AUGUSTA, Ga: A Beacon of Hope for Homeless Veterans
Abundant sunshine greeted the day in Augusta with a high of 53°F and gentle winds. While the weather was clear, the atmosphere was even more uplifting thanks to the incredible achievements of the VA Augusta Homeless Veteran Program, which has recently been recognized as the top program in the nation for placing veterans in homes.
Breaking Records and Changing Lives
In a heartwarming feat, the VA Augusta team exceeded its housing placement goal by an astonishing 245 percent. This accomplishment goes beyond numbers; it represents the hardworking staff’s dedication to helping veterans transition to a better life. The program offers various services, including assistance with transitional and permanent housing, treatment for addiction and depression, and life skills development. What a positive impact!
“It was just knowing that there was actually somebody who cared,” shared retired veteran Rodriguez Grimes. Grimes credits the program for helping him regain control of his life after facing significant challenges. “First I had some emotional issues I needed to get taken care of. I signed myself into mental health and then I lost my apartment and my job. A whole bunch of things went wrong,” he explained.
A Community Effort
Thanks to the hands-on help provided by the VA Augusta Homeless Veteran Program, Grimes was able to find a new apartment and access community programs that provided further assistance. “The homeless program and the VA—doctors, psychiatrists, everyone—has been great for me,” Grimes said, beaming with gratitude.
On a larger scale, the Department of Veteran Affairs reported that nearly 48,000 veterans were housed through Homeless Veteran Programs nationwide in 2024. However, Augusta’s program is setting the bar high, consistently outperforming its goals in providing veterans with stable housing.
Leadership with Heart
At the helm, Sabrina Faircloth, the Manager of Homeless Veteran Programs, highlighted the importance of community partnerships. “We do this work with our community partners and our landlords,” Faircloth explained. “What we are trying to do is build a bridge back to the VA, so our veterans can access mental health services and substance use support.” The team consists of dedicated social workers, housing specialists, and community employment counselors.
Last year alone, the Augusta program successfully housed 172 veterans. Faircloth described the emotional moment when someone walks into their new apartment after enduring a rough time. “Watching somebody walk into their apartment who was sleeping on the streets or on someone’s couch is an exciting moment,” she stated with pride.
A Call to Action
Grimes, who has benefitted from the program, encourages other veterans who might be hesitant to seek help. “Get over yourself, put your pride aside,” he advised. “It took me 30 years to come back down here. Number one, put God first; number two, take care of yourself; number three, everything else will fall into place.”
A Vision for the Future
The VA Augusta Homeless Veteran Program is not stopping here. The goal is clear: serve more veterans until there are no homeless veterans in our area. The commitment to this mission reflects the heart of the community and the significance of supporting those who have served our country.
This inspiring story showcases how determination, teamwork, and compassion can change lives. Augusta is shining bright with a promise of hope and support for those who need it the most.
