At a Henry County Commission meeting on May 20th,2025, several residents and local business representatives voiced concerns over a proposed homeless assistance project slated for the former Emergency Management Building in downtown Clinton.
Chuck Thomas addressed the Commission first, questioning the transparency and use of tax dollars in connection with the project. He inquired about the ownership of the building and deed, the total investment of public funds used to refurbish the property, and the organization behind the effort, which he identified as “Project Homeless.” Thomas also stated he found no formal records of the nonprofit and raised concerns about the requirements for faith-based organizations to operate under federal guidelines. He emphasized his opposition to any tax increases associated with the project.
Denise Welsh also addressed the Commission, calling for greater transparency in county decisions. She urged officials to involve the public in discussions that impact the community, particularly regarding the homeless initiative. Welsh expressed concern over the location of the shelter and questioned how much taxpayer money has been used on the building so far.
Jessica Vowels, an employee of a small business located on the Clinton square, echoed concerns over the location. She said several downtown business owners are uneasy about the shelter’s potential impact on commerce and foot traffic.
In response, Commissioner Mark Larson acknowledged the divisive nature of the topic. He said there is rarely a perfect location for a homeless shelter and noted he was unaware Clinton had a homelessness issue until recently. Larson clarified that the project’s goal is to help those who genuinely want to rebuild their lives. He emphasized that elected officials are entrusted to make decisions on behalf of the public and that not every issue can be addressed through public hearings.
Commissioner Jim Stone, who also owns a downtown business, expressed empathy for concerned residents and said the Commission is conducting due diligence. Commissioner Jake Bradley added that the County has been in communication with the Clinton Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office to address potential safety concerns.
Commissioner Larson stressed that no county funds should be used for the project, emphasizing the role of grants in such initiatives. He cautioned against excessive government involvement, stating it could hinder the project’s success. When asked if he believed in accountability, Larson responded affirmatively, saying he expects excellence in every endeavor.
As the meeting concluded, discussion continued, but residents like Thomas made it clear they would remain opposed to the shelter project in its current form.
The County Commission did not take formal action during the meeting but stated the discussion would remain ongoing as more information becomes available.
