(Story courtesy the Salvation Army of Augusta)
Momentum continues to build for The Salvation Army of Augusta as the organization nears its goal for a new Center of Hope emergency shelter.
The organization announced in March that it was only $1 million shy of its goal. Since then, the Augusta community has responded bringing the organization within reach of the finish line, with less than $456,000 left to identify. The “Standing Together – Restoring Hope” campaign is now 97% funded with $15,244,187 identified toward its $15.7 million goal.
“We’ve seen incredible support from our community in just a short amount of time,” said Maj. Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Augusta. “To go from $1 million remaining to less than half of that in a matter of weeks is a testament to how deeply people care about their neighbors in need. Now, we’re asking our community to help us take this final step.”
The campaign will fund a new, purpose-built Center of Hope—an emergency overnight shelter designed to better serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The new facility will nearly double current capacity and create a safer, more dignified environment for those seeking refuge.
Each night, The Salvation Army provides shelter to an average of 80 individuals, including approximately 14 children. At the same time, the organization receives an average of 19 requests for shelter from families each day. The new shelter will feature separate spaces and entrances for families, single women, and men, along with private areas for case management.
Since 2022, more than 400 individuals have transitioned from homelessness to stable housing through the Center of Hope’s programs. The new facility will expand that impact—helping even more individuals and families find a path forward.
“We’re so close,” Raymer said. “This is the moment where every gift matters. Together, we can finish what we started and open the doors to a new Center of Hope for Augusta.”
To learn more or to support the campaign, visit restoringhopeaugusta.org.
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