Stories of Hope

Jessica wanted her family back. With the help of United Ministries and a connected community of support, she now has her family and a home of her own.

Harold’s battle with alcoholism led him to homelessness and his substance abuse disorder was supported and enabled as he spent most of his days panhandling. He received initial help from a current outreach member of United House Connections.

Brandi is a member of Bob’s Friends – a community that was created to prevent relapse, recidivism, homelessness, and suicide, and to cultivate restoration, transformation, healing, wholeness, and wellness.

Six and a half years ago, John was living unsheltered and experiencing homelessness. He was in and out of rehabilitation facilities like Morris Village and Carolina Rehab Centers. He experienced a substance use disorder for many years.

Vernell began staying in the Women's emergency shelter over the years at the Salvation Army as she was struggling with homelessness.

Hubertine fled from her home with only her insulin and the clothes that she was wearing when she left. She was looking for a place to be safe. That’s what staff like Adriene Atkinson (pictured above) offered her at Safe Harbor, the area’s only domestic violence emergency shelter.

Out of work during recovery from a heart attack, Dwayne feared he would have nowhere to live.

Sometimes the journey from homelessness to stability involves many organizations working collaboratively to create a supportive system for individuals or families seeking stability. This was the case for Dan.

As LeTonya struggled through homelessness, she says she got sick and tired of being sick and tired. That’s when she reached out to Jasmine Road to get the help that she needed.

Christopher lived under the Hampton Station bridge until about two years ago. He was trying to survive with schizophrenia.

Ashley came to Front Porch Housing in June of 2019 carrying years of addiction, trauma from sexual abuse, and a new baby.

Sherry was determined to move into Renaissance Place. What she didn’t know was that the Greenville Homeless Alliance was the only voice speaking in favor of building Renaissance Place when it came before Greenville City Council for final approval.

As Don tried to cope with feelings of grief after the loss of his father, he turned to substance use, a disorder that eventually led him to homelessness. Numerous organizations were instrumental in helping Don break the vicious cycle of addiction and ultimately opening the door to his job at Triune Mercy Center.

Robert Shell found himself experiencing homelessness, an undiagnosed mental health condition, and a serious drug addiction. He was employed at a local restaurant and was not viewed as a person who was living unsheltered. He was noticed, but not known. After connecting with a series of GHA Partners, Robert found hope, housing, and community.

Homelessness and housing insecurity negatively impact children physically, emotionally, and academically, making dropping out of school more likely, and creating more barriers to finding employment and housing in the long-term. Infinite Possibilities and OnTrack Greenville create stability by helping students stay on track for future success, reducing the likelihood that families will experience homelessness.

Living in her car after a difficult divorce and diagnosed with severe PTSD, Heidi was unsure where to go for help. A veteran friend introduced her to Upstate Warrior Solution and the resources that would help her find stable housing and a job. Today, Heidi helps fellow veterans as a program manager for the same organization that recognized what she needed and gave her hope.

Living and working in New York, a series of uncontrollable events left Rita without a home and with a debilitating mental health condition. After relocating to South Carolina to be with family, she discovered Gateway, a program that gave her stability, the ability to secure her own apartment, and a true sense of purpose.

A series of rebellious choices left Amanda feeling overwhelmed and unable to see a way out of her circumstances. She experienced being evicted, living in hotels, and even living in a tent before she started down a new path that led to a job, a support system, and the homeownership program at Habitat for Humanity.

Released from prison after seven years, Beverly yearned for a new beginning. She was introduced to Soteria, an organization that serves previously incarcerated men and women, and connected to housing and resources she needed to successfully transition back into society and rebuild a sustainable, healthy life.

Lea, a young mother of two children, found herself struggling with a substance use disorder. Desperately wanting a better life for her family, she connected with Serenity Place, a residential treatment program supported by the Phoenix Center. Peer support and wrap around services aided Lea in achieving recovery, earning an Associates degree, and finding a job in the field of engineering.

Joyce lost her job because she was trying to care for her grandchildren. The ripple effect would deplete her savings and lead to an inability to pay rent or buy food. Joyce faced a dilemma thousands of households in Greenville face every day. Desperate, Joyce found Greer Relief.

When a plan to live with family after moving to South Carolina fell through, Fenicia faced unstable housing. She knew she needed help and no longer wanted to face challenges alone. She connected with Project Care, a non-profit serving those experiencing homelessness living with HIV/AIDS, and found emergency shelter and the support she needed.

JR represents one of hundreds of youth in Greenville County without a place to call home. Then he found Pendleton Place, an emergency shelter for youth aged 12-21. In addition to having his basic needs met, JR gained access to counseling and job placement services thanks to strategic community partnerships.