CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - An advocacy group has partnered with the City of Charleston to provide a new solution for people experiencing homelessness in downtown Charleston.
On June 25, the LGBT advocacy group We Are Family is preparing to open a new homeless center on Meeting Street.
The new center will offer services for people experiencing homelessness in Charleston including mental health, medical and job training services.
“Homelessness is really growing in Charleston,” We Are Family Executive Director Melissa Moore said. “There’s a real lack of affordable housing opportunities in this area.”
The City of Charleston approached the advocacy group with the proposal for the new facility. With the partnership, the City has agreed to pay for the new center.
The center will have a thrift store inside to offer jobs to homeless individuals and provide funding for the center.
While the new center will be open to everyone, We Are Family is also focused on offering the first-ever youth-focused homeless outreach in Charleston.
We Are Family has volunteers from different groups across Charleston pitching in to complete the center.
“We feel like this is an excellent opportunity for myself and my company to give back to the community and be of help and support to those who perhaps are having some struggles in life,” local business owner and volunteer Ralph Dandridge said.
The center and thrift shop are scheduled to open on June 25. There will be an opening reception on Friday, June 22.
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