DeKalb approves Frontline contract to activate warming centers, transportation and wraparound services

DeKalb County approved a substitute arrangement on Nov. 10 with Frontline Response to operate temporary warming centers and provide transportation and wraparound services for individuals experiencing homelessness during cold‑weather activations.

Director Alan Mitchell (Community Development) described a network of up to seven warming‑center locations — including Saint Vincent de Paul (Chamblee), Mason Mill, Exchange Park, Frontline’s base at 2585 Gresham Road, Golden Door, Peace Baptist, and Toby Grant (backup) — and four transportation routes with six pickup locations. Mitchell said Frontline will staff the sites rather than using county staff, and the program includes food, cots, blankets, transportation and case‑management referrals into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for those who enter shelter.

Commissioners asked operational questions about pickup and return times, shower and laundry capacity, outreach to encampments and how DEMA (the county emergency management director) will trigger activations. Mitchell said the administration treats DEMA’s weather forecast guidance as the activation trigger, and the substitute budget covers an estimate of about 61 winter activation days (used for planning) and includes line items for transportation, food, security and case management. He told commissioners Frontline operates a van fleet (nine vans reported) that will do pickups and that county vans can be used as needed to supplement capacity.

Commissioners praised the activation timing and the cross‑department coordination. Several commissioners requested additional operational detail in the PECS committee follow‑up, including shower/laundry capacity, vendor details for food and an option to add mobile laundry/shower services if needed. The substitute passed; Mitchell said staff and Frontline will continue to refine logistics as activations proceed.