“We really tried to look across our community, see what people needed, and how we can help,” Mayor Lester Miller told Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Christopher Nunn and his Executive Team while they toured the Brookdale Resource Center on Tuesday, July 11.
The group learned more about the Center and the community’s new regional approach to addressing the housing crisis while supporting people experiencing homelessness. The visit was part of DCA’s trip around the state to see first-hand the impact of programs administered by local governments, as well as those funded by state and federal programs.
“It was a pleasure to visit with Mayor Miller and the Macon-Bibb team to understand the innovative local approaches to address issues of housing affordability and homelessness,” said DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “My team and I appreciate everyone’s hospitality and commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant community.”
The overarching theme of the day was of a community working together… combining its resources… being a team…to help people. The Commissioner and his team learned more about how the United Way of Central Georgia – with the support of Macon-Bibb and DCA – began a new regional approach. Known as United to End Homeless (U2EH), the effort’s goal is to ensure access and equity in housing and support services for our unsheltered population.
“Homelessness looks different for every person and family,” said Mayor Miller. “That’s why we have brought together any group and person who may have a resource that would help someone in need.”
“We can’t address homelessness until we count everyone, and until everyone counts, we have work to do,” said Rev. Dr. Jake Hall, U2EH. “We are going to lead our region in implementing a full-service count of our unsheltered population using technology in a person-centered, data-informed approach so that we truly understand the challenges people face and how we can help.”
During the tour of the Center, they saw the new laundry room and permanent showers, donation rooms, residential rooms, The Gardens, cafeteria, and more.
“We want people to feel good about themselves as they work toward a better life, and that includes having clean, fresh clothes, as well as permanent shower facilities,” said Mayor Miller, letting the Commissioner know that previously, people were using a temporary shower setup.
“We want to give people the dignity to come here and take care of themselves,” United Way Homeless Initiative Board Chair Spencer Hawkins told the group.
As they toured the Gardens behind the Center, the group was wowed with how much had been harvested (more than 1,200 pounds), how high the corn had grown, and that, even on a hot Tuesday morning, volunteers were out there collecting more.