DeKalb County’s Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee deferred consideration of a one‑year contract with the nonprofit Frontline that would fund emergency temporary housing (90‑day stays) and transitional support services.

Director Mitchell and Terry Tucker, CEO of Frontline, described a consolidated shelter concept with roughly 400 beds across three sites (Frontline facility, Peace Baptist site and Golden Door) plus transitional‑housing placements at Golden Door’s redeveloped units. The administration asked for authorization not to exceed $570,000 for the year, which includes roughly $55,000 for furniture and move‑in supports tied to the permanent supportive housing conversion at Golden Door.

Commissioners pressed for more detail on site control and payment structures for the 200 permanent supportive housing units that Golden Door plans to bring online, whether behavioral‑health partners will be in place by the proposed start date, bathroom and shower capacity at the Gresham campus, and whether audit materials and partner contracts would be available for review. Director Mitchell said behavioral‑health partners under consideration include MercyCare and Grady, and that audit work for 2023 is expected to complete this month; Golden Door renovation permits were recently issued.

Commissioner Long Spears moved to defer the item for two weeks to allow written follow‑up and site tours; Commissioner Terry seconded and the committee approved the deferral. Staff will provide additional budget and operational detail, partner contracts or memoranda of understanding, and timelines for a proposed December start if the administration intends that schedule to hold.