During the public‑comment period on Sept. 29, Elizabeth McDowell addressed the Cullman City Council to urge adoption of a locally tailored homelessness response she called the “What Would Jesus Do” act.

McDowell asked the council and community to shift responses away from an enforcement‑first approach and to establish a phased, partnership model. “It directs our police to focus on real crime and real danger while a trained licensed therapist, a mental health professional acts as a liaison,” she said, describing a liaison model that would connect people to services following approaches used in Shelby County.

Her draft plan, which she provided to the council, outlines three phases: immediate access to basic hygiene (showers and laundry), short‑term safe shelter and a dedicated pathway to permanent housing with expansion of public housing capacity. McDowell emphasized the plan would leverage local charities, seek state and federal grants, and use a phased approach to demonstrate results.

McDowell said the proposal is meant to reduce strain on police and connect people with treatment and housing options. She asked the council to review the draft and encouraged participation from civic and faith organizations; she did not request a specific ordinance or set a timetable in her remarks.

The council acknowledged receipt of the draft; no formal motion, referral or council direction was recorded in the meeting minutes that night.