I Want to Help Someone
This information is for concerned citizens and service providers, including social workers, who may be trying to help someone experiencing homelessness or who is at risk of losing their housing.
Intro to Homelessness
Our approach is comprehensive and compassionate, focusing on meeting people where they are and providing support tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. This person-centered approach is crucial for effectively addressing homelessness.
We work on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness to available resources and facilitate access to housing providers who work with individuals and families on their terms. This demonstrates flexibility and a commitment to finding sustainable solutions.
The challenge of locating and securing affordable housing units is indeed significant and requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector partners. Creative solutions, such as housing vouchers, rent subsidies, and partnerships with landlords, can help increase the availability of affordable housing options.
Continuing to prioritize the re-housing of individuals experiencing homelessness, along with ongoing support to ensure housing stability, is essential for addressing this complex issue.
How you can help
For community members
If they are experiencing homelessness:
Allow them to use your phone to call the Homeless Connection Line at 843-737-8357
If they are at risk of losing their housing:
Allow them to use your phone to call 211
Helpful tips:
The individual requesting support needs to be present so they can answer a series of intake questions
If necessary, assist them in communicating their situation and needs by providing a supportive space for them to make this call
How you can help
for social workers
As social workers, we understand your desire to connect someone who may be leaving your institution with safe housing.
Our network of partners who receive HUD funding are prohibited from coordinating discharges from institutions unless the following condition is met:
A person is considered homeless if they are exiting your institution where they resided less than 90 days and were in a shelter or place not meant for human habitation prior to entering your institution.
If the person you are working with meets this criteria, have them contact the Homeless Connection Line at 843-737-8357 and assist them in communicating their situation.
If the person you are working with does not meet this criteria, have them contact 211 and assist them in communicating their needs.
What to expect
The Homeless Connection Line team will discuss options through problem solving to see if there are any resources available. If not, they will refer them to coordinated entry which helps connect them to a housing resource, if one becomes available.