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.
The organization is in the home stretch of its fundraising campaign with only $1 million left of its $15.7 million goal.
“The need is very, very real,” said Derek Dugan, Development Director for The Salvation Army of Augusta.
The current Center of Hope on Greene Street 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 new facility will be located on property which has gone through environmental testing and already had the appropriate zoning. It will feature multiple buildings, each with separate entrances. Individual buildings will house women, men and families.
And there will be another building for meals. Dugan said the Salvation Army operates the largest feeding program in the area, serving breakfast and dinner. The Master’s Table serves lunch. The new Center of Hope will have areas for case management and counseling and centralized services.
The Marion Barnes Center which is located at the Center of Hope and has assisted in helping more than 400 families find permanent housing in the last three years, will move into the new facility as well.
When the new location is built, the current Greene Street location will close and be sold.
Dugan said people often want to help but don’t know how. Donating to the project is a way that they can make a difference, he added.
“This campaign represents the best of the CSRA,” said Maj. Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta, in a news release. “Our community has already stepped forward in remarkable ways to support neighbors experiencing crisis. As we enter this final phase, we are inviting the entire community to stand together and help ensure this new Center of Hope opens strong and ready to serve families, women, and men with dignity and care.”
To learn more or donate, visit restoringhopeaugusta.org
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
