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ALBANY, GA --
Dozens of people lined up outside the Salvation Army for the "Stand Up For Our Neighbors" event -- a one-stop-shop of resources for the homeless population.

The event began with a proclamation from City of Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard presented by City Commissioner Christopher Pike.

Pike says the office declared this week as homelessness awareness week in Albany to help spread the word about the growing problem in the area.

To combat the problem, the homeless population was invited to the center for an array of services from a mobile barber shop to health check-ups and free meals.

Those who showed up say it is a blessing to have everything under one roof. Wayne Bell Senior says he would have had to take multiple buses for everything that was made available to him and he's hoping to better his situation with these resources.

Chair of the Albany-Dougherty Homeless Coalition David Blackwell says this event -- made possible by a $2,000 grant by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs -- is leading up to their goal of reducing homelessness.
Blackwell says in January his coalition will present to the Albany City Commission a 10 year plan to reduce homelessness.