On January 25, Macon-Bibb County, the United Way of Central Georgia (UWCG), and the Community Foundation of Central Georgia (CFCGA) announced several large donations to the Central Georgia COVID-19 Relief Fund, as well as the amount donated by individuals since the Brookdale Warming Center opened. This is in addition to the $25,000 grant from the Relief Fund to help get the Center started and the funding from the Macon-Bibb Economic Opportunity Council that hired the Director.

To watch the full press conference, click here.

“We have faced troubling and uncertain times like most communities, particularly during the pandemic. Many of our most vulnerable citizens have been out in the cold with not enough clothes, not enough food,” said Mayor Miller, adding he visits the Center several times a week. “To be able to eat three times a day for some of these folks is a blessing. It’s made a real difference in their lives.”

It was announced All-State Electrical is donating $5,000, the Navicent Health Foundation is donating $5,000, Georgia Power was donating $1,850, and $1,000 from an anonymous donor. Additionally, it was announced that more than $4,000 has already been collected through the Fund, and the CFCG has already made a $2,500 grant for food at the Center. Since the press conference an additional $10,000 has come in from an anonymous donor through the CFCGA, half for staffing at the Center and half for food.

All donations will be used to support the residents and operations at the Center to ensure individual needs are met and staffing levels can be maintained.

“There is nothing more frontline right now than helping people that do not have reliable shelter that they can go to every night,” said George McCanless, President & CEO of the United Way of Central Georgia, on why they are supporting the Brookdale Warming Center.

“Part of our vision at All-State Electrical is giving back to our communities by using what’s been given to us to help those in need,” said Jacob Patton with All-State Electrical, pointing out other organizations which they support each year. “We’re very proud to support the families and people at the Brookdale Warming Center, and that they have someplace warm and safe they can go.”

“We look for ways to improve the healthcare of the citizens of our community, and shelter is one of the basic needs of mankind,” said Ellen Johnson with the Navicent Health Foundation. “We pray this is one of many contributions that come in to support this effort.”

If you would like to help support the residents at the Brookdale Warming Center, consider volunteering your time or making a donation to the Central Georgia COVID-19 Response & Recover Fund.