Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Faith groups, outreach teams tell council of progress on bridge housing; some residents raise concerns about proposed Salvation Army site
Summary
Faith‑based groups and outreach teams reported progress on bridge housing and services for unsheltered residents; a resident raised safety and location concerns about a potential Salvation Army shelter site and was told no final site is chosen and a Salvation Army representative will brief council at a future work session.
Multiple speakers during public comment on July 14 told the Aiken City Council that local faith congregations and partner organizations are coordinating services for people experiencing homelessness and reported tangible progress.
Kirk Johnson, pastor of Lost Sheep Ministries, described partnerships with churches and agencies and said the group's work now includes referrals to mental‑health and substance‑use services and support for transitions into housing. "We're here for Aiken, the community of Aiken," Johnson said, describing daily outreach and a community hope team.
Lex Ferry of C4 Impact Ministry said renovation of apartment space supports bridge‑housing and on‑site services such as showers and daily contact with residents. Ferry encouraged broader coordination with mental‑health partners and invited groups to a consortium meeting of mental‑health and substance‑use providers.
Separately, Theresa of Eyes on Aiken raised concerns about a proposed Salvation Army shelter location near Gail Avenue and asked whether the city has plans to mitigate safety or traffic impacts. Council members and a Salvation Army board member said no final location has been chosen; the transcript records that Captain Michael Good of the Salvation Army is expected to attend a council work session next month to discuss next steps. Councilmembers also discussed potential fundraising and the possibility that proceeds from a Park Avenue sale could help support the shelter.
What happens next: Salvation Army representatives will brief council at an upcoming work session to discuss location and next steps; council members encouraged continued interagency collaboration and invited community resource sharing to support wraparound services.
