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Water Damage Restoration in Augusta, GA
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Augusta University Summerville Campus in Augusta to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Augusta, GA is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Augusta. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like The Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson in Augusta, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Augusta.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Ed Davenport
TruRenu
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5395 Sugarloaf Parkway Suite 300 Lawrenceville, GA 30043
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Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Augusta, GA
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Thrive at Augusta in Augusta for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Augusta, GA, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Augusta?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park in Augusta. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Augusta, GA, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to James Brown Monument in Augusta, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Augusta restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Augusta, GA, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Augusta, GA
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Augusta, GA, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Frog Hollow Tavern in Augusta. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Augusta rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Augusta, GA
These Augusta area schools qualify for the new Georgia Promise Scholarship
Melissa Cruzhttps://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/education/2024/12/06/augusta-schools-georgia-promise-scholarship/76822512007/
A total of 49 schools in the Augusta, Georgia area will qualify for the new Georgia Promise Scholarship Program. The scholarship program is provided to elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the state that fell within the lowest percentile of Georgia schools based on their average performance during the last two school years, using the ...
A total of 49 schools in the Augusta, Georgia area will qualify for the new Georgia Promise Scholarship Program. The scholarship program is provided to elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the state that fell within the lowest percentile of Georgia schools based on their average performance during the last two school years, using the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) for calculations.
On Nov. 18, the recently created Georgia Education Savings Authority (GESA) adopted rules and regulations for the program, which provides "eligible K-12 students in lower performing [public] schools up to $6,500 in funding for private school tuition, tutoring services, and other qualified education expenses through an education savings account."
GESA and the Promise Scholarship were created in early 2024 when state legislators passed Senate Bill 233, the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act. GESA is described as "a companion entity to the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC)," which has been managing state and lottery funded scholarship programs since 1965 when it was first known as the State Scholarship Commission.
An updated list was released on Wednesday, after legislators “became aware of outliers in the CCRPI calculation that impacted the calculations for the Promise Act list of schools.” The previous list was published on Nov. 27.
What Augusta schools made the Promise Act List?
Augusta’s Richmond County has 42 schools on the list, Jefferson County has five, and Columbia and McDuffie Counties each have one.
The Promise Schools Calculation Guide details the calculations method use by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement to determine the list of schools.
The state is offering the scholarship program to schools that fall within the lowest performing 25% of schools based on student achievement related to the average of schools’ CCRPI numbers from 2022-23 and 2023-24. The calculation of eligible schools included but were not limited to exclusions such as charter schools, schools with only pre-K through second grade students as well as state schools for the blind and deaf.
Elementary and K-8 Schools
Middle Schools
High Schools
What does Georgia Promise Scholarship cover?
The annual $6,500 paid out to families can go toward the following:
GESA stated in its Nov. 18 press release that "up to 50% of unused funds in an academic year may carry forward to the following academic year."
Eligibility requirements
The Promise Scholarship is not available wholesale to Georgia families at this time. Here are the following parameters
Important upcoming dates
Nov. 18's adoption of the rules and regulations and subsequent press release by the GESA stated the following regarding the timeline:
Families can review guideline and private school handbooks at mygeorgiapromise.org. They can also direct questions to Promise.Scholarship@gsfc.org.
Melissa Cruz is an elections reporting fellow who focuses on voter access issues for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach her at mcruz@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, at @MelissaWrites22.Joseph Schwartzburt, education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News, contributed to this reporting.
China stacked the deck against Augusta-made golf carts. Here's what America did about it.
Joe Hotchkisshttps://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/12/04/trade-china-golf-cart-makers/76745227007/
The world's top two golf-cart manufacturers, both based in Augusta, Ga., are praising a government finding that China is unfairly subsidizing its low-speed vehicle industry.The U.S. Department of Commerce announced recently that China's government has engaged in antidumping and countervailing activities to undercut global leaders Club Car and E-Z-Go in the low-speed personal transportation vehicle (LSPTV) industry.Antidumping is when foreign manufacturers sell goods at less-than-fair value. Countervailing is when a foreign gove...
The world's top two golf-cart manufacturers, both based in Augusta, Ga., are praising a government finding that China is unfairly subsidizing its low-speed vehicle industry.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced recently that China's government has engaged in antidumping and countervailing activities to undercut global leaders Club Car and E-Z-Go in the low-speed personal transportation vehicle (LSPTV) industry.
Antidumping is when foreign manufacturers sell goods at less-than-fair value. Countervailing is when a foreign government subsidizes manufacturers to enable them to sell goods cheaply. Additional duties often are levied to compensate for a nation's unfair trade actions.
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The Commerce Department will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to suspend liquidation and collect preliminary duties, in the form of cash deposits, on entries of LSPTVs from China, the department said.
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"We’re glad to see the U.S. Department of Commerce take a stand for American manufacturers and workers," Club Car President and CEO Mark Wagner said in a statement. "The decision ... is a first step in the right direction to restore a fair marketplace for the American LSPTV industry and to help us and our hardworking employees recover from the unfair trade practices of the state-backed Chinese producers."
"We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Commerce has recognized and taken decisive action against the unfair trade practices of the state-supported Chinese LSPTV industry," said Rob Scholl, president and CEO of Textron, the parent company of E-Z-Go.
The announcement came just days after U.S. Rep. Rick W. Allen led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, urging her department to stand by U.S. manufacturers and workers in the LSPTV industry by ensuring that U.S. laws address trade practices viewed as unfair.
"Last week's announcement from the Commerce Department is a win for American manufacturers and workers and sends a clear message that we will not tolerate discriminatory trade practices that harm U.S. producers," Allen said. "I am pleased that Secretary Raimondo heeded our letter and took decisive action to hold China accountable. The LSPTV industry is an important economic driver in the 12th District and we must take every necessary step to ensure a level playing field."
From Crisis to Collaboration: Augusta’s Rapid Response to Hurricane Helene
American Red Crosshttps://www.redcross.org/local/georgia/about-us/news-and-events/news/augusta-rapid-response-to-hurricane-helene.html
Unity in action: (L-R) Tamika Rouse, Kate Sanders, Veronica Mosher, Kate Gary, and Susan Everitt have forged deep bonds through their shared commitment to serving Augusta's needs1 of 5L-R: Kennedy Johnson and Isaiah Starks, members of Youth Leadership Augusta, organize and distribute vital food supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene bags of food at the HUB’s disaster relief center.2 of 5L-R: Joseph Newmon and Xzavier Neal, Teen Club members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta volunteer to d...
Unity in action: (L-R) Tamika Rouse, Kate Sanders, Veronica Mosher, Kate Gary, and Susan Everitt have forged deep bonds through their shared commitment to serving Augusta's needs
1 of 5
L-R: Kennedy Johnson and Isaiah Starks, members of Youth Leadership Augusta, organize and distribute vital food supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene bags of food at the HUB’s disaster relief center.
2 of 5
L-R: Joseph Newmon and Xzavier Neal, Teen Club members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta volunteer to direct traffic and manage walk-up, drive-through and donation drop-off lines at the HUB in Augusta, GA.
3 of 5
The HUB's drive-through distribution in Augusta, GA became a beacon of hope for thousands affected by Hurricane Helene. This system ensured rapid aid to a community in crisis.
4 of 5
Vivian Abernathy, community volunteer leader for the Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, delivers vital food supplies from the HUB to Hurricane Helene victims without transportation.
5 of 5
Unity in action: (L-R) Tamika Rouse, Kate Sanders, Veronica Mosher, Kate Gary, and Susan Everitt have forged deep bonds through their shared commitment to serving Augusta's needs
1 of 5
L-R: Kennedy Johnson and Isaiah Starks, members of Youth Leadership Augusta, organize and distribute vital food supplies to those affected by Hurricane Helene bags of food at the HUB’s disaster relief center.
2 of 5
L-R: Joseph Newmon and Xzavier Neal, Teen Club members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta volunteer to direct traffic and manage walk-up, drive-through and donation drop-off lines at the HUB in Augusta, GA.
3 of 5
The HUB's drive-through distribution in Augusta, GA became a beacon of hope for thousands affected by Hurricane Helene. This system ensured rapid aid to a community in crisis.
4 of 5
Vivian Abernathy, community volunteer leader for the Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, delivers vital food supplies from the HUB to Hurricane Helene victims without transportation.
5 of 5
Unity in action: (L-R) Tamika Rouse, Kate Sanders, Veronica Mosher, Kate Gary, and Susan Everitt have forged deep bonds through their shared commitment to serving Augusta's needs
After Hurricane Helene devastated Augusta, Georgia, leaving thousands without power, water, internet service and basic daily necessities, a community-driven relief effort emerged from the damage. What began as a one-day mission to provide immediate aid via a drive-through and walk-up system, coordinated by American Red Cross East Central Georgia’s Executive Director Susan Everitt, the chapter’s board members, a dedicated community volunteer and the Community Foundation of the Central Savannah River Area, evolved into a powerful movement involving dozens of partner organizations.
At the heart of this response were several nonprofit organizations, community volunteers, generous donors and the HUB for Community Innovation, a unique collaborative space in downtown Augusta that became the epicenter of relief efforts, serving as a place for receiving, organizing and distributing donations.
A Space for Collaboration and Hope
Designed as a community-facing institution, born out of a vision to bridge the gap between large institutions and local neighborhoods, the HUB provided a safe space where volunteers and community members of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnicities felt welcomed.
Recognizing that many could not reach the HUB due to transportation issues or road closures due to fallen trees, they partnered with the Red Cross to deploy mobile units distributing essential items such as food, water, baby formula, diapers, toiletries and fresh produce directly to neighbors in need.
"Red Cross is built for this, but in a way that is inspiring,” shares Britney Pooser, executive director of the HUB for Community Innovation. “Susan Everitt has not only stepped up and led this effort. She was the first to reach out to say, ‘hey, we have hot meals on site in partnership with the Salvation Army as well.’ So that first Friday, we were able to start serving hot meals here at the HUB.”
The HUB's innovative approach also extended to providing customized care packages of nutritious food for pregnant and postpartum mothers and signing up families for SNAP through the Augusta University Food is Medicine program. Additionally, a mobile wash center through the Salvation Army was available, helping restore dignity to those without water services by offering shower and free laundry services. In a powerful display of community care, organizers helped coordinate temporary housing for displaced families, while volunteer medical professionals offered critical health services on-site.
The collaborative efforts of multiple organizations have provided targeted support in critical situations: aiding an educator who lost everything two months after renting their first home; connecting an unhoused parent and two children with immediate shelter and long-term housing solutions; and assisting foster parents of special needs children, including an infant dependent on a feeding tube, when support agencies were unreachable.
“Having resources on site to help people get to the resources they need is critical so that they can return to some sense of normalcy,” says Pooser. "You have to build a community before disaster strikes. You have to walk alongside your neighbor, know your neighbor. You have to know your neighboring organizations in order to operate efficiently in crisis mode."
A True Community Effort
Turning a moment of crisis into a testament of human compassion and resilience, the relief effort transcended age and socioeconomic boundaries, bringing together individuals from all walks of life.
“One of the most extraordinary aspects is that everyone here has been personally affected, yet they're still volunteering,” says Christy Beckham, a volunteer organizer. “We have youth, doctors, lawyers, billionaires, and people who've been served – all working together. For instance, a resident from this neighborhood, after receiving a free meal, stayed to volunteer for hours and help unload trucks. People want to be here because they feel like they're making a real difference, and they are.”
Youth Leadership in Action
Teens participating in Youth Leadership of Augusta and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta Teen Club rolled up their sleeves to volunteer and serve those directly impacted by Hurricane Helene at the HUB. From packing food bags, loading and unloading donations to directing long lines of traffic for the drive-through distribution, these organizations quickly mobilized their youth to participate in the relief efforts, demonstrating the power of youth engagement in community service.
"This disaster relief effort has been an impactful experience for our teens," emphasizes Jessica Pope, teen director for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Augusta. "It's rare for young people to engage in such critical community service. Our Teen Club typically focuses on college prep, career readiness and skills not often taught in schools, but this effort taught them how to serve with compassion, recognizing that while they may have basic necessities, others don’t.”
Youth Leadership Augusta, comprised of high school juniors living or attending high school in Richmond County, was able to apply many of the leadership skills they have obtained through service projects and addressing community needs through programming.
“Our goal is to build Augusta’s next group of leaders, showing them and exposing them to things they may not see in their day-to-day curriculum,” says Taneja Carfiello, advisor for Youth Leadership Augusta. "This is a great time to put the skills that we are working on with the kids to give back to the community. They’re excited to help give back and understand how people have been affected by what happened."
A Model for Community Engagement
The success of this relief effort offers a powerful model for community engagement and disaster response. It demonstrates the impact of community organizations combining their resources to swiftly and effectively meet the immediate needs of their communities.
"The response has been amazing," reflects Susan Everitt, executive director of the American Red Cross East Central Georgia Chapter. "The first day, we served 1,500 cars. Since then, it's been like witnessing a daily miracle. We've had transfer trucks packed with food and diapers arriving, volunteers showing up in droves, and local businesses stepping up in ways we never imagined. This response wasn’t just about the Red Cross – it was a true community-wide effort, which is the beauty of it all.”
Building on the momentum of their successful response efforts, Pooser and Everitt are now helping to coordinate long-term community resilience services at the HUB, transforming it from an emergency distribution site to an individual assistance site.
"The next wave of needs will come in the form of financial assistance,” says Pooser. “We will have to figure out how to stand in the gap financially for families that were already struggling. So, the HUB is going to turn into a FEMA Resource Center and an information center.”
What began as a one-day immediate relief effort has ignited a powerful movement, redefining community care in Augusta and beyond. While utility crews continue to restore power to homes and businesses, it is this movement that will illuminate Augusta's path forward.
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