When the local homeless shelter began a site search for a new permanent facility in 2002, Welford Engineering developed concept plans and zoning submissions for 5 separate potential sites over a one year period. In April, 2003 when the Homeless Shelter Board made the decision to relocate to a site in the Battlefield Industrial Park, Welford Engineering continued to provide land survey, site/civil engineering and construction phase services until the shelter, renamed the Thurman Brisben Center, was completed and dedicated in 2005. With the help of all of the regional localities and supporters, the Thurman Brisben Center provides nearly 16,000 sf of housing, including an 80-bed resident facility, private staff offices, a computer lab, training and teaching facilities, meeting rooms, and 8 family units for parents and children.