New Laundry Trailer Expands Support for Augusta’s Homeless Community
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Compass For Hope, a community-driven organization dedicated to helping the homeless become self-sufficient, officially put its second laundry trailer into service this past Sunday. The addition is expected to significantly enhance the organization’s ability to provide essential services to those in need.
Mike Garrison, Executive Director of Compass For Hope, expressed enthusiasm about the new trailer’s potential impact. “It’s such a blessing. I always say that we’re chasing a crazy dream trying to help homeless people, and it’s so wonderful when companies and organizations like Piedmont get on board with us and support that crazy dream that we’ve got,” Garrison said.
Previously, the organization was limited to washing around eight loads of laundry per day with a single trailer. With the new addition, that capacity has doubled to 16 loads daily, allowing Compass For Hope to serve more individuals and provide fresh clothing.
Garrison highlighted the importance of clothing in the homeless community, noting that clean, wearable clothes extend the life of garments and reduce waste on the streets. “Clothing is a very unique situation with the homeless community because regardless of the manufacturer, it’s only valuable until it can be replaced. Now, with us being able to launder some clothing, maybe we extend the life of some of those garments that they have, and stuff doesn’t end up as trash on the streets,” he explained.
The new trailer was sponsored and presented to Compass For Hope by Piedmont Health. Hugh Hamilton, a board member with Piedmont Health, reflected on the honor of supporting the organization. “In all of our busy lives, there are things that go on that we are just not aware of. This is a real eye-opening experience to come here and see how many people need this service and the wonderful job they do to serve our community,” Hamilton said emotionally.
With the addition of the second laundry trailer, Compass For Hope hopes to deepen its impact on Augusta’s homeless population by offering more comprehensive support and helping individuals take steps toward self-sufficiency.
