After years of planning and community fundraising, the Salvation Army of Augusta has cleared a crucial financial hurdle.

The Salvation Army of Augusta has received notice that a contract has been executed and $4.82 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been released for construction of its new Center of Hope shelter.

With all approvals complete and funding released, demolition, site preparation and construction planning can now begin.

The funding was awarded through HUD’s Home-ARP program, which addresses homelessness and housing instability among families.

Read more at WRDW.