COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Columbus leaders are moving forward with a new plan to address homelessness. United Way's leaders pitched the new proposal to city council Tuesday, and the measure passed unanimously.
Council voted Tuesday night to support United Way's request for a public-private partnership, a project that was first presented earlier this summer but pushed back for more discussion.
Earlier presentations of the project involved a wholly new plan funded by the city. Councilors were concerned about federal funding and budgeting.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Columbus City Council hears plan for Homeless Solutions Group
The $34,000 plan will bring together city leaders, nonprofits, law enforcement, and community members to update a 15-year-old strategic plan. Planners asked council for $17,000 in funding with the rest expected to come from private partners.
United Way says their team is already getting to work.
"First step will be a meeting with the task force, and we will plan out the rest of the six-month process," said United Way's President & CEO Ben Moser. "We're going to hit the ground running tomorrow."
United Way leaders say they'll build on a 350-page housing study done in partnership with Georgia Tech. They are also looking for broader community involvement.
"I think they need to be looking for invitations to be part of the process," said United Way's Vice President Pat Frey. "Because we want community input, from a vast array of our community stakeholders and community members."
Councilors say this updated strategy could help Columbus prepare for future federal housing dollars.
The Housing Solutions Group expects to return with final recommendations by early next year.
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