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Homeless Task Force outlines monthly reporting plan, seeks to place participants in construction training
Summary
The newly led Augusta Homeless Task Force told commissioners it will report monthly, run a point-in-time count and push to enroll people experiencing homelessness in a returning Construction Ready training program that offers industry certifications and employer connections.
The Augusta Homeless Task Force presented an update to the commission outlining plans for monthly reporting, a strategic analysis of local services and an early effort to route people experiencing homelessness into a returning Construction Ready training program.
Naomi Stanton, chair of the task force, told commissioners the body plans to brief the commission monthly so elected officials and staff can “be part of your team,” open lines of communication and be held accountable for progress. Stanton said the task force is conducting a point-in-time count and will present the data to the commission once fieldwork delayed by recent storms concludes.
Members described several near-term initiatives. Angela Backus, who chairs the Support Services Committee, told commissioners Construction Ready is returning to the area with a four‑week course that provides “eight industry certifications” and connects participants with employers at graduation. Backus said the program is free and that her goal — in partnership with housing, nonprofits and local employers — is to place people experiencing homelessness into the class and provide short-term support (housing, food, transportation) so they can complete the program and move into apprenticeships or jobs earning at least $16 per hour.
The task force said the first Construction Ready class has 24 seats and organizers hope to fill half the seats with people who are justice‑impacted. The task force also said it will pursue rapid‑rehousing funding and partnerships to make employment from the program lead to permanent housing rather than transitional placements.
Stanton said the task force will conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis across subcommittees covering mental health, sheltering, employment, supportive services and housing. The task force plans multiple committee meetings over the next two months and will report back to the commission on findings and recommended priorities for 2025–27.
Commissioners voted to receive the task‑force update as information. Task force members asked commissioners to support the Construction Ready push and to help identify local resources that can cover short‑term needs while participants complete the program.
