The local nonprofit Saved By Grace withdrew its application for a special use permit, which would have allowed it to provide overnight shelter to low-income men who work 40 hours a week.
The organization was set to have the county’s commission vote on the rezone Thursday night for the 5140 Blythe Island Highway property. The 4.18-acre property was most recently used as a church. The organization plans to proceed with the purchase of the building, which is currently under contract, as it is currently zoned.
The organization has not had overnight spaces since the beginning of June and has been vetting buildings in the area for two years. According to them, they get at least 5 calls a day from men needing their assistance. Instead of providing overnight accommodations to program participants, they will now reside off-site from the location.
As they work to convert the vacant church for supportive services, they will be searching for housing solutions for the men they expect to accept into the program. They are currently seeking spaces that will not require a zoning change, though it is unclear whether they will purchase a property or look for rentals.
According to the organization, the center will supply participants with career counseling, workforce training, financial education, food, transportation and healthcare.
“We are committed to being good stewards and ensuring our work contributes positively to this community and the surrounding neighborhood,” said Donna Howard, Executive Director of Saved by Grace in a statement provided to The Current. “Our goal has always remained the same: to make Glynn County a better place for everyone—a place where everyone has a home and the opportunity to thrive.”
The program seeks a specific group of homeless individuals: men who have verifiable incomes, jobs where they work 40 hours a week, pass a background check, and take part in regular supportive services and screenings. The organization’s programming usually runs for six months. To date, over 100 men have graduated from Saved By Grace.
Howard and co-founder Maria Gamble got permission for the permit from the Mainland Planning Commission (MPC) with a 4-2-1 vote, on June 4, which decided to allow a change in zoning for the proposed property. But, faced with public skepticism and fear, the county commissioners declined to vote on the decision on June 18.
Most of the apprehension came from the residents adjacent to the facility, who expressed concerns such as distance from the facility to bus stops, increased crime rates, homelessness in the community, walk-ups accessing the property, traffic congestion and vacant homeless shelters in the community. The organization had agreed not to provide walk-up services if the rezoning were to be approved and they were going to construct a wood privacy fence along the property lines with 24-hour manned security.
The funds are immediately available for purchasing and renovating the property. Saved By Grace has already raised $2 million, which has been entirely funded through private contributions. The organization is part of the Under One Roof fund, which has a total of $10 million dedicated to addressing housing insecurity in Glynn County. So far, donors have committed a total of $6 million to this fund.
“Above all, Saved by Grace continues to prioritize the security and safety of the men in its program and the surrounding community,” stated Howard. “The organization is committed to maintaining a safe, supportive environment for participants, and operating with the highest standards of care and responsibility.”
Sad that they are so many afraid of fellow men who have jobs, passed a background check etc…..suspect most objecting call themselves Christians…..but choose not to do unto others…..