Holly Furr, executive director of United Way, told the Lancaster County committee of the whole that the organization is pursuing a permanent homeless shelter using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded around November 2021.

Furr said the county’s point‑in‑time count rose from 77 unsheltered people in 2024 to 95 in 2025 — an increase she described as about 23%. She outlined service activity over the past year, including a warming center that served 51 clients, 112 people placed in hotels in 2025 (totaling 168 individuals with family members), and a partnership with the Catawba Area Coalition for Homeless (CASH) that provided 10 rapid‑rehousing slots (with five placements in Rock Hill so far). Furr said many program expenses are now paid from other grants and donations rather than from ARPA.

On the financial plan, Furr said United Way was awarded $334,213 in ARPA funds and has spent roughly $109,000 on program costs, code‑architect fees (about $15,000), asbestos testing and related work, leaving what she described as approximately $224,000 available. United Way identified a building near the organization’s office, hospital and major transportation routes and said it is working with code architects on plans and city staff on permitting. Furr said the organization has sought a donated building and state support but was denied earmarks in the recent state budget.

Council members pressed United Way on feasibility and timing. One council member said he was concerned the money could be “spent and... not gonna be enough left” and recommended freezing the ARPA funds and requiring a definite plan by March (others suggested April or May to allow more time). Furr responded that ARPA funds are currently held in a separate account and “we are not spending any of the funds right now.” She said her board could approve purchase if the owner negotiates a price just under $200,000 and that United Way will resubmit plans under a multifamily‑dwelling zoning classification to reduce some code requirements.

United Way also said it will keep operating the warming center (in partnership with Emmanuel Baptist Church) opening Dec. 1 and will continue programmatic supports while pursuing a shelter location. A council member asked United Way to present a written update early in the new year so council could consider a decision on remaining ARPA funds by March; several members agreed to allow up to April or May for materials and negotiations to be finalized.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved routine minutes and the meeting agenda by voice vote earlier in the session (Chair announced the results as unanimous). There was no formal vote on committing the remaining ARPA funds to the building purchase at this meeting.

The committee asked United Way to return with a status update in January or February and to provide materials that would allow council action in the spring.