Program in Charleston connecting the homeless to resources

CHARLESTON, SC (WCBD) — A program in Charleston connects homeless people to resources available across the city.

On Thursday, the Charleston Community Development Committee heard an update on the city’s response to homelessness. Efforts include the Street Outreach program, which was started by the city about 2 years ago.

Through this program, outreach specialists travel to the community to meet with homeless people and connect them to resources.

“The first step is to find the different places in the community where homeless people are likely to be, and then visit them several times to develop relationships with them,” explained Emily Beck, Community Liaison and Outreach Coordinator. homelessness for the city of Charleston. “And then try to understand their situation and assess what kind of resources they might need.”

One resource is the Hope Center at 529 Meeting Street, which just opened in June. Neighbors can go there four days a week for basic needs like clothes, showers, food and hygiene products.

“Some of the things they need help with are birth certificates, driver’s license, primary care, mental health issues, social security benefits, and most importantly, housing,” Latosha Fludd said. , director of the Hope Center.

Officials said the street outreach program team had 600 encounters between June 2021 and May 2022.

Fludd said the Hope Center needs donations, including new coats, sweatshirts, sweatpants, belts, underwear, backpacks, socks, hand warmers and gloves.

Donations are accepted on the following days:

Monday-Wednesday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Friday: 9am-12pm

Other resources are listed below:

1. Housing Crisis Line: 843-737-8357
2. Dial 211
3. From shelters to shutters: 843-259-6427
4. Palmetto Community Action Partnership
5. City of Charleston Outreach Workers – Mariquetta Barnett: 843-513-4125 and KeTwanna Walker: 843-730-2437
6. City of North Charleston Homelessness Coordinator – Brandon Lilienthal: 843-607-0880.