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Augusta, GA

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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To sign up to help, fill out this form.



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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

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Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

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One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

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Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.



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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

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Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

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However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

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Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

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“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”



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