Finding Solutions: Local artists shares hope at Salvation Army

From a shelter to permanent housing, one local woman is sharing her story of perseverance.
Published: Sep. 12, 2024 at 5:15 PM EDT
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - From a shelter to permanent housing, one local woman is sharing her story of perseverance.

Rose Brown spent about six months at the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope.

She’s now finding solutions in helping others in a similar situation all while sharing her love of art.

If you walk through the halls of the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center, you will see 40 different art pieces on display all created by Brown.

“My inspiration came from color. I just love all different types of color,” she said.

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Brown is no stranger to the Salvation Army.

After having to stop working in Atlanta because of health issues, she moved back home to Augusta where she had to start all over.

“I didn’t have stable housing, and I ended up sleeping in my car during the winter months of 2021 to 2022,” said Brown.

She says after contacting numerous resources for a housing voucher, she was told she needed a homeless letter, which led her to the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope.

“Through the Center of Hope, I was able to gain resources of different people in the community that I forgot about, or people I did not know,” she said.

After a six-month stay at the Center of Hope, she was able to get permanent housing.

“A place of peace and comfort and joy and just relishing in that inner peace that God has allowed me to have,” she said.

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Brown still attends church services at the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center and helps motivate others at the Center of Hope.

“Some of their situations were the same as mine. The resources I knew about, I gave them,” said Brown.

Major Jonathan Raymer with the Salvation Army of Augusta says it’s great seeing Brown give back.

“So, as a Salvation Army officer, I want everyone to know Jesus Christ, but another part of that goal is to get people into stable housing that ministry of dignity. Rose taking that and serving others is an amazing thing,” said Raymer.

Brown says to anyone going through a similar situation, you are not alone.

“I would say you would have to start with self-care and think about what that means for you and start with your mental health,” she said.

Brown’s story is one of many others.

Raymer says they are seeing an increase in people staying at the Center of Hope, including children.

As for Brown, her art display will be up until October 22 at the Kroc Center. You are able to purchase the art.

If you are an artist who would like to have your art displayed next, visit https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/krocaugusta/arts/.