Community leaders unite to tackle homelessness crisis

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the pressing issue of homelessness in Charleston and the broader state. A participant highlighted concerns regarding the undercounting of homeless individuals, revealing that the actual numbers are significantly higher than reported. This discrepancy has raised alarms about the growing homelessness crisis both locally and nationally.

The conversation was sparked by insights gained from a recent overnight experience by a reporter, which underscored the inadequacies of current counting methods. In response, local officials, including Anita Alston Gore and Brandon Lilienthal, were invited to collaborate on addressing the issue. Jeffrey Fleming, Chief Operating Officer of the Palmetto Project, emphasized the organization's commitment to tackling social and economic challenges in South Carolina, including homelessness.

Fleming noted that the Palmetto Project has been instrumental in various community initiatives, including the establishment of the Homeless to Hope Fund, which was created in 2016 at the request of Charleston's mayor. This fund aims to provide shelter solutions for the city's homeless population, reflecting a proactive approach to a growing concern.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement and collaboration among local leaders to effectively address homelessness, a challenge that continues to escalate in both Charleston and across the nation.