Department of Public Health aims to help feed youths during summer
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Georgia Department of Public Health in Richmond County held its first monthly “Project Refresh” Shower Day, but it goes beyond just showers.
It also offers food, clothes, haircuts, shoes and other resources.
“This is just so amazing and like I said, this goes to show you we need. Our community needs a big ole pot of love right here at the health department,” said Navigator with the Georgia Department of Public Health, Lisa Ann Wheeler.
Wheeler knows these monthly events are even more important now that summer is here. It showed on Friday with the most people she has ever seen show up.
“I attribute some of it to the fact that of course, the kids are out of school,” said Wheeler.
Golden Harvest says that one in four in our area are food insecure. Last year that number was one in six.
God’s Grits has served 300 home-cooked meals at the DPH event since March, and he didn’t believe how big the need was until he saw it himself.
“It was an eye opener you don’t think that’d be what it sounds it’s a lot of families that need assistance that need help. Just need some love that’s all,” said Toaste of Augusta owner and God’s Grits founder, Dominik Cartel.
He’s grateful for the opportunity he has to serve.
“Every time I come out here it’s always about the kids and I mean it’s it’s such a warming part that you just just want to make sure every child gets fed,” said Cartel. “I didn’t know so many kids weren’t eating or had a good home-cooked meal. And that’s what makes me come out here even more and go as hard as I do.”
Augusta, Georgia Public Transit provides free bus transportation from four different sites to get people to the center.
Other resources are Trinity on the Hill, Georgia WIC, Manhood Tour, Gap Ministries, Empire Beauty Schools Sam’s Club, Bau Essentials, Warren Church, Resourced Augusta, St. James Methodist Church and others.
“My heart is just so full,” said Wheeler. “I look forward to it every single month. I think this is the 11th month in a row that I’ve done this and it’s just it’s such a beautiful hug for our community which we’re lacking. We need to love each other.”
Wheeler hopes to more show by the end of the summer.
“I’m just so grateful for everyone that’s that takes part in this. It really is amazing. To go to this and you don’t leave changed, you need to check your pulse because it’s just so beautiful,” said Wheeler.
The next events will be June 28 and July 31.
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