Residents and local leaders in West Ashley address homelessness in the area

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)–Across the Lowcountry, leaders are working to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and make the communities safer for all residents.

It’s a problem across the country, and right here in the Lowcountry. Some West Ashley residents are calling for more outreach for individuals experiencing homelessness.

“I don’t condone homelessness, but I feel like a lot of resources that are out there need to be more accessible for the homeless population. They need to be educated. They need to hear stories from other people who have been in their shoes,” said Vivian Grant, a resident in West Ashley.

The city of Charleston’s Public Safety Committee is working to answer that call by exploring unique solutions.

“The city of Charleston is looking at what some other municipalities are doing. The city of Columbia was brought up in the meeting and how they have these modules where people don’t have to sleep outside, and the mayor mentioned it is inhuman for someone to sleep outside, so we are going to start looking at that a little bit,” said Kevin Shealy, the chairman of Charleston Public Safety Committee.

One possible solution leaders are discussing is a 90-day rapid shelter pod. Officials say the pod is closed off and safe and, if approved, could serve as transitional housing for up to 90 days.

Leaders are also expanding more permanent shelters like One80 Place, which advocates say is desperately needed.

“They need more shelters. We need a homeless shelter in West Ashley. We need a homeless shelter all over the Lowcountry. We need one in every city.” said Aaron Comstock, the founder of Uplift Charleston.

Down below are links to outreach programs.

Charleston Uplift – Home (upliftcharleston.com)

One80 Place | Ending and Preventing Homelessness

Hope Center | Charleston, SC – Official Website (charleston-sc.gov)

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