Killeen City Council Votes to Fund Homeless Shelter Through Year’s End After Reversal

In a significant decision, the Killeen City Council voted to extend funding for Friends in Crisis, a pivotal shelter for the city’s unhoused population, through the end of the year. This move reverses a prior decision that would have seen the shelter close its doors on September 1. Since its establishment in 2013, Friends in Crisis, located at 412 E. Sprout St., has been a cornerstone for those in need, providing essential shelter services.

Mellisa Brown, a Killeen City Council member at large, confirmed that the funding will support the shelter until December 31st, ensuring continued assistance for the general homeless population. This decision comes as Families in Crisis, the organization operating Friends in Crisis, plans to transition the building to focus on other vital assistance programs. These include a veteran program coordinated through the VA’s Healthcare For The Homeless office in Temple, as well as domestic violence housing assistance services.

Suzanne Armour, director of programs at Families in Crisis, emphasized that while the shelter’s general operations will change, the community will not be left without options. The organization anticipates that Amor of God Outreach will be operational as a 24-hour homeless shelter on Medical Drive, providing a seamless transition for those in need.

Armour acknowledged the difficulty in making the decision to shift focus from general shelter operations to specialized services such as domestic violence, veteran, and sexual assault services. Despite these challenges, the organization believes this strategic pivot is necessary to better serve the community. As Friends in Crisis continues its operations through the end of the year, it will operate at a limited capacity of 30 to 40 people each night due to funding constraints.

This development highlights the community’s ongoing commitment to caring for its most vulnerable members, reflecting the biblical call to love and serve one’s neighbor (Matthew 25:35). As the community navigates these changes, the collaborative efforts of local organizations and the city council demonstrate a shared dedication to ensuring that no one is left without support.

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