Warner Robins celebrates upcoming opening of Haven Hope House

Haven Hope House will be Warner Robins' first full-service homeless shelter, accommodating more than 50 guests.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Warner Robins leaders say construction hiccups and gaps in funding may have delayed the opening of the Haven Hope House, but they were never going to deny it.

“We know it was in the lord’s timing,” said Brian Wise, Supervisor of the Haven Hope House. “And I mean, I could not believe we finally got to this step.” 

The facility will house 50 guests with additional cots for overflow, providing access to showers, meals and clothing.

“It’s not a place for individuals to just come in and sleep and eat,” said Mayor LaRhonda Patrick. “They have to be willing to transform their life through programming.” 

The shelter will be operated by The Assembly at Warner Robins, a local church. Lead pastor Darrell Yarbrough says Haven Hope House residents will have access to computers and job training, which he believes is an overall win for Warner Robins.

“We hope that we can help them transform back into being a part of the community and not just having to lean on the community,” Yarbrough said.

Wise has long worked to provide resources for those experiencing homelessness in Houston County. He says meals and clothing will also be available to those who do have shelter, as recent community data illustrates a need for expanded community services.

“There were almost 200 kids, the school board homeless liaison said, that’s either homeless or living out of a car or a hotel,” Wise said. “I consider that homeless if you don’t have a home. So, we’re going to help anybody we can help.” 

Working with the city’s homelessness initiative, Wise estimates he’s helped more than 50 people get back on their feet. Like those efforts, he says the shelter will be not about giving a handout, but a helping hand up.

The shelter is located at 79 Greene Street, but an opening date has not been announced. It was made possible by a host of community donations and allocated funding.