Augusta, Ga. — A groundbreaking initiative is taking shape in Augusta, aimed at providing a safe and supportive environment for young adults aging out of foster care. The project, known as a tiny home village, is being developed by Bridge Builder Communities, a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Jackson Drumgoole.

Dr. Drumgoole, who was born and raised in Augusta, established the organization after witnessing the struggles faced by his own family members who had been in foster care. “Several of my family members were actually in foster care. And so when I saw some of the suffering that they went through here in the city and beyond it, it led me at a very, very young age to start this organization,” he explained.

The village will feature 25 tiny homes, each designed to provide a private living space while fostering a sense of community. The homes will be grouped in pods to encourage interaction and mutual support among the residents. Additionally, a 4,900-square-foot community center will be built to provide life skills training, mental health counseling, and recreational spaces where residents can relax and unwind. “We’re trying to create a family for young adults who’ve never had a family before,” Dr. Drumgoole shared.

The need for such a facility is dire. According to Dr. Drumgoole, approximately 85% of young adults aging out of foster care struggle with some form of mental health illness. More than half of these individuals become homeless almost immediately after leaving the system, and 25% experience legal trouble. These statistics underscore the importance of providing these young adults with a stable and supportive environment as they transition into adulthood.

The community center will serve as a hub for residents to access critical resources, including mental health counseling, job readiness programs, and recreational activities. One of the key features of the center will be a designated space for residents to engage in activities like playing video games or simply relaxing, offering them a chance to unwind and feel at home in a space that promotes healing and personal growth.

To raise funds for the project, Bridge Builder Communities will host its inaugural Gala on May 31 at The Richmond on Greene from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will celebrate the organization’s progress, recognize its donors and stakeholders, and honor a community leader for their contributions. Tickets to the Gala are available for $100, with the goal of raising $150,000 to support the development of the tiny home village and other initiatives.

Penny Wadsen, a founding board member of Bridge Builder Communities, emphasized the significance of the community’s support. “We have people that give $10 a month because they recognize that this is our problem,” Wadsen said. “It’s not just their issue—it’s our issue as a society.”

In addition to the Gala, community members are invited to nominate outstanding local leaders for recognition at the event. Nominations are open through April 11, and top nominees will receive tickets to the Gala, where they will be celebrated for their contributions to the community.

As Bridge Builder Communities continues to raise awareness and funds for this important project, the tiny home village represents a hopeful new model for helping young adults successfully navigate life after foster care. With its focus on community, mental health support, and skill-building, this initiative promises to offer a brighter future for some of Augusta’s most vulnerable young people.