whether that be coming together at Buttons and Threads or through the BUILD initiative. Richmond is optimistic for the future.
If you would like to help with the BUILD efforts, you can reach out to Warner Robins City Hall.
Or you can make monetary donations through their website: here.
We reached out to the city to get an update on the BUILD Initiative progress, we were told there is no update on the work. We also were not able to get a possible opening date.
No Limit Baptist Church says they will continue to offer a warming shelter on nights where the temperature is below freezing. They helped the city with their shelter efforts last winter.
The church also holds homeless outreach events on the fourth Saturday of every month.
They are located at 1352 Radio Loop in Warner Robins.