News Summary
Augusta, GA is at risk of losing critical federal housing funds after missing a key deadline to submit data for the Point-in-Time survey to HUD. This oversight could severely impact funding for local nonprofits tackling homelessness, which has dramatically increased in the area. With the number of homeless children soaring, city leaders are under pressure to rectify the situation and ensure compliance with federal guidelines to secure necessary resources.
Augusta, GA is at risk of losing critical federal housing funds after missing a key deadline for 2023’s Point-in-Time survey data submission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This survey is essential, as it directly impacts federal funding allocated to local nonprofits aimed at combating homelessness in the area.
City leaders, representatives from various nonprofit organizations, and officials from HUD convened recently to discuss the implications of this oversight and to explore potential solutions. However, no concrete plans have emerged yet to rectify the situation. The number of individuals counted in Augusta’s annual homelessness survey has alarmingly more than doubled compared to last year, indicating a growing crisis that requires immediate attention.
In particular, the number of homeless children has surged dramatically, rising from 21 in the previous year to nearly 400 this year. This increase underscores the urgent need for adequate support services in the community. Nomi Stanton, chair of the Homeless Taskforce, pointed out that the failure to submit accurate numbers places Augusta out of compliance with HUD, jeopardizing the city’s access to vital funding.
The lack of submitted data will negatively affect Augusta’s Continuum of Care score in HUD’s funding process, potentially leading to a significant reduction in financial support for initiatives designed to assist the homeless. Stanton characterized the missed deadline as “devastating” and “deeply painful,” particularly given the alarming rise in homelessness and the influx of families needing assistance. This situation raises substantial concerns about the city’s ability to respond effectively to an escalating crisis.
Augusta’s Housing and Community Development Department was already under scrutiny due to ongoing audits concerning its management of emergency rental assistance funds. Past mismanagement in this department resulted in the resignation of former director Hawthorne Welcher, which cost the city millions in lost funds. The current data submission oversight further compounds the department’s existing challenges, highlighting an urgent need for reform and improved management practices.
As officials grapple with the consequences of this oversight, the Homeless Taskforce and city leaders are set to meet again with HUD representatives to determine a viable path forward. The city’s most recent population count revealed a troubling increase in individuals experiencing homelessness, shining a light on the broader crisis within Augusta. The urgency of the situation necessitates immediate action to secure funding and resources to address the needs of the homeless population.
Emails from a meeting held on August 27 confirm that city officials were aware of the missed submission deadline, emphasizing a need for accountability and corrective measures to prevent such oversights in the future. Moving forward, it is crucial for Augusta to focus on submitting accurate data and ensuring compliance with federal requirements to safeguard its funding and support the vulnerable population within the community.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augusta Risks Losing Housing Funds After Missed Federal Deadline
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Central Maine: Homeless Services Center Approved in Augusta
- Google Search: Augusta Housing and Community Development
- WMTW: Augusta Task Force on Homelessness Discuss Solutions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
