Augusta, GA
As homeless count begins, volunteers expect higher numbers
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Homelessness is a growing problem in Augusta, and we’ll soon get an idea about how much it’s growing.
On Monday, volunteers went out across Augusta to start the annual homeless census.
Every year on the last 10 days of January, communities conduct a “point in time” count of the homeless.
This year, Augusta’s count started Monday and will last through Jan. 31.
Shelter preps and counts are taking place at the Center of Hope, the Augusta Rescue Mission, and Garden City Rescue. They’re all wrapping up by 7 p.m.
Then comes the heavy prep for the nighttime count outside in the community, where officials with 80 to 100 volunteers will take the count, asking questions and providing care to those in the community experiencing homelessness.
It’s all hands on deck to find out how many people need a helping hand around Augusta.
“It’s been enlightening to the community to have that many volunteers that want to see it. And they’re going to pull behind the curtain a little bit,” said District 7 Commissioner Sean Frantom.
Frantom has been on multiple “point in time” counts and says while the work isn’t easy, it’s an important part of learning where Augusta’s homeless issue stems from.
“It’s interesting. You learn their different stories. Some of them are stories that’ll break your heart because you understand that maybe they just lost a job. They’re trying to find work, their veterans. There are so many different situations and you truly learn, you know, everybody in your community,” he said.
600 care packages were prepared by the Marion Barnes Center, 100 of them donated by Warren Baptist Church.
Volunteers are gathering at 9 p.m. to ask questions and get information until 6 a.m.
They don’t want to miss anyone. Shawn Rhodes with the Richmond County Marshal’s Office says the count isn’t just to get numbers by the beginning of the year, but to give out life-saving equipment to anyone they encounter when the weather is colder.
“There was a time when we could hardly even get volunteers to assist us in the last few years. I think there’s been a big, big push to educate the community and our partners on the need and now they have just come out in droves is amazing and everyone is completely excited about getting together and rallying up,” said Rhodes.
It’s a year-round effort, that once a year brings dozens together.
Janelys Villalta, with PR and Marketing at the Salvation Army of Augusta, said: “We’re always going to be able to find better ways to serve the community if we work together.”
In 2022, Augusta found 576 people experiencing homelessness. In 2023, the count grew to 643.
The count may shed light on how many of the homeless originated locally or came from elsewhere after being referred here due to the resources available in Augusta.
We do know 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.
As they count the homeless and hand out “survival kits,” the roughly 150 volunteers expect to find even higher numbers.
“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,” Trapp said. “Homelessness is fluid. There’s a lot of times where we may not find them in encampments.”
THE SCHEDULE:
FACES OF HOMELESSNESS IN AUGUSTA:
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta GreenJackets, in partnership with Destination Augusta, on Monday announced the launch of Augusta Soul, a new alternate identity celebrating the rhythm, history and cultural heartbeat of the Augusta area.
The Augusta Soul will take the field June 19 and 20 at SRP Park against the Hill City Howlers.
Augusta’s soul story can be seen and felt throughout the community, from downtown landmarks and murals to historic stages, museums, local venues and gathering places that continue to carry the city’s musical spirit forward.
The identity pays tribute to the legacy of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, and Augusta-born powerhouse Sharon Jones, whose influence helped bring classic soul to a new generation.
“Minor League Baseball gives us a unique opportunity to tell local stories in a fun and meaningful way,” said Augusta GreenJackets General Manager Brandon Greene. “Augusta Soul honors the artists who moved the world, the places that shaped the sound and the people who continue to give this community its energy today.”
The June 19 game will include an Augusta Soul bowling shirt giveaway, presented by Destination Augusta, for the first 1,000 fans through the gates.
On June 20, fans can enjoy post-game fireworks and have the chance to bid on the game-worn and autographed Augusta Soul jerseys, with net proceeds benefiting the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils.
Tickets for both Soul games are available now for purchase. Visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com, call 803-349-9467 or visit the SRP Box Office at 187 Railroad Ave., North Augusta.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Players and The Imperial Theatre have announced a new Chief Executive Officer.
Shane Peterman will lead the organizations as they continue working toward a proposed merger and a shared future for the performing arts in Augusta.
Peterman brings nearly 30 years of experience in commercial and nonprofit performing arts, including executive leadership, producing, arts education, organizational growth, revenue development and community engagement.
He most recently served as Producing Artistic Director of WaterTower Theatre in Addison, Texas. Peterman has also worked in commercial theatre development and producing in both the United States and United Kingdom.
“Shane brings the rare combination of artistic understanding, business discipline, warmth and vision that this moment requires,” said M. Amy Patton, Interim CEO of The Augusta Players and Search Committee Co Chair. “He understands that strong organizations are built through trust, transparency, relationships, and mission. We believe Shane is the right leader to help guide this next chapter.”
Peterman’s background also includes leadership of performing arts organizations, theatrical producing and presenting, donor and corporate support, arts education and organizational transition.
“I’m deeply honored by the trust both organizations have placed in me during such an important and exciting moment in their histories,” said Peterman.
“The Augusta Players and The Imperial Theatre together represent a nearly 200 year legacy of artistic excellence, civic engagement and community impact. I look forward to working alongside the boards, staff, artists, patrons, donors and the greater Augusta community as we help shape a strong and sustainable future for the performing arts together.”
Peterman is expected to begin his role on June 15.
His leadership comes nearly 7 months after the death of Augusta Players Executive and Artistic Director Scott Seidl.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
College basketball: Keshun Sherrill enters Augusta Sports Hall of Fame
Published 5:34 pm Sunday, May 31, 2026
Staff report
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Keshun Sherrill, one of the all-time basketball greats at West Rowan, was inducted into the Augusta Sports Hall of Fame in ceremonies held on Friday.
Sherrill, a 5-foot-9 guard, had his number retired by Augusta. He was the leading scorer, not only in Augusta University hoops history, but in Peach Belt Conference history with 2,333 points.
Sherrill was honored as Augusta’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2017.
Sherrill was named All-America by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Division II Conference Commissioners Association and played in the 2017 Reese’s Division 2 College All-Star Game. He was Southeast Region Player of the Year as a senior.
Sherrill played for head coach Mike Gurley at West Rowan and graduated in 2012. He was all-county four years and all-conference three years. He was West’s Male Athlete of the Year for the 2011-12 school year.
Sherrill, 31, is the son of Keith and Rhonda Sherrill. His brothers, KJ Sherrill and Jamel Carpenter, were also stars for the Falcons.
Sherrill has played pro ball overseas since graduating from Augusta. He finished his most recent season in Turkey in March.
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