In His Name-Colleton homeless shelter prepares to open

In His Name-Colleton is preparing to open their homeless shelter in Walterboro located at 2107 Hampton Street, the ministry’s headquarters.
A community meeting was held Monday August 10 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss updates regarding the shelter they have named In His Name Lowcountry Shelter of Hope.
The ministry has been working hard to prepare the old Family Christian Academy school building for homeless residents. Some individuals, civic organizations and churches have adopted rooms in the school to renovate for bedrooms. But more help is needed.
“We need metal twin bed platforms and mattresses donated. We need sheets, mattress and pillow protectors. We need household items. We are grateful to St. Peter’s who donated blankets and pillows, and Colleton Prep who donated lockers so that residents can lock up their belongings. I want the community to take ownership of this shelter,” said Stacy See, who is spearheading the ministry. “But we need community help to get this going.” They are having a big workday on Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 am and need volunteers to come out and help get organized.
The group hopes to write grants for operating costs, but a CPA is needed to volunteer to complete a short audit first. Until then, donations are still needed to purchase the property.
The ministry is having a chicken and pork perlo dinner sale on August 28 for pick up and delivery for five or more orders. They are also sponsoring a community yard sale/craft sale on September 12. Rental space is $10 for a 10x10 section. No food or drink sales will be permitted.

The group is also planning to rent the large sanctuary for weddings, ceremonies, events, or funerals. They hope to have a large craft fair in November.
INH’s property has buildings that will eventually accommodate 32 women and 56 men with five rooms for families, one room for short-term emergencies; and a halfway house for 24 individuals who need help with education, job training and financial management. Plans also include a food kitchen to feed the hungry; a community food bank; an after-school program for children; and a pet-friendly emergency shelter in natural disasters. Eventually they will need bunk beds.
“We are now seeking the community’s help. We need volunteers to help organize, do yard work, fold clothes, file paperwork, and numerous other things,” said See. He is calling on youth groups, civic organizations, clubs, and individuals to help.
“This is not a small project. It will take a community effort to make this happen. It will take one-time volunteers, occasional volunteers and long-term volunteers,” said See.
The ministry is also searching for someone who will live in an apartment on campus and manage the shelter. They hope to open at the end of September and house four homeless men.
IHN is an interdenominational non-profit Christian-based organization whose mission includes feeding the poor, sheltering and clothing the needy. In the past, the group has organized a free community dinner and movie; provided community meals in response to local disasters; holds an annual free Christmas community dinner, provided food, clothing and assisted with obtaining necessary household goods for fire victims; provided health and hygiene kits for the homeless; assisted with feeding volunteers from Mission Serve; helped organize a Pack-A-Thon for Haiti Under God; and operates an emergency food bank.
For information call the main office, 843-217-5661 or Stacy See, 843-909-2671.