Special City Council Workshop - August 25, 2026

The City of Killeen held a special city council workshop on August 25, 2026, focused primarily on addressing homelessness services and funding decisions. The council discussed the imminent closure of Friends in Crisis (FIC), a local homeless shelter, due to funding shortfalls and debated potential interim funding options to maintain emergency shelter services through the end of the year. City staff presented a detailed report on FIC's funding history, expenditures, and operational challenges, noting that the city had invested approximately $870,000 since 2017. Council members considered motions to allocate $29,000 per month to FIC through December 2026 to bridge services until a new 24/7 shelter operated by Armor of God could potentially open in October 2026. The council emphasized the need for a sustainable, long-term homeless services strategy with accountability and measurable outcomes. A motion to fund FIC $29,000 monthly through December 31, 2026, was passed unanimously, with an amendment requiring FIC to provide a transition plan within 30 days. Discussions also covered zoning and operational readiness for the Armor of God shelter, coordination among community partners, and the role of the police department in homeless outreach. The council acknowledged the complexity of homelessness solutions and the importance of community collaboration moving forward.