By VICKI BROWN
vbrown@lowcountry.com
Christian Riders of the Lowcountry sponsored the “Help the Homeless” motorcycle ride on April 10 to support “In His Name Ministries’ Shelter of Hope,” a Walterboro-based non-profit that does community outreach and also offers a safe haven for Colleton’s homeless.
More than 22 motorcycles and 40 people attended the Saturday event.
With a $20 fee for single riders and a $25 fee for couples (bikers or cars), bikers came from across South Carolina to participate and help raise funds. A 50/50 raffle was also a big draw. The entry fee included a meal given to the riders.
Coordinator Pat Catterton said he was happy with the turn out. “This was a wonderful day,” he said. “We raised over $2,500 for the Shelter of Hope, and had a great day for a ride.
“We were able to bless the shelter with money they desperately need for a sprinkler system,” said Catterton.
Riders were happy to show up to help with this endeavor. Ray Devaney said he was glad to be a part of the ride. “I am here to help. My wife is involved in helping with the shelter, and I wanted to help, too,” said Devaney.
The riders started the day with coffee and donuts and the drove 150 scenic miles. They ended the day with a meal.
“In His Name” shelter board member Gar Linwood was then DJ for the day, playing music and making announcements. He donated his time and equipment to enhance the event.
According to shelter officials, they had hoped to open the homeless shelter for men in the area at the end of September in 2020, but with residents having to stay the night, the building must first be brought up to code for fire safety. That means a sprinkler system needs to be installed throughout the four buildings, at a cost of $75,000. Donations have been slow so far due to Covid-19.
While waiting for the sprinkler system to be installed, some homeless residents have had to stay in tents on the property during the cold months of 2020 and 2021.
“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. “We need this facility here.”
Stacy See, chairman of the shelter’s board, said he was sad that more work had to be done before opening their doors.
“I understand the reasoning, but there is a lot of money that we will need to service four buildings with sprinkler systems,” he said. “In the meantime, we do have food and clothing if people find themselves in need.
“When the sprinklers are paid for and installed, we can open our doors for homeless men, and later families. We also hope to house people who have had fires in their homes. This way they will have an emergency place to stay,” See said.
For more information on In His Name Lowcountry Shelter of Hope, call 843-217-5661; email ihncolleton@gmail.com; or follow the group on Facebook at In His Name-Colleton.
To make a donation: Mail: In His Name-Colleton, 1033 #146, Walterboro, SC 29488; via PayPal at https://www.paypal.me/inhisnamecolleton; via Venmo: @inhisname-colleton; or via GoFundMe: https://gf.me/u/yndp4h.
