Augusta Homeless Task Force host meeting with local partners

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- The homeless population is continuing to rise in our area and members of the Augusta-Richmond County Homeless Task Force says their first priority is making sure people have a place to stay.

“And we make sure that every time we have a partner has a resource available and we find out about it we want to get them to be a part of this task force we want them on these committees because we need their expertise they’re the one’s with the boots on the ground telling what is needed,” said Angela Collins, chairperson.

Organizations like United Way, GAP Ministries and others came together Thursday for the Augusta- Richmond County Homeless Task force meeting, hoping to find housing for people seeking shelter. They’re looking at different properties throughout the area to serve as homeless facilities.

The task force is working on various initiatives for the year to help with shelter, employment, and mental health services.

They’ve also partnered with local institutions to provide mental health resources to improve the care of homeless individuals.

“Once we have these units available and prepared for the homeless to come in and seek that shelter, we’ll also have the services ready for them so that we can really offer them rap around services and be there for them in a holistic way.”

Collins says as they work to help find shelter for people in need, the task force is also looking to house foster kids once they turn 18.

“So, we know that there is a very large population of foster children in the area, and we know that these young people once they turn 18, they’re out on their own and as wonderful as foster parents are there’s only so much they can do and give.”

It’s not certain when the facilities will be ready to house people but they’re working as quickly as possible.

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