WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Temperatures are dropping and in the coming months, it will only get colder.
This spring, the City of Warner Robins purchased their first city-owned homeless shelter. They hoped to have it open before the start of winter.
Code enforcement officer Brian Wise says they aren't on track for their intended opening.
"We are in the final stages for architectural design submission for renovations," City Clerk Mandy Stella said.
In August, Mayor LaRhonda Patrick told 13WMAZ that once a design is complete, it would still have to go out for a construction bid.
The two-story shelter on Green Street will have separate sides for men and women. They will not house families or children. They are still looking for options to accommodate those people.
The city estimates that they have 200 homeless people, and this summer, the city put $13,000 into an app. They hope it allows them to better understand the city's homeless population. It was paid for through American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Warner Robins partnered with Simtech Solutions to gather personal information like where the city's homeless live and how old they are.
Patrick told us, other cities in the area are using the app, and they'll be able to track who may transfer into their community.
The city also planned to provide ministry, clothing, and food through the shelter. They said they also provide case management and wraparound services in coordination with the Greater Houston Coalition and related social service partners.
They are working with The Table, a local church, to make sure the homeless have a place to stay during particularly harsh cold snaps.
Until the permanent homeless shelter is ready to go, groups will send out a bus to collect the homeless, and take them to a warm place to stay whenever dangerously cold weather is forecast.