By Amanda Herndon and Vicki Brown
The current Lowcountry Shelter of Hope, located at 2107 Hampton Street, is moving.
The homeless shelter is operated by In His Name-Colleton, a non-profit organization in Colleton County.
Leaders with the shelter had planned to open its doors for homeless men at the end of September 2020, with the goal of also opening the shelter to women and families a few months later. But, with residents having to stay the night, Colleton County code enforcement officers stated that the building had to be brought up to code for fire safety. That meant that a $75,000 sprinkler system needed to be installed throughout the four buildings that the supporting ministry, In His Name-Colleton, was temporarily renting from Faith Church.
The shelter’s volunteers immediately began a fundraising program to cover that major expense, but with the onset of Covid-19, donations slowed. While leaders say they have had enough donations to cover regular operating expenses and rent, they have made very little progress in raising the $75,000 needed for the sprinkler system.
“We have been renting for the past year and had the option to purchase, with a balloon payment at the end. Once we moved into the property, we found out that it was a more expensive project than we had originally anticipated, with the additional cost of the sprinkler system,” said Amanda Herndon, shelter manager. “In reviewing our options, the Board of In His Name decided that we could be better stewards of the money that the community is generously giving us by reorganizing and rethinking our original idea.”
According to Herndon, In His Name-Colleton has re-evaluated the overall plan for sheltering those in need. They are now in the process of looking at other properties to have an office, a mission center, and housing that is already up to code.
“We feel that by moving we can better serve the community and use donated funds more wisely,” Herndon said.
They may be moving, but their mission is not changing.
In His Name-Colleton’s mission is to reach out into the community offering the homeless food, clothing, and shelter, and providing supportive programs for families and individuals, youth, and children in Colleton County and surrounding areas.
The group also provides necessary items to victims whose homes have been destroyed by fire in Colleton. They also serve as a warming shelter to the homeless during winter months.
“In His Name has always done community outreach. Within the last year we have stepped it up even more, and that is also not changing,” she said. “It’s hot and the homeless will be more visible. We have had over 20 phone calls regarding homelessness within the past two weeks. There is a need and we are here to help. Please contact us to get blessing bags to keep in your vehicle for when you encounter someone on the streets.
“As we have stated from the beginning, this is a community project. Talking with businesses and individuals in the community, this is a better plan for what we are trying to accomplish for our community,” Herndon added.
“People don’t realize how important this endeavor is to the community. Corporations and businesses that may consider choosing Colleton to start a business are more likely to do so if needs in the county are being met and those less fortunate have facilities,” said County Council Chair Steve Murdaugh. “A shelter of this type has an amazing potential for helping those who need it and creating economic growth,” said Murdaugh, who has been concerned at the loss of over a million dollars in the county due to COVID.
“We need this facility here,” said Murdaugh.
Businessman Gar Linder agreed.
“I am a volunteer here and on the board because this shelter is important to everyone who lives here. I will be making my rounds to the businesses and individuals to see if they will meet the challenge that has been issued,” said Linder. “We all need to take ownership of this shelter.”
A new mission center and housing location will be announced soon. In the meantime, Colleton residents who want to support the shelter can call the shelter by phone at 843-217-5661, on Facebook at In His Name-Colleton, or by email at ihncolleton@gmail.com.
“In His Name-Colleton would like to graciously thank Faith Walterboro for allowing us to rent the property on Hampton Street for the past year. During that time, we have learned so much about the needs of our community, and we are working hard to address those needs in the most cost-effective way possible,” Herndon said.
