News Summary
Lexington County, S.C. is addressing homelessness with the launch of St. Andrews Village, a transitional housing project for families. The initiative will repurpose a former hotel to accommodate 31 families, offering essential services like childcare and job readiness programs. With significant federal funding and support from the nonprofit Homeless No More, the project aims to provide families with stability and resources to regain independence.
Lexington County Launches St. Andrews Village: A New Transitional Housing Project for Families Facing Homelessness
A new initiative called St. Andrews Village is set to address homelessness in Lexington County, S.C., by providing transitional housing for families in need. The project will transform the former Suburban Studios Hotel on Bush River Road into a facility capable of accommodating 31 families, offering them a secure environment for a duration of six months to one year.
Key features of St. Andrews Village include community childcare services, a small grocery store, and job readiness programs designed to aid families in regaining stability and essential life skills. The Lexington County Council has allocated $2.2 million in federal funds toward renovation efforts, with the total cost of the project projected to be around $8 million. This funding is part of a broader national initiative aimed at reducing homelessness and enhancing housing stability.
As the need for services for homeless families has surged dramatically—reportedly by 700%—efforts like St. Andrews Village are increasingly vital. Many families facing homelessness prefer to remain within their local communities where they have established support networks. The project is spearheaded by Homeless No More, a nonprofit organization with almost 40 years of experience in supporting Midlands families. The organizational success can be seen in the results from their previous transitional housing model at St. Lawrence Place in Columbia, which saw all families move into permanent homes within the last year.
Community Involvement and Support
Community support has been essential for the development of St. Andrews Village, with initiatives taken to educate nearby residents about the project before seeking county approval. Although the project is still in the approval phase, renovation work is projected to commence soon, with families potentially expected to move in by next year.
Project Details and Support Services
St. Andrews Village will feature a combination of transitional and permanent housing, complete with additional resources such as case worker support and life skills classes. The gradual integration model is designed to help families work towards financial independence and long-term housing stability. Common factors contributing to homelessness in Lexington County include evictions, limited public transportation options, vehicle-related issues, and a shortage of affordable housing.
The facility, designed as a hybrid housing model, aims to provide families with the necessary tools and resources to transition into sustainable living situations. Renovation plans are anticipated to begin in early 2025, and the project completion is expected within a year post-approval of funding. With a focus on equipping families with the skills and support they need, St. Andrews Village represents a significant step forward in addressing the housing crisis faced by many in Lexington County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Homeless No More Expands Services to Lexington County
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Columbia City Leaders Combat Rising Homelessness in 2025
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Lexington County Transitional Housing Project – St. Andrews Village
- The State: New Housing Project for Homeless Families
- WIS: Homeless No More to Convert Hotel into Housing
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Post and Courier: Homeless No More Quality Inn Project
- Google Search: Transitional Housing Projects in the US
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
