These programs help Augusta’s homeless get a fresh start

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Local volunteers reached out to Augusta’s homeless by offering services and resources on Thursday – one of several outreach efforts to offer help with needs that often go overlooked.

In addition to free showers, there were winter clothes, shoes, a hot breakfast and lunch, haircuts, other personal hygiene and health resources.

Project Refresh was created in 2020 with the sole purpose of providing hope and restoring dignity one shower at a time to those living on the streets or who lack access to hygiene-related services.

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It was launched by a group of health care workers who said they’ve witnessed the effect a shower has on an individual’s overall well-being and health.

Project Refresh has provided hundreds of showers to those living on the streets and has given out thousands of hygiene kits. It’s also launched programs to meet feminine hygiene needs and laundry needs for guests.

The group will also be offering showers from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at 3126 Parrish Road.

For a full schedule, visit https://www.projectrefreshinc.com/events.

Also bringing free mobile showers to the homeless – along with food, clothes, haircuts and toiletries – is a group called Com for Hope.

Director Mike Garrison told us a few weeks ago: “I just want to make a difference. It makes me feel great to know we’ve been able to help people. And we have gotten a few folks off the streets and that’s one of things I love talking about the most.”

In addition to the free shower program, Garrison tells us the organization is rolling out a mobile laundry trailer where the homeless can wash their clothes.

Also offering a place for homeless people to wash their clothes is the Augusta Rescue Mission.

The mission received a grant from the Creel Harrison Foundation to help make it happen.

“We got two new washers, two new dryers, brand-new flooring, painted the entire space, and installed the sink,” said Chris Jones, executive director.

“We see men who are living in their cars, and they have jobs, but they have nowhere to wash their clothes,” Jones said.

Jones said it’s happening more and more often.