Proposed design of the Resource Center developed by SCAD for Union Mission.
Parker’s Kitchen has pledged $1 million to Union Mission for the creation of a new Resource Center for the homeless in Savannah, Georgia. Located in a former Family Dollar store, the center aims to offer comprehensive services including case management and mental health counseling. Set to open in Spring 2026, this initiative aligns with Parker’s Community Fund’s commitment to supporting local nonprofits and addressing community needs.
Parker’s Kitchen has announced a donation of $1 million to Union Mission, aimed at constructing a new Resource Center dedicated to assisting the homeless population in Savannah, Georgia. The new facility will be established in the former Family Dollar premises located at 702 W. Oglethorpe Ave. Construction is set to commence in September 2025, with an expected opening date in the Spring of 2026.
The Resource Center will cover 8,200 square feet and will emphasize a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the needs of homeless individuals. The facility will operate from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Among the services to be offered are case management, mental health counseling, workforce development, engagement efforts, and various wrap-around services designed to support those experiencing homelessness.
The design of the Resource Center has been created through a collaborative effort with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as part of their SCAD SERVE Design for Good course. This innovative partnership aims to create a space that is not only functional but also welcoming for individuals seeking assistance.
Union Mission, recognized for its ongoing commitment to tackling homelessness, previously managed a Day Center at Grace House. Since its inception over two years ago, this Day Center has served 1,551 individuals, accumulating more than 48,000 visits. Currently, the facility averages about 119 clients per day, a significant increase from the intended capacity of 50 and has even seen a peak of 167 individuals served in a single day.
The introduction of the new Resource Center is anticipated to bolster Union Mission’s existing services, enabling the organization to expand its reach and improve support for those in need. As noted, the goals of the new facility align with Parker’s Kitchen’s broader community engagement efforts, particularly through the Parker’s Community Fund, which has contributed over $30 million to various nonprofits in the past eight years. This fund primarily focuses on education, hunger reduction, healthcare access, and assisting injured local veterans.
Several prominent local figures, including Savannah Mayor Pro Tem Estella Shabazz, Union Mission President and CEO Mike Traynor, and Union Mission Board Chair Bill Hunter, attended the announcement event, underscoring the community’s support and recognition of the importance of addressing homelessness in Savannah.
Union Mission is a nonprofit organization committed to providing essential services and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. Its mission encompasses emergency, transitional, and permanent housing solutions directed at addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the community. The addition of the new Resource Center is viewed as a critical step forward in enhancing Union Mission’s ability to serve the homeless population effectively.
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