Waypoint requests $375,000 for sprinkler system to enable veterans housing in county‑leased building

Sandra Brownlee, founder of Discovering Social Potential and director of Waypoint veteran services, introduced the nonprofit's work in the community and asked the board to consider contributing up to $375,000 to install a fire‑suppression (sprinkler) system that would enable housing in the county‑leased former Georgia State Patrol building the nonprofit occupies.

Brownlee described Waypoint's local impact and partnerships: she said the organization has served more than 22,000 veterans across its centers since 2016 and over 3,000 veterans in the LaGrange/Troup County area. She told the board the housing model includes a nominal monthly resident contribution ($400/month with $100 earmarked for a savings account to help transition residents to independent living). Brownlee said the county retains ownership of the parcel under a lease and that past repairs and donated renovations have already exceeded $400,000 in value. County staff and the county attorney clarified lease terms and deed restrictions that require the property to be used for a public purpose; staff said they will review funding options and related requirements.

Why it matters: the request seeks to convert an existing nonprofit‑operated facility into transitional housing, which would expand local resources for veterans but require capital investment and review of deed/lease restrictions. Brownlee asked the board to consider full or partial funding for the sprinkler system; staff said the item will be discussed further in the board's evening session.