Augusta, GA
Turn Back the Block fights blight firsthand in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The growing problems of blight and crime are two hand-in-hand issues neighbors say have been going on for years.
They say they want a permanent solution.
Last month, we tagged along with commissioners, other city leaders and some nonprofits on a tour of these neighborhoods hit the hardest by blight – from Harrisburg to Laney Walker.
We touched on issues from code enforcement process, demolition chain of responsibility, abandoned property owners, blight challenges and more.
It’s a growing problem that’s talked about year after year.
One of the nonprofits on the tour was Turn Back the Block. Its goal is to help families in this city get better, safer and affordable housing.
The group recently opened a duplex complex in Harrisburg and will soon break ground on more land to achieve its goal of revitalizing the Harrisburg and Laney Walker neighborhoods and guiding folks in the right direction.
Ashley Brown said she believes homeownership to be the solution to the blight and crime created by uninvested landlords and absentee property owners.
She says homeownership is a reliable way to build economic mobility and stability for the families of Harrisburg.
“I remember this neighborhood when it was vibrant, and full of families and children running in the streets and I see that coming back,” said Brown.
Brown says Turn Back the Block has renovated eight homes, newly constructed nine and they currently have 24 vacant lots.
Shanovia Howard is one of the homeowners Turn Back the Block has helped.
“I just kept pushing forward until I got to the place that I was safe and secure at,” said Howard. “Your kids deserve to have somewhere that they can call home. They don’t deserve to be pulled from one place to the next, renting this apartment, having to rent that apartment.”
Once a month Turn Back the Block hosts “Block Parties” where volunteers clean up the Harrisburg neighborhood.
Find out more by visiting their website.
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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