Augusta, GA

Rental companies prepare homes for Masters after Helene

Published

1 year ago

January 28, 2025

Press Room

Rental companies prepare homes for Masters after Helene

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Masters is getting closer, but the time to rent out your house is now.

After Hurricane Helene, homeowners across the CSRA are racing to finish up any repairs to their homes.

We spoke to two home rental companies here about how this year will look.

When you drive around the CSRA, you still see a city trying to recover and prepare for its biggest week of the year that’s only a few months away.

Despite what the city looks like today, rental companies say they’re doing everything they can to work with homeowners to make sure their homes are ready to go for patrons come April.

It’s the one week everyone wants to be in Augusta.

“People will always come to the Masters,” said Stacey Greenway, vice president of Tournament Housing and Events LLC. “No ticket will ever go unused.”

With the tournament only a few months away – everyone is trying to prepare.

“We have had some homeowners that are just overwhelmed with trying to get their home ready for Masters because they’re dealing with roofs that are, you know, have holes in them and the debris and all the outdoor structures are damaged,” said Kelly Starr, Corporate Quarters director of operations and events.

Homeowners, rental companies and contractors have a long to-do list before April.

“We all have to just accept that the scenery will be different in backyards. you know, houses that have privacy might not have that anymore,” said Greenway.

Changing the criteria for the outside of homes and asking for patience from golf patrons this spring.

“I’ve already prepared some of our clients that there might be some houses that have patches on their roofs,” said Greenway. “That’s not going to affect the patron’s comfort. That won’t affect their ability to watch the tournament.”

But they’re still doing everything they can to make sure their homes are ready.

“Our greatest concern is that come March, there’s going to be homeowners calling and saying, oops, I thought my contractor would be ready and they’re not going to be ready so we have to refund the money,” said Greenway.

Even if some homes aren’t ready, others are stepping up to rent that have never done it before – even as far out as Aiken and Lake Oconee.

“We do have some people registering saying, you know, I know there’s a lot of houses out there that are damaged. We have never rented before and now we think this could be our opportunity to get in there,” said Greenway.

Even though the way the city looks might be different, the community and hospitality are still the same.

“I really think it’s a true testament to Georgia and Augusta and everyone wants to be very hospitable,” said Starr. “That’s why they call it southern hospitality. They’re excited to get their homes ready and have something to look forward to.”

They say they don’t expect to have to rent out as far out as Lake Oconee and Modoc because of the number of new houses being built and the increase of new people wanting to rent in Augusta, but it’s good to know that it’s an option if needed.

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Augusta, GA

South Augusta community raises concern over Family Y on Tobacco Road

Published

2 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Press Room

South Augusta community raises concern over Family Y on Tobacco Road

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – People who live in South Augusta are raising concerns about the future of the Family Y on Tobacco Road.

Officials say the facility has been operating at a loss for years, and have had a low number of memberships. The location also has a new owner. The cost of the lease is too high and the facility is also in need of renovations, which are said to be costly.

“The reality is we couldn’t afford the current lease that we were in,” said Catie McCauley, president and CEO of Family Y of Greater Augusta. “Over the last 10 years we’ve been subsidizing this lot. So we got to look at a model that we can sustain for the next several generations not just the next couple years.”

The location is set to close in October, but officials say they are working with community members and contractors for a new building that they can move into and are committed to staying in South Augusta.

Photojournalist credit: Gary Hipps

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Augusta, GA

Augusta domestic violence shelter faces shortfall after Georgia funding veto

Published

12 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Augusta domestic violence shelter faces shortfall after Georgia funding veto

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – SafeHomes Augusta is facing a funding shortfall after Georgia lawmakers vetoed millions in domestic violence funding.

The nonprofit is the only 24-hour domestic violence shelter in the area, serving 10 counties from Augusta to Burke County to Taliaferro.

It costs approximately $1 million to operate a 24-hour shelter that meets Georgia standards, but SafeHomes only receives $647,000 in funding.

Lawmakers vetoed $9.4 million in domestic violence funding and $3 million for sexual assault centers.

Executive Director Aimee Hall said staff is bracing for what comes next.

“I think we’ll still be able to provide services. It’s just going to be on a lower scale. And that’s my concern because there’s so many people who need our services. Last year we provided services to over 1,700 men, women, and children,” Hall said.

Hall said the concern is not just about budgets but about the people who depend on the shelter around the clock.

“We’re not a nonprofit that can close. Domestic violence don’t happen between 8:00 and 5:00,” she said.

Becky Halioua, a survivor who first made contact with SafeHomes in 2015, said the resource likely saved her life.

She said she has continued to share her story in hopes it can help others.

“Nobody starts a relationship saying, well, I can’t wait for this person to put their hands on me,” Halioua said. “Domestic violence really has no face. And I think it’s important for people to know that it affects everybody.”

She said the reality of leaving an abusive situation is something many people do not consider.

“Just imagine if you had to just uproot your entire life suddenly in, you know, maybe the middle of the night and leave with just the clothes on your back,” Halioua said.

Hall said the most important thing the community can do right now is show up. SafeHomes is actively seeking volunteers, and Hall said time is just as valuable as financial donations.

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating can contact SafeHomes Augusta directly at 706-736-2499.

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