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DeKalb youth commissioners win committee backing for expanded mobile shower pilot
Summary
DeKalb County’s Finance, Audit and Budget Committee unanimously endorsed a youth-led plan to expand county mobile hygiene services and requested staff fold the pilot into the housing strategy; commissioners approved the committee recommendation and congratulated the interns on securing a first budget amendment recognition.
DeKalb County’s finance committee on Monday endorsed a youth-commissioner proposal to expand mobile shower, laundry and barber services for people experiencing homelessness and asked staff to incorporate the concept into the county’s housing strategy.
The recommendation followed a presentation by youth commissioners Charle Dennis and Jabari Burgess, who said they had surveyed residents and consulted nonprofits and day centers. They proposed a four-day weekly rotating schedule to hit underserved areas including Saint Vincent/Chamblee, Perennial Park in Dunwoody, Harrison Crossing/Stone Mountain, Decatur and Lithonia. “To run the mobile showers for a pilot of 6 months, 4 days a week, it would cost approximately $96,000,” Burgess told the committee.
Marcus Allen of central staff said the youth commissioners worked with county departments and nonprofits such as Flowing with Blessings and Frontline Day Center to ground the plan in existing operations. County staff and commissioners discussed possible funding sources and next steps: CEO Zach Williams and Dr. Ferguson said housing trust funds or the county’s housing strategy could carry the program forward if the pilot succeeds.
Commissioners pressed staff on logistics and continuity. Commissioner Shakira Johnson asked what would happen if the county funded a six-month pilot and public demand meant the program needed to continue; staff said funds could be rolled forward into future budgets. Commissioner Michelle Long Spears suggested extending a pilot period if feasible so the program can demonstrate sustained outcomes.
After discussion the committee moved to endorse the concept and request incorporation into the housing strategy. Commissioner Johnson moved the motion; Commissioner Long Spears seconded. The committee voted aye and the motion carried unanimously. Chair Ted Terry congratulated the youth commissioners, saying they had secured their "first budget amendment" recognition from the committee.
The committee directed staff to coordinate with municipalities and potential vendors on security and site needs before any rollouts. Commissioners also asked for follow-up reporting as the county folds the pilot into the 2027 budget process and any midyear adjustments.
The committee’s action is a policy-level endorsement and direction to staff; implementing contracts, schedules and fiscal commitments will be determined through subsequent budget and procurement steps.
