The first phase of the Phoenix Pass Transitional Housing was dedicated Wednesday afternoon in an event highlighting the many groups and thousands of dollars in donations, services and goods that came together to make the first transitional housing units in Rockdale County a possibility.

About 100 supporters and group representatives gathered to see the official blessing of the new transitional housing units, which will be available for homeless women with children and will offer comprehensive programs for life and job market skills training, on top of offering temporary housing.

"Phoenix Pass is in the business of changing lives," said Ron Simpson, president of Phoenix Pass, describing how he explained what the organization did.

"This truly represents the building of a community," said Mimi Box, executive director of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. "But no one can do it alone."

Guest speaker Mayor Shirley Franklin, chair of the Regional Commission on Homelessness, pointed out Rockdale County was an active participant of the Regional Commission. "We try to support each other to say, 'We want to eliminate chronic homelessness.' The families that are a part of Phoenix Pass will have a loving community."

"They don't build buildings," she said of the group. "They build hope."

Despite the donations, Phoenix Pass is in need of a few more resources to be functional. Simpson pointed out that it was still in need of about $100,000 more to finish the resource building - a space for meeting rooms, laundry rooms, and class rooms - and for the first eight apartment units to be able to open. He estimated the yearly operating cost of the first phase to be $110,000 to $114,000.

For more information on Phoenix Pass, call 770-760-1020 or go to www.phoenixpass.org. Donations also may be made through United Way in Rockdale and designated for Phoenix Pass. United Way in Rockdale can be reached at 678-623-2890