Efforts to create affordable housing and help those struggling to find adequate shelter dominated Tuesday’s Macon-Bibb County Commission Committee of the Whole.

Through the department of Economic and Community Development, the Commission allocated about $2.4 million in Emergency Solutions Grants and Community Development Block Grants to local service providers to help provide rapid rehousing, build more affordable housing in the community and care for those in need.

River Edge Behavioral Health, one of those partners, acquired $800,000 to build five more tiny homes in Fort Hill and provide services for their inhabitants.

Other grant recipients included Meals on Wheels which distributes food to the elderly, Family Advancement Ministries and the Economic Opportunity Council that both provide rapid rehousing services.

Commissioners also tabled two applications for streetlights on Mikado Avenue and Charles Street so that the lighting conditions could be properly assessed.

The Committee of the Whole also approved alcohol license applications for Welcome Food in Lizella and Nishu Food Mart on Shurling Drive.

Commissioners also voted in favor of appointments to the Macon Housing Authority, Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority and the administrative board for the County Defined Contribution and Deferred Compensation Plan.

All items passed in committee will need final approval next week.

Here are highlights from Tuesday’s meeting captured in social media posts during the proceedings.

– Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.