Members of the Augusta Homeless Task Force met virtually Thursday to go over information collected by subgroups.
The task force was formed earlier this year after a homeless man died downtown from exposure. Commissioners Jordan Johnson and Dennis Williams co-chair the group.
MORE: Augusta Launches Massive Homeless Initiative
Among those giving reports was the housing group, led by Daniel Evans of Augusta Housing and Community Development.
He said among the issues facing the homeless are a low vacancy rate in Augusta combined with financial barriers including high security deposit requirements.
He added, “Homelessness is an economic issue. Individuals have different barriers ending in the same result.”
Evans said Augusta needs more affordable housing units. It also needs property owners and management companies willing to partner with providers.
The fundraising group also updated task force members.
Chairwoman Tamera Toogood said Augusta University is willing to help build awareness with a social media campaign. A class needs 15-20 important points about local homelessness along with specific things people are being asked to do.
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The class needs the information by the end of June to craft a campaign. Commissioner Johnson expected they can meet that deadline.
Panhandling was discussed and how other cities have handled it. Some removed park benches, others re-designed landscaping to discourage panhandling.
MORE: Augusta Commission Approves CARES Act Funding for Homeless Prevention
Lynda Barrs explained how Columbus handles the issue, particularly in an emergency situation such as a fire or other disaster leaving someone homeless. Columbus has a quadraplex where people can stay up to 90 days while they find a new place to live.
Statistics from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development show homelessness has been climbing in Augusta the past four years.
2016 – 287 homeless: https://files.hudexchange.info/reports/published/CoC_PopSub_CoC_GA-504-2015_GA_2016.pdf
2017 – 246 homeless: https://files.hudexchange.info/reports/published/CoC_PopSub_CoC_GA-504-2017_GA_2017.pdf
2018 – 269 homeless: https://files.hudexchange.info/reports/published/CoC_PopSub_CoC_GA-504-2018_GA_2018.pdf
2019 – 384 homeless: https://files.hudexchange.info/reports/published/CoC_PopSub_CoC_GA-504-2019_GA_2019.pdf
2020 – 470 homeless: https://files.hudexchange.info/reports/published/CoC_PopSub_CoC_GA-504-2020_GA_2020.pdf
After each working group gave its report Commission Johnson said their next step is to use the information to create an action plan to give to the Augusta Commission.
The Homeless Task Force’s next meeting is scheduled for June 17, 2021.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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