Open Arms to partner with City of Albany

Government Center in Albany

(ALBANY, GA) – A massive grant could be coming to help get homeless families off of the street sooner than later.

This would be due to a partnership between the City of Albany and organizations like open arms geared towards helping those who are homeless.

“So once we verify homelessness, and get all of their background information that’s required for the documentation for the department of community affairs, then we can call the city, let them know the person is eligible, and get them started towards permanent housing,” says Open Arms Associate Executive Director, Rosalynn Fliggins.

For Open Arms, who specializes in helping out homeless teens and families with young children, a partnership like this to help get them off the streets has been crucial.

Between a rise in violent crimes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, getting them off the streets sooner is needed.

Rosalynn tells us, “First of all, it eliminates having to have a person go from place to place, to find services. It’ll give them some centralized places to give them a one stop shop. And then everything that’s needed to process an application is in one spot.”

While the funding is still waiting for approval from the city commission, getting these homeless families protection is a necessity.

“Being exposed to the elements, and being exposed to the pandemic, and potentially becoming spreaders, that’s an issue that can be resolved if they can find housing. If they are sick, they can quarantine, they can say still, and they can stay safe,” says Fliggins.

If you know someone who’s in need of assistance, you can contact Open Arms at (229) 431-1121