Construction could begin soon on the new /Center of Hope.
The Salvation Army of Augusta received notice June 9 that a contract has been fully executed and $4.82 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, has been released for construction of its new Center of Hope shelter, according to a news release from the Salvation Army of Augusta.
“This is an exciting day for The Salvation Army and for our community,” said Maj. Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Augusta. “For years, supporters have rallied around the vision of a new Center of Hope that will better serve individuals and families facing homelessness. Today’s announcement brings that vision one step closer to reality.”
The milestone marks a major step forward in The Salvation Army’s Standing Together – Restoring Hope Campaign and removes a significant hurdle for the project. With all approvals complete and funding released, demolition, site preparation, and construction planning can now begin.
The funding comes through HUD’s Home-ARP program, which addresses homelessness and housing instability among families. The investment will help The Salvation Army expand services for the growing number of families experiencing homelessness throughout the Augusta area.
Formerly used by Augusta Urban Ministries, a mural-covered dilapidated building across from the Exchange Club Fairgrounds’ Hale Street gate stands on the site of what will become the Salvation Army’s new Center of Hope, according to a March 16 Augusta Good News article.
The new Center of Hope will replace the organization’s current shelter on Greene Street and expand its ability to provide emergency shelter, meals, case management, and supportive services throughout the Augusta area. The facility is designed to help individuals and families move from crisis to stability and long-term housing, the news release continued.
The Greene Street center was built more than 50 years ago, and the face of homelessness is much different than the stereotypical single man living on the street. Homelessness also affects women and children. Families often cannot stay together at shelters, the Augusta Good News article said.
The property has undergone environmental testing and already had the appropriate zoning.
Fundraising efforts will continue. The Standing Together – Restoring Hope Campaign has raised most of the $15.7 million in funds needed for the project, with approximately $400,000 remaining to reach its goal. The Salvation Army remains grateful to the donors, foundations, businesses, churches, and community partners who have helped bring the project to this stage.
Additional project updates, including demolition activities, construction milestones, and opportunities for community involvement, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Augusta Good News is an award-winning member of the Georgia Press Association, receiving a second place General Excellence in 2025. Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here.
