The McDonough council is looking to help the homeless within the city. They approved $300 thousand dollars, in collaboration with non-profit Connecting Henry, for assistance. The funds are part of the city’s ARPA dollars.
McDonough Help the Homeless
The McDonough council discussed its remaining ARPA dollars on October 3, 2024. The city had close to six million dollars they must obligate before year’s end. Otherwise, they would have to return the funding to the federal government. After obligating the funds by December 31, 2024, they must then spend all funds by December 2026.
During the discussion, the topic of homelessness within the city arose. Several council members shared accounts of observing an increased number of homeless sleeping in city parks. They also shared personal stories of helping homeless individuals. The city’s original ARPA budget had $250,000 for non-profit assistance. The city chose to increase this amount to $300,000. The council unanimously approved obligating these funds to Connecting Henry.
Connecting Henry has been helping Henry County families since 1996. The non-profit has relationships with local resources and organizations to assist those in need. They are also the Henry County-designated recipient for grant funds from the Georgia Family Connection Partnership.
One specific area the organization assists the homeless is to pay for temporary housing. In addition, the city is discussing workforce development opportunities with both Connecting Henry and Southern Crescent Technical College.
Featured image shows the McDonough City Hall. Clayton Carte photo. [/mepr-show]
