From United Way of Central Georgia – United Way of Central Georgia has agreed to assume management operations of the Brookdale Warming Center at the request of Macon-Bibb County. In a meeting Tuesday evening, the Macon-Bibb County Commission voted to fund the Center using $4 million from the American Rescue Plan grant money.

“The Brookdale Warming Center is an incredible success story. Mayor Lester Miller stepped up after the tragic loss of two men experiencing homelessness on Christmas Day to get this center operational in less than a week. Since then, the community has come together to volunteer, donate items, and provide financial support to keep it going,” said George McCanless, President and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia. “It is a prime example of what Live United means, and we are honored and excited to increase our involvement with this initiative.”

More than 600 people have come through the doors of the Brookdale Warming Center since January. The Center provides homeless individuals and families with three meals a day, shower facilities, and sleeping quarters. Other resources are also provided, including mental health evaluations and educational support. To date, they have made 45 housing placements, have placed 100 people in jobs, and assisted more than 400 people in getting ID’s, birth certificates, government benefits, and needed medical care. More than $169,000 has been raised to date in donations.

“The Commission and I want to thank United Way of Central Georgia for being part of Team Macon-Bibb and stepping forward to take over management and coordination of the Brookdale Warming Center,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “Their successful history of coordinating and targeting services, as well as fundraising and leveraging private dollars, will help expand what is offered there and increase the number of people we’ll be able to help.”

About United Way of Central Georgia: United Way of Central Georgia is a leading funder of health and human services that have a measurable impact in fourteen Central Georgia counties and improve the lives of more than 100,000 local people annually. The annual campaign raises more than $4 million annually and supports 58 programs of 33 local Partner Agencies. United Way of Central Georgia also funds a free, confidential seven-days a week, 24-hours a day information and referral line serving all Central Georgia. Simply dial 2-1-1 to find or give help. To learn more about what United Way of Central Georgia is doing for the community, visit our website at www.unitedwaycg.com.