Special City Council Meeting - Homeless Services Funding Discussion - August 25, 2026

The Killeen City Council held a special meeting on August 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM to discuss and consider potential funding for homeless services for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026 and for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting was called in response to the imminent closure of the Friends in Crisis (FIC) emergency homeless shelter, scheduled for September 1, 2026. After hearing extensive public testimony and staff presentations, the council voted 7-0 to provide short-term funding to FIC and required a transition plan within 30 days. The council also acknowledged the $200,000 previously earmarked for Armor of God (AOG) but deferred a decision on long-term funding.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Anthony Williams (combat veteran, Killeen resident): Expressed dismay and disgust at council comments, particularly Councilmember Bass's remarks about homelessness being a choice. He described his test scenario with local resources failing to provide housing. He argued that the council's actions show weak leadership and lack of empathy, and warned of consequences at the polls.
• Nassira Zachary (social worker, Killeen resident): Supported funding Friends in Crisis, citing the 2022 Marbrook Consulting study and the 2023 adopted homeless strategic plan. She asked why the council would not maintain the emergency shelter until the city's long-term solution is operational, and questioned accountability, performance, and amount requested.
• John Smallwood (parent of Armor of God participant): Expressed deep gratitude for Armor of God's work, describing how it transformed his son's life before his son's tragic death in a car accident. He urged the council to recognize the genuine difference Armor of God makes.
• John Hahn (encounter City Church outreach pastor, Armor of God founder): Described his efforts to find a building and develop a shelter, emphasizing that he has not asked the city for money but appreciated the $200,000 earmark. He called for a new path forward and partnership to create a comprehensive program that moves people from homelessness to permanent housing.
• Jeff (from Feed My Sheep): Explained he has worked for five years to help the city's homelessness problem, and believes Armor of God's leadership can build a comprehensive long-term program. He emphasized the need for dedicated programming, accountability, and a hand up, not a handout.
• Jamie Carroll: Expressed concern that the council appeared to be cutting Friends in Crisis in favor of long-term programs that are not ready. She argued that some homeless individuals need years of support, not just six months, and questioned why Armor of God is not working with Friends in Crisis to avoid a gap in services.
• Larry Garner (pastor, 30 years working with homeless): Supported Armor of God, praising John Hahn's tender heart and vision. He encouraged the council to support Hahn's ministry.
• Andrew Price: Urged the council not to fund Friends in Crisis, arguing it would create dependency and lead to a larger homeless problem similar to Portland, Oregon. He shared his mother's story of overcoming hardship and stressed personal responsibility.
• Rader Saunier: Stressed that voting no would be a catastrophic event. He criticized council members for marginalizing veterans and said the council has lost trust. He asked for support for both Friends in Crisis and Armor of God, and called for meeting the organizations halfway.
• Dr. Sue Neesey Croft: Called the $60,000 request from Friends in Crisis a "ransom" and highlighted a lack of transparency. She noted that the city transferred the building deed to FIC on July 1, 2026, but FIC announced closure before the contract ended October 1, 2026. She recommended denying the request, directing the city attorney to review the deed transfer for breach, and redirecting funds to Armor of God.
• Graham LeCase (Army veteran, formerly homeless): Shared his personal story of homelessness, addiction, and turning his life around through the domiciliary and then through Friends in Crisis and Armor of God. He volunteers with Armor of God and urged the council to support them, emphasizing the need for community partnership.
• Cecil Bowles (board member and vice president of Armor of God, pastor): Explained that churches and nonprofits are partnering with Armor of God. He stated that homelessness is not the city's responsibility but the church's, and urged the council to pray and follow God's leading. He invited the council to see Armor of God's work in person.
• Michael Boyd (former council member, Salvation Army advisory board): Advocated for a new direction and funds for Armor of God. He noted that many organizations are willing to work together, and he trusts the council to make the best decision. He also defended the council against being mocked for painting overpasses.
• Enka Negu: Shared the story of a homeless veteran who chose to leave housing, illustrating that housing alone is not enough; mental health and addiction assistance are needed. She encouraged support for all services.

Discussion Items

• DS-26-077 - Discuss and consider potential funding for homeless services for the remainder of FY2026 and FY2027.

City Manager Cagle and Program Manager McNair presented a detailed timeline and financial history of the city's relationship with Friends in Crisis (FIC). The city has provided approximately $870,000 to FIC since 2017 ($346,000 local; $523,000 federal). FIC requested $350,000 in June 2026 for the Friends program but later expanded the request to a multi-year commitment. Staff noted that on August 18, the city learned FIC would close September 1, despite prior assurances that closure depended on city funding. FIC later indicated it could remain open if the city funded $29,000 per month through its fiscal year (ending December 31, 2026) and provided a multi-year agreement. Options presented: 1) $29,000/month through December 2026 ($116,000 total); 2) $696,000 for two years; 3) $1.4 million for full budget; or 4) zero funding and support another partner.

Council members discussed the need for a transition plan and expressed frustration with changing information. Councilmember Brown initially moved to allocate $100,000 to the Community Engagement Unit for emergency sheltering (hotel vouchers), but the motion lacked a second after Police Chief Lopez stated that running a shelter is outside KPD's core mission and would create conflicts. The motion failed.

Councilmember Nash-King then moved to fund Option 1 ($29,000/month for four months). Councilmember Brown seconded. Mayor Pro Tem Gonzalez amended the motion to require a transition plan from FIC within 30 days of receiving funds. The amendment passed 7-0. The main motion as amended passed 7-0.

The council also noted the $200,000 already earmarked for Armor of God in the FY2027 budget, but deferred further decisions until a follow-up meeting to be scheduled.

Key Outcomes

• Vote: Motion passed 7-0 to fund Friends in Crisis at $29,000 per month for September through December 2026 (4 months), totaling $116,000, with a requirement that FIC provide a transition plan within 30 days of receipt of funds.
• Deferred: Long-term funding decisions for homeless services beyond December 31, 2026 (including the Armor of God proposal) were deferred to a future council meeting to be scheduled.
• Status of Armor of God: The $200,000 previously earmarked in the budget remains available but contingent on Armor of God completing zoning, permitting, and providing a detailed budget and operational plan.
• Meeting adjourned after the vote.