Augusta, GA
‘Send Relief Serve Tour’ takes first multi-city stop to serve CSRA
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Hundreds of people lent a helping hand in Augusta from local churches and other volunteer groups.
This weekend wraps up their first stop in a multi-city ‘Send Relief Serve Tour’.
Around 800 volunteers were helping in Augusta this weekend some were even from more than 10 different states as far as Indiana, Missouri, and Texas.
Across the CSRA there were 60 teams at 39 sites giving back to those in need.
Even though many of them weren’t from here they were happy to give back.
Hundreds of hands not missing a minute to help every corner of the community; from renovating schools and churches, to building a playground and fences for a foster home. As well as offering free dental care, hosting a block party, and even feeding neighborhoods.
Even Mark Richt, former University of Georgia Coach, showed out this weekend, “It’s basically an organization that, you know, in the name of Jesus tries to meet community issues, crises, poverty, whatever it may be, meet people where they need it and help their physical needs and mental needs and spiritual needs as well.”
While some came from out of state, it meant most to those a difference in their own backyard.
“There’s a van back there and it has a grill on the back of the van. That’s where we’re making some hamburgers for people and giving them out for free. And it’s just a way to show the love of Jesus to people, a really practical way that we can do that,” said volunteer, Baker Brown.
People all across the CSRA were receiving love from hundreds of volunteers, including Garrett Elementary school, where two of their teacher lounges were renovated.
“It was more than what I expected so I was overwhelmed. And I know that my teachers are going to be overwhelmed as well,” said said Stacey Walk, Principal at Garrett Elementary School.
Send Relief hopes that the widespread acts of service was just the beginning of what Augusta could do in the future.
“Our hope is that what happens this weekend is that the local leaders here in Augusta and churches will just take the ball and run with it. This could be an annual thing in Augusta, but we don’t have to be the one leader. This is just something that we’ve done for the first time with the idea that it can be multiplied through the churches for years to come. That’s our hope,” said Bryant Wright, Send Relief President.
They held a celebration for all of the volunteers this evening before they leave and go to the next city on their seven city tour. Taking their impact around the country to have long lasting effects for the future.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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