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Augusta, GA

VA Augusta lifted 170 out of homelessness last year, officials say

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VA Augusta lifted 170 out of homelessness last year, officials say


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Veterans Affairs Augusta Health Care System permanently housed 170 local veterans experiencing homelessness last year, officials said Wednesday.,

That’s nearly three times the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual goal for the region.

None of those local veterans returned to homelessness in 2023, officials said.

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VA Augusta also engaged with 92 unsheltered veterans to connect them with the housing and resources they need and ensure 100% of veterans housed have remained in housing.

VA Augusta’s homeless veteran placements, along with placements provided by other VA health care systems across America, resulted in 46,552 veteran placements nationwide.

“The hard work and dedication of our homeless veterans program has paid off,” said VA Augusta Executive Director Dr. Robin E. Jackson. “The progress we’re seeing with veteran homeless rates in eastern Georgia and western South Carolina shows that we’re moving toward ending homelessness for local veterans.”

If you are a veteran who’s homeless or at risk for homelessness, call 877-4AID-VET for help. You can also visit Room 3D-104 at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center’s Uptown campus at 1 Freedom Way from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Frida.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students

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Augusta Regional Airport hosts drone camp for students


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students showcased drones they built during a two-week summer camp at Augusta Regional Airport on Friday.

12 junior and high school students attended the camp, where they learned to fly and build drones designed to help others.

Anderson Puryear, a student, said the camp focused on delivering small medical supplies.

“It was focused on delivering small medical supplies like an EPI pen or glucose packet for like diabetics and for people with allergies in need in the real world that could obviously help save lives, and if people are like in a place in a boat or like in the desert or in the forest where they can’t easily access those supplies it can save their lives,” Puryear said.

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The airport partnered with Georgia Tech, state troopers and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Department for the Air Edu Summer Camp.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat

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10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival draws crowds despite heat


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.

Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.

Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.

“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.

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The festival runs until 10 p.m.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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Augusta, GA

Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins

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Augusta Dream Center sees surge in families needing food as summer begins


AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.

Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.

“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”

Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.

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“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.

The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.

Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.

“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”

No paperwork is required to receive help.

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“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”

The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.

Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.



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