Killeen council approves $350,000 to keep Friends in Crisis homeless shelter operating through September 2025

The Killeen City Council voted Feb. 4 to authorize a $350,000 funding agreement to support Families in Crisis Inc., the organization that operates the Friends in Crisis homeless shelter, covering operations through Sept. 30, 2025. The funding was taken from the fiscal year 2024 year‑end surplus fund balance and was approved as part of the consent agenda (6–0).

City staff and Families in Crisis leadership presented background on the request. Tiffany McNair, city staff, said the organization requested assistance because federal and other grant sources have declined and the shelter faces a funding shortfall that could force closure in March. She said the city previously provided $350,000 in ARPA funds for a March–Sept. 2024 term and that the requested $350,000 would cover operations for March–Sept. 2025. McNair said the shelter operates under a performance agreement tied to a CDBG facility conversion; the city forgave matching funds over a 120‑month term that runs to July 1, 2026.

William Hall and Suzanne Armour, leaders with Families in Crisis, told council they have other grant applications pending but cannot rely on them for guaranteed funds. Armour said the organization runs an annual fundraiser and has used some earned revenue and contracts to support operations. “We have applications still out and still pending, and we're hopeful to get some,” Armour said.

Council members pressed for more details about sustainability and matching funds. Councilmember Nina Cobb asked why the shelter repeatedly returns to the council for help and urged Families in Crisis to propose a contingency plan; Suzanne Armour said the organization has used internally raised funds and client fees but that federal sources such as ESG, CDBG and other emergency grants remain uncertain. Several council members asked whether other public partners — county, state or VA — were contributing; McNair said county emergency funds (TURF) were uncertain and that the organization receives multiple federal grants when available.

Public safety staff warned of downstream effects if the shelter closed. Police Chief Lopez and Sergeant Moore said the shelter plays a role in reducing street homelessness and related emergency responses; city social‑work staff reported referring dozens of people a month and that when the shelter is full the nearest non‑military option is in Temple or Waco.

Councilmember Michael Boyd asked how long the $350,000 would stretch; staff replied it would cover through Sept. 30, 2025, and that ESG funding cycles typically restart in November. Councilmember Joseph Solomon noted the performance agreement for the converted church includes a 10‑year operation commitment through July 1, 2026, and Families in Crisis said its plan, if funding becomes stable and a reunification center opens in the future, is to repurpose the existing building for housing for underserved populations.

Action: The council approved authorization for the city manager to execute a funding agreement for $350,000 to Families in Crisis Inc. (Friends in Crisis) for shelter operations through Sept. 30, 2025. The approval was part of the consent agenda; the consent motion was moved by Councilmember Adams, seconded by Councilmember Solomon, and recorded as 6 yes, 0 no.

Council members asked the nonprofit and staff to return with clearer forecasts, contingency plans that define minimum service levels if federal funds lapse, and a budget timeline to align with the city’s April–May budget forecasting cycle.

The council did not place any conditions in the motion beyond standard agreement execution authority; staff said they will continue oversight under the existing performance and CDBG agreements.