The Power of Collaboration
Michael served five years in prison on an arson charge and returned to Greenville after completing his sentence without a home, family, or support system. He struggled through two failed attempts to stay in an emergency shelter, finding it extremely difficult to live in such close quarters due to challenges associated with his mental illness.
That’s when a collective fund working in partnership with frontline organizations assisted Michael and changed the course of his life.
Each week in Greenville County, a group of professionals representing more than two dozen organizations meet to help address the complex issues facing residents experiencing homelessness. The approach grew out of Miracle Hill Ministries, United Ministries, Triune Mercy Center, The Salvation Army, and Greater Greenville Mental Health Center. The work compliments the South Carolina Upstate Continuum of Care who focuses on 13 counties.
Greenville’s system for addressing homelessness is strong and generally effective. Greenville County has more resources and better cooperation on homeless issues than any other county in South Carolina. However, there are still gaps in the service network
As for Michael, he’s been in permanent housing for more than five years now. He improved his education and volunteers at the food pantry. “I’m happy to have a place because it’s a lot better than being homeless,” Michael said. “There’s no other place I’d rather be. Support is everything.”
Since the release of the 2019 Report on Homelessness in Greenville County, the Greenville Homeless Alliance has released additional reports with a focus on Greenville County. Find our research here.
Greenville County is a vibrant, creative and generous community. We are blessed with many strong, selfless community leaders, and those who serve residents experiencing homeless are passionate, self-sacrificing and strong contributors to the fabric of our society. We know that the leaders who have helped create and sustain the strong systems in Greenville County will be able to work to create the next needed steps in the continuum. Support our work to educate, advocate, collaborate, and innovate.