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Augusta Launches Tiny Homes Project for Foster Care Youth

Concept design of the tiny homes community for foster care youth in Augusta, providing housing and life skills education.

News Summary

Augusta, Georgia, has initiated a tiny homes project that aims to provide stable housing for young adults aging out of foster care. This community will consist of 25 fully furnished homes on Merry Street and will offer life skills training to help residents transition to independence. Spearheaded by Bridge Builders Community, the project highlights collaboration with local builders and businesses to support these youth. The groundbreaking ceremony took place recently, with the homes set to open in 2026, promising hope and stability for this vulnerable population.

Augusta, Georgia is set to launch an innovative tiny homes project aimed at providing a supportive housing solution for young adults aging out of foster care. The project, which includes 25 fully furnished tiny homes located on Merry Street, aims to create a safe and stable environment for these young people as they transition to independent living. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on March 19 to officially mark the commencement of construction.

The initiative is spearheaded by Bridge Builders Community, an organization founded by Jackson Drumgoole, who has been nurturing the idea of tiny homes for over 24 years. Officially established in 2020, Bridge Builders is dedicated to addressing the needs of young adults who have historically faced challenges after leaving the foster care system. The homes are designed not only to provide a roof over their heads but also to impart essential life skills that residents will need as they embark on their independent journeys.

Alongside providing housing, the tiny homes project will offer life skills training to its residents. This training will cover a range of topics, including fiscal literacy, which will help residents manage their finances, as well as practical skills such as sewing a button. Such training is critical for ensuring that those aging out of foster care can thrive on their own, equipped with the necessary tools to navigate adulthood successfully.

The construction of the tiny homes is being conducted at no cost to Bridge Builders Community, thanks to strong collaborations with local builders and craftsmen who have committed their resources and expertise to this initiative. Community involvement extends beyond construction; local business owners, such as Pat and John Curry who run the local coffee shop, are keen to engage young adults in job training opportunities that will further support their transition to independence.

Local government officials, including Augusta Commissioners, are hopeful that this pioneering project will serve as a model for similar initiatives aimed at other vulnerable populations, such as homeless veterans. The success of this tiny homes community is seen as a crucial step in addressing housing insecurity among those who have experienced foster care, thereby instilling hope and providing a path to stability.

The tiny homes community is scheduled for completion and opening in 2026, with plans to welcome its first 25 residents at that time. Jackson Drumgoole has expressed enthusiasm regarding the next steps in launching the application process for potential residents, indicating a readiness to assist young adults in this new chapter of their lives.

This tiny homes project reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by young adults aging out of foster care, offering not just a residence but a comprehensive support system designed to help them succeed. As the community continues to rally behind this initiative, it marks a significant investment in the future of Augusta’s youth.