Downtown neighbors ask Augusta commissioners to push Salvation Army to relocate proposed shelter near May Park

Residents of Augusta’s Old Town neighborhood urged the Augusta Richmond County Commission on June 3 to ask the Salvation Army to choose a different site for a planned Center of Hope emergency night shelter and soup kitchen, saying the proposed location—about one block from May Park—could harm children’s access to the park and neighborhood investment.

The plea came during the delegation portion of the commission meeting. April Coleman, an Old Town resident, told commissioners she delivered a letter signed by 53 homeowners and property owners expressing concerns about safety, public comfort and sanitation if a high-density shelter and soup kitchen opened so close to a child-focused facility. “While we support compassionate services for the unhoused, this specific location raises serious concerns for safety, access, and community impact,” Coleman said.

Coleman and other residents asked the commission to request that the Salvation Army consider alternate locations “further removed from child-focused community spaces.” She also outlined safeguards the neighborhood would want if the location moves forward, including funding for park supervision, a nearby day shelter to reduce daytime park use, and proactive efforts to identify nearby “drug houses” within a two-mile radius.

Salvation Army representatives said they understand neighbors’ concerns and described the program they operate. Derek Dugan, identified in the record as director of development for the Salvation Army, said the current Center of Hope has operated since the 1960s and needs a new facility to expand services. He said the shelter’s work centers on case management and getting residents connected to jobs and appointments: “The center of hope isn’t people hanging around at the center of hope. It’s very much they leave for the day in order to do the things they need to do in order to get on their feet.”

Dugan said the organization has moved more than 300 people from homelessness into housing over the last two years and that many people housed by the shelter are employed. He added that the new center would include a larger kitchen so meal service would happen on-site rather than people leaving with food.

Jonathan Raymer and Derek Dugan, both representing the Salvation Army at the meeting, said the chosen site was recommended by members of the homeless task force because it is close to other services—GAP Ministries, Garden City Rescue Mission and the Master’s Table—within roughly a one-mile radius. Dugan also said the property is zoned light industrial and that the Salvation Army expects to work with law enforcement and task force partners to manage off-site congregation.

Commissioners and staff said they want more engagement with neighbors and the homeless task force as planning continues. Commissioner Jordan Johnson thanked neighborhood representatives for meeting ahead of the public session and urged continued task-force involvement. Commissioner Johnson also asked the Salvation Army and staff to clarify the city’s role in the process and to return with details about the status of site selection.

No formal vote or binding action was recorded at the meeting; commissioners asked staff and the Salvation Army to continue community engagement and to provide information to the neighborhood and to the commission as planning progresses.

The discussion continued to include requests from residents for a transparent site search and written safety plans. The commission did not adopt an ordinance or require relocation; it requested additional coordination between the Salvation Army, the homeless task force, law enforcement and affected neighborhoods.

Residents, the Salvation Army and commissioners said they sought a solution balancing compassionate services and neighborhood concerns. The commission directed further engagement rather than taking an immediate formal action.