As Marietta officials continue to weigh long-term solutions to homelessness, the Washington County Homeless Project says its Front Street drop-in center remains focused on meeting immediate needs while helping clients navigate the steps toward stability.

The nonprofit, located at 274 Front St., recorded 674 visits in December 2025, according to its monthly director’s report. During that period, the organization served 674 meals and distributed 671 to-go food bags prepared by volunteers.

“Our meals are cooked by volunteers and are delivered here to us, and we warm it up and serve it,” said Susan Arnold, executive director of the Washington County Homeless Project.

The center typically serves between 35 and 40 clients per day. Arnold said demand has remained steady despite recent reductions in federal food assistance programs.

In addition to meals, the drop-in center provides access to basic hygiene and daily necessities. Clients can take showers, do laundry and spend time in a shared community space. In December, clients used the showers 105 times and completed 30 loads of laundry.

“When they come here, we offer showers,” Arnold said. “They could do a load of laundry, of course have a meal, and we have like a community room where you just sit and relax and watch TV and visit with the other clients.”

Staff also assist clients with obtaining identification and documentation, which Arnold said is often the first barrier to housing, employment and benefits. On average, about 10 people per month receive help securing birth certificates, which are typically needed before Social Security cards and state identification can be obtained.

“That’s usually the first step for somebody to get back on their feet,” Arnold said.

The organization also issues homeless verification letters required when applying for housing assistance and other services.

“We also provide homeless letters, which are needed to go to Community Action, to apply for HUD or other resources there,” Arnold said.

Connections to counseling and treatment services are another part of the Homeless Project’s work. While three referrals were recorded in December, Arnold said several clients receive ongoing care arranged through the center.

“We have several, like at least 10, clients with ongoing counseling and treatment that we have set up, and then it remains ongoing,” she said.

To reduce transportation barriers, counselors meet with clients on site.

“We have counselors that come on site to make it easier for the clients, because they don’t have transportation to get there,” Arnold said.

Transportation assistance is also provided through bus tickets, primarily for local needs, though Arnold said the organization occasionally helps individuals travel outside the area to reconnect with family support systems.

“For example, if somebody has just got out of jail and their family, let’s say is in Charleston or wherever, we have bought a bus ticket, a one-way bus ticket for them to get back to their family,” she said.

The Washington County Homeless Project has also been involved in recent public discussions about establishing a permanent overnight shelter. A proposed shelter location on Third Street was not approved by the Marietta Planning Commission, leading the organization to reassess its options.

“I truly believe the city of Marietta and the community supports our mission, our day shelter, also our goal of an overnight shelter,” Arnold said. “However, we cannot agree upon a location.”

Arnold said the organization does not plan to reapply for an overnight shelter at the Third Street site and is instead considering alternatives, including relocating day operations, seeking property outside city limits or pursuing a longer-term vision that could include a monitored campground or a small community of tiny homes.

Arnold encouraged community members to visit the Front Street center to learn more about the organization’s work.

“If anybody has any questions or has any interest either in donating or volunteering, I welcome them to come visit us at any time,” she said.