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- Government
- Departments
- Housing & Community Development
- People Experiencing Homelessness
People Experiencing Homelessness
A community-wide approach with innovative housing solutions and services for our most vulnerable community members must be comprehensive to provide a foundational framework for generational stability of our citizens, and a thriving economy for the Lowcountry. It is a complex issue that requires a complex solution, but it is attainable. Through collaboration, partnership, and commitment, we will ensure a robust homelessness response system focused on prevention, critical needs, and wrap-around services. Through accessibility to equitable housing, healthcare, and supportive services, we will see an end to the cycle of homelessness and ensure everyone has a place to call home in our region.
Background, Future Endeavors and Partnerships
The Mayors’ Commission on Homelessness and Affordable Housing was built on the previously established, Mayor’s Council on Homelessness and Affordable Housing. The Council had more than twenty years of experience advocating for housing issues at both the local and state level and has accomplished worthwhile goals and established a reputation for its success in working collaboratively, effectively, innovatively and efficiently to prevent homelessness and create affordable housing opportunities for all citizens.
The city of Charleston addresses the needs of people experiencing homelessness through programs, initiatives, funding, and best practices research. The Hope Center is a day resource center which has on-site services including:
- Breakfast Monday through Wednesday 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Clothing, Food Pantry, Hygiene Essentials, Internet Access, Laundry, Mail Service, Showers, Phone Access
- Workforce Program
- On-site Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor, Certified Peer Support Specialist
The Homeless to Hope Fund
Founded in February 2016, the Homeless to Hope Fund was initially established by Mayor Tecklenburg to assist persons transitioning from homeless encampments. However, because of the need for financial assistance, the fund continued to provide support for those transitioning from homelessness. The Fund is overseen and managed by the Palmetto Project, an area nonprofit that seeks to identify innovative strategies to address the social and economic challenges facing our state, and put them into action.