News Summary
Homeless No More is launching St. Andrews Village in Lexington County to help families facing homelessness, responding to a 744% increase in housing assistance requests since 2021. This innovative project, which will transform a former hotel into 31 apartment-style units, aims to provide a stable environment for families working toward independence. The initiative features supportive services, childcare, and community-oriented features to boost overall job readiness and life skills, addressing the significant local demand for housing assistance.
Lexington County, SC – Homeless No More, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families facing homelessness, is expanding its services into Lexington County with the development of St. Andrews Village. This project follows a significant increase in demand for housing assistance in the region, reflecting the pressing need for localized support structures for those experiencing homelessness.
The initiative was prompted when Lexington County first approached Homeless No More three years ago, exploring the introduction of housing assistance options. In a period marked by a staggering 744% increase in requests for help from 2021 to 2023, it became clear that many individuals and families were struggling to find adequate temporary shelter. Notably, 60% of people in Lexington County who reached out to Homeless No More declined offers for temporary shelter primarily located in Richland County.
To address these urgent needs, Homeless No More has finalized the purchase of the former Suburban Studios hotel on Bush River Road, which is set to be transformed into an innovative living space called St. Andrews Village. The development will offer 31 apartment-style housing units specifically designed for families transitioning out of homelessness. These units aim to provide a safe and stable environment while equipping families with the necessary skills to regain independence.
Financial backing for the St. Andrews Village project totals $12 million, secured through various sources of funding. This includes $3 million from federal grants allocated by Lexington County, $3.6 million from the South Carolina Housing Trust Fund, and contributions of $1 million each from United Way of the Midlands and Southeastern Freight Lines. An additional $3 million is coming from tax credits, further supporting the renovation of the hotel, originally built in the 1980s, into a suitable living space.
Project Features and Community Benefits
The renovations are expected to transform the property within 18 months, with the aim of making the units available to families in need. While residents will not pay traditional rent, they will be required to pay a program fee as they receive supportive services through case management. This fee structure is designed to facilitate their transition into permanent housing while also ensuring that they participate in job readiness and budgeting workshops over the course of six to twelve months.
The project includes various community-oriented features as well, such as accredited childcare services for children up to four years old, open to both residents and the surrounding neighborhood. This holistic approach will not only focus on housing but will also provide critical life skills classes, employment coaching, and referrals to additional resources, ensuring families have a solid foundation for change.
Maintaining the safety and security of residents is also a priority; therefore, 24-hour staffing and security will be implemented, addressing community requests for safety measures. The St. Andrews Village initiative seeks to prevent families from cycling back into homelessness, as it directly targets families with children who are experiencing housing instability.
Background Context
Homeless No More has historically centered its efforts in Richland County, where a significant portion of the homeless population resides. The organization’s expansion into Lexington County reflects a broader strategy to localize services where they are increasingly needed, particularly as housing requests continue to escalate.
By creating St. Andrews Village, Homeless No More intends to serve as a catalyst for change within the community, highlighting the importance of local partnerships and community acceptance in the establishment of transitional housing facilities. The hope is that through this project, families will receive the support they need to secure a stable and independent future.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Homeless No More – Redevelop Lexington County Hotel
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- WKYT: Lexington Rep Files Bill for Emergency Homeless Shelter
- Google Search: Emergency Homeless Shelter Kentucky
- ABC Columbia: Proceeds from Sale of New Home for Homeless Families
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- SC Daily Gazette: SC Teen from Homeless to Marine Corps
- Google News: Homelessness South Carolina
