Greenville Homeless Alliance: Sherry’s Story
Connected Community
A native of Greenville, Sherry never imagined homelessness would be part of her story. All that changed in 2016. Within 10 days, Sherry lost her mother, her brother, her pet, and her ex-husband. She suddenly found herself couch surfing, staying anywhere available—hotels, emergency shelters, etc. Sherry was thrown into continual instability.
As time passed, Sherry learned about a development under construction for seniors (age 55 and up) called Renaissance Place. Sherry was determined to move into Renaissance Place. She connected to United Ministries and the Striving to Thrive Program. Tiffany, an Economic Mobility Partner, connected Sherry to additional resources including the Self Help Credit Union, who offered financial advice and taught skills equipping Sherry to create a budget, pay bills, and maintain good credit. Even with help, finding an affordable place to live was a challenge.
As Sherry progressed toward stability, NHE, Inc., a property management company headquartered in Greenville, was constructing affordable housing for seniors. Its founder, Harris Davis, Sr., had become an outspoken leader for affordable housing for seniors and special needs populations. The Greenville Homeless Alliance (GHA) also advocated for the approval of this development. Eventually, Sherry’s home would be a product of a connected community.
In 2019, Renaissance Place came before Greenville City Council for final approval. When concerns were raised by residents who opposed the new plan, the Greenville Homeless Alliance was the only voice speaking in favor of building this important housing that was ultimately approved.
In January 2022, Sherry received an Emergency Housing Voucher through The Greenville Housing Authority and was able to use it to apply for housing at Renaissance Place. The stability provided by the Emergency Housing Voucher lets Sherry not worry about having to move…it lets her feel at home.
"It took a minute to realize and process this is my home,” said Sherry. “It’s bright, it’s airy, and it’s mine.”
The GHA is a coalition of doers and changemakers charged with looking for durable solutions to end homelessness. The GHA orchestrates strategic partnerships and support systems for individuals, couples, or families experiencing homelessness seeking stability and serves as a voice for these individuals.
Meet some of the people in this video below who are joining us to ignite real change:
Taylor Davis - President of NHE, Inc.
Gail Peay - Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
Katherine Amidon – Board Member for Friends of the Reedy River
Stacey Owens - Director of Community Relations with The Spinx Company, LLC.
Nick Bush – Program Manager for United Ministries Place of Hope
