New Birth International outlines winter shelter plan for Dec. 1–Mar. 31; council hears funding and operations questions

New Birth International Church and county liaisons presented a winter shelter plan to Pontiac City Council on Nov. 10, describing a temporary shelter operating Dec. 1 through March 31 with capacity for 38 beds intended primarily for families and a network of partners to provide case management and health navigation.

Speakers said the shelter would be funded through a combination of county funds managed via the Continuum of Care (Alliance for Housing), resources from the Pontiac Community Foundation and other local partners. Presenters identified a Safe Tonight Shelter Fund housed at the Pontiac Community Foundation that would provide flexible assistance, including hotel placements when shelter beds are full. The presenters said the county provided $100,000 through the Continuum of Care (not the Pontiac Community Foundation) and that funds will flow into the shelter rather than to the church as a private nonprofit account.

Council members asked detailed follow-up questions about fiduciary fees for the Pontiac Community Foundation, who will provide case management and how community health workers will be integrated. Presenters said case management and HMIS intake will be managed through the Continuum of Care (Alliance for Housing) and Oakland Connect will provide community health worker access and a nurse-on-call. The council praised the collaborative effort but pressed for clarity on fiduciary arrangements and local staffing and training plans.

Presenters encouraged donations and community support and said national and local partners, including hospital leaders and state senators, are expected to attend kickoff events.