Augusta, GA

Homeless ‘point in time’ count is seeking on your help

Published

1 year ago

January 23, 2025

Homeless ‘point in time’ count is seeking on your help

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The cold weather could help Richmond County as the annual “point-in-time”, or PIT, count is preparing to take place.

This is a way for Augusta to take stock of how many people are struggling with homelessness.

The face of homelessness is ever-changing, and the number is increasing.

“The average person on the street who is experiencing homelessness today is 48, so that speaks volumes to me that my generation is who is experiencing homelessness now,” said Bethany Trapp, who helps plan the count.

It’s why the homeless task force is gathering volunteers.

“Because of the fact that Hurricane Helene did hit our area so hard we have seen an uptick of folks coming into the shelter, requesting longer stays just because they have nowhere else,” said Trapp.

They’re getting a head count of just how many people are experiencing homelessness in our area.

“We have Salvation Army Center of Hope, Garden City Rescue and Augusta Rescue mission, so we’ll be doing surveys with them,” said Trapp.

The count will take place over the next several days.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened a new assistance center for victims of Helene...

“The last 10 days of every January, because that’s typically when it’s coldest,” said Trapp.

But their overnight count is Friday, and they need your help.

Brennan Meagher, chair of the Street Outreach Committee, said: “We need about 100 volunteers that will come out. Help us.”

Together, volunteers, the homeless task force and the sheriff’s office will work to reach everyone in the community.

“Everyone will be split into teams, and we’ll go out to certain areas where we know encampments are or where we know our street outreach team has encountered homeless numbers of our community,” said Meagher.

They do the count as part of their partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

But it’s more than just a headcount.

Trapp said: “These numbers are used for grant funding, and we look at that, especially with the homeless task force to see how many people were experiencing homelessness and how can we fix that?”

It’s the first step to connecting people in our community with resources to make sure no one is overlooked.

“We need to know what the gaps and services are so that we can start making those connections,” said Trapp.

There is still time for you to sign up to volunteer to help with the PIT count.

To sign up to help, fill out this form.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta mayor plans to announce re-election campaign

Published

24 minutes ago

February 19, 2026

Press Room

Augusta mayor plans to announce re-election campaign

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson is planning to announce his re-election campaign Friday evening.

The announcement will take place at the monthly Food Truck Family Friday, 4104 Windsor Spring Road, at 5 p.m.

Johnson launched Food Truck Family Fridays in 2022 during his initial campaign for mayor as a way to bring families together, support local entrepreneurs and reinvest in Augusta.

The evening will feature live music by Tara and the Snacks and food from a variety of local food vendors.

Johnson was sworn in January 2023.

“This city that I love so much, where I was born and raised. The son of a school bus driver, who grew up in all of the challenges of crime and poverty,” he said.

In June 2022, Johnson won a runoff election against opponent Steven Kendrick.

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Augusta, GA

One killed after shooting on Winesap Way in Augusta

Published

13 hours ago

February 19, 2026

Press Room

One killed after shooting on Winesap Way in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One man died Wednesday evening at a hospital after a shooting on Winesap Way, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said deputies located a male victim with a gunshot wound about 7:30 p.m. on the 3400 block of Winesap Way.

The victim was transported to Wellstar Medical Center, where he died, the agency said.

Violent crime investigators and crime scene technicians were on the scene until around 10:30 p.m.

Our News 12 crew reported a large number of sheriff’s deputies, K-9 units and drones on the scene.

At the home, investigators focused on a damaged vehicle in the yard.

The car, which had damage and debris across it, was photographed by investigators.

The tow truck arrived about 10:20 p.m. to remove the vehicle from the property, but the exact connection between the vehicle and the shooting remains unknown.

The home itself also showed damage to its side wall, according to our News 12 crew.

Neighbors say this is a quiet neighborhood where the most interesting thing that usually happens is speeding.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the victim’s family by the Richmond County Coroner’s Office.

Coroner Mark Bowen says an autopsy has been scheduled.

Authorities have not released information about possible suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 706-821-1020. Callers can remain anonymous.

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Augusta, GA

Sheriff to hold news conference on deputy’s shooting of suspect

Published

1 day ago

February 18, 2026

Press Room

Sheriff to hold news conference on deputy’s shooting of suspect

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Richmond County Sheriff Eugune Brantley is holding a press conference at 4 p.m. Wednesday regarding the officer-involved shooting from Tuesday night.

Deputies say they responded to the 4300 block of Peach Orchard Road just before 11:30 p.m. Tuesday for a domestic dispute.

While on scene, deputies made contact with a man who had a firearm and pointed the weapon at deputies.

Another deputy discharged their service weapon, striking the man at least one time, according to the sheriff’s office.

The suspect was transported to Wellstar Medical Center for medical treatment.

The Columbia County Regional Use of Force Investigation Team responded to the scene. The team is now investigating the incident.

This is the second officer-involved shooting in Richmond County this year.

On Jan. 30, deputies respond to the 200 block of Telfair Street after 911 calls reported several individuals were involved in a fight. While on scene, deputies shot Joshua Derrelle Mormant, 28, of Augusta, after they were fired upon when arriving to the scene.

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