AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Manarah Project, a youth-led non-profit, is spearheading an important initiative to support the homeless population in Augusta. This Saturday, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., the first distribution event will take place at the Center of Hope, located on Greene Street. The event aims to provide professional clothing to individuals who are currently seeking employment or preparing for job interviews.

The Manarah Project has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the homeless in the community, while also educating residents on how they can contribute to alleviating these struggles. Through this event, the organization hopes to offer a helping hand to individuals who need professional attire, which can often be an obstacle for those looking for work.

Janelys Villalta, the Marketing and PR Manager for the Salvation Army of Augusta, expressed her admiration for the initiative. “It’s been super inspiring for me to see that there are local teens, high schoolers, who are fired up about giving back to their community, specifically to the homeless population,” she said. “We do see a lot of the community wanting to help out, so it’s really awesome to see high schoolers showing that passion for giving back.”

For many of the individuals residing at the Center of Hope, employment or job search efforts are already underway, but access to professional clothing remains a significant barrier. Villalta explained, “I think that a lot of times the average professional takes for granted the clothing that we wear to our jobs to look professional every day. We just pick something out of our closets, but not everyone has different sets of clothing to wear Monday through Friday every single day of the week. It’s so important.”

The distribution event is open to the public, and while Saturday’s event marks the first opportunity to donate or receive clothing, future events will be held on March 29th, April 5th, and April 19th at the Center of Hope from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

“This event is not only a great opportunity for those staying at the shelter to find professional clothing while job hunting or preparing for interviews, but it’s also beneficial for people who are struggling financially,” Villalta added. “Many individuals living paycheck to paycheck can’t afford the extra expense of purchasing professional clothing, so this drive offers much-needed assistance.”

Those interested in donating professional clothing are encouraged to reach out to either the Salvation Army or the Manarah Project. Through their combined efforts, these organizations aim to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to dress for success, regardless of their financial situation.

The event highlights the power of community collaboration and demonstrates how local youth can make a significant impact in addressing homelessness and economic inequality. With more events scheduled in the coming weeks, the hope is that the drive will continue to gather support and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.