Augusta, GA

Homeless ‘point in time’ survey is counting on your help

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2024

Homeless ‘point in time’ survey is counting on your help

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – This year, there is more need than ever to help those who experience homelessness.

It’s cold outside, the winds are brutal on any given day, and if you stand out there long enough, your hands and toes begin to lose circulation.

Imagine living this day in and day out.

Every year on the last 10 days of January, communities conduct a count of the homeless.

This year, the “point-in-time” count will be Jan. 22-31 in Augusta.

In 2022, Augusta found 576 people experiencing homelessness. In 2023, the count grew to 643.

“Our homeless point in time is our annual count of our sheltered and unsheltered individuals here in our community,” said Tammy Ruth, homeless coordinator for Augusta Housing Community Development.

It’s not just a time to count the homeless but also an opportunity along with at least 15 shelters and pop-up shelters to provide resources to the homeless.

The face of homelessness is changing.

“Homelessness looks like you and me. It looks like the child sitting next to your child in school. It looks like the doctor that may be providing care for you. It could be your attorney. It could be the person serving you at McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A, we never know who is experiencing homelessness,” said Bethany Trapp, program coordinator for Marion Barnes Assessment and Referral Center for the Homeless.

They are expecting numbers to grow even higher this year.

“They’re at least double that are experiencing homelessness in Augusta. We want to try and make sure that we encapsulate all of that during this count so that we get a true number. Homelessness is fluid. There’s a lot of times where we may not find them in encampments,” said Trapp.

This year, there are more shelters than ever, and the call has gone out for community assistance with the count and with putting together survival kits.

Close to 150 volunteers are needed to pull this off.

“We are currently sitting at around 104 volunteers. We would love to see about 40 or 50 more, just to make sure that we have all of that coverage,” said Trapp.

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

Golden Harvest Food Bank opens new center, seeks more volunteers
Salvation Army of Augusta surpasses Red Kettle campaign goal

Both day and night volunteers are needed, and they’ll need to attend a training session.

Donation needs include toiletries, sleeping bags, dry foods and canned foods.

Ruth said: “We have a task for any community member that has a desire to help and make a meaningful impact in their community.”

LaDonna Doleman, manager at the Master’s Table soup kitchen, says every little bit counts to save and change a life.

“Everyone counts. Every meal counts. Every volunteer counts. Every guest counts. Every family, every meal counts, and we are changing lives every day,” said Doleman.

Trapp explained why it’s rewarding to volunteer: “Most of all, it is a way for those who care about homelessness to get involved and make a difference in their local community.”

To volunteer, visit https://forms.gle/3gkmS2FQhAQYM5wi8.

THE SCHEDULE:

FACES OF HOMELESSNESS IN AUGUSTA:

Source link

Augusta, GA

Salem Ridgeyaks win second straight in Augusta, 7-4

Published

9 hours ago

July 4, 2026

Press Room

Salem Ridgeyaks win second straight in Augusta, 7-4

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WDBJ) – For a second straight game, the Salem Ridgeyaks bats blew up like…well..the fourth of July.

Andrews Opata hit his 5th home run of the season in the first inning, as Salem led wire-to-wire over Augusta, 7-4.

Opata also stole his Carolina League-leading 36th base of the season in the win for Salem (31-47). D’Angelo Ortiz’s 2 RBI double in the 4th pushed the Salem lead to 4-0. Ortiz finished 2-3 with three RBI’s on the night, while Louis Andujar went 3-4, scoring two runs and also plating two runs.

Salem pitcher Christian Foutch (ND, 6.18 ERA) pitched 4.2 strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out 8. Yermain Ruiz (W, 2-3, 9.87 ERA) picked up his first win since May 29th, going 4.1 innings while striking out another 4 batters.

Salem’s series at Augusta continues through Sunday.

Source link

Augusta, GA

Annual fan drive returns as dangerous heat settles over Augusta

Published

19 hours ago

July 3, 2026

Press Room

Annual fan drive returns as dangerous heat settles over Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As a heat wave settles over Augusta, the Psi Omega Foundation is working with Richmond County Marshal’s Office to deliver fans as a part of their annual fan drive.

Eugene White, president of the Psi Omega Foundation, said his personal connection to the community drives the effort.

“I’m the son of someone. I’m the grandson of someone,” White said. “And so when we think about our elders who may have struggled, that really drives home our desire to build a tenacious community.”

Fans available, no questions asked

White spent the day delivering fans across Augusta. Around 140 fans were available for donation.

Lt. Monica Meyers of the Richmond County Marshal’s Office said this year’s conditions have been more severe than previous summers.

“This year I noticed that the humidity has been higher, the heat index has been higher,” Meyers said. “And with that said, we know that research shows us that the elderly and seniors are less likely to run their AC during the summer months because they’re trying to save their budgets, because they are on fixed budgets and low income.”

Doctors say anyone can be at risk for heat-related illness when the heat index reaches the 90s or above.

How to get a fan

The Marshal’s Office said fans are available to anyone, no questions asked. Meyers said residents can call the Richmond County Marshal’s Office at 706-821-2368 or visit the substation at 3050 Deans Bridge Road in Augusta.

Source link