LEXINGTON, SC (WIS) – A Lexington County hotel near Interstate 20 could soon be converted into a shelter for homeless people seeking assistance.
Richland County-based nonprofit Homeless No More is looking to expand its efforts across the river, with the project aimed at addressing the 744% increase in requests for shelter, housing and services in Lexington County from 2021 to 2023, according to data from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
The St. Andrews Village program would provide housing units for homeless families with children. Each family will complete a program focused on meeting long-term needs. The project will be located near a bus system, schools and employment opportunities, which Lila Anna Sauls, CEO of Homeless No More, said are necessary for the families to succeed.
“It’s all about teaching each member of the family what they need to know to never see us again,” she said.
Conceived over two years ago, the project is to be designed as a hybrid housing development with the ultimate goal of relocating families into affordable housing. The housing will include a program where families can attend classes on education, healthcare, employability and other topics.
“What was so attractive to the county council was that there will actually be an accredited childcare facility operated by a third party. And that will be open not only to the residents of this project, but also to the surrounding community and neighborhood,” she said.
In addition to an approved child care program for children up to four years old, the project will include 31 housing units and a small grocery store, Homeless No More officials said.
On-site staff provide support services such as referrals, career counseling and case management.
Homeless No More officials say there will be multiple housing options, all designed the same, in hopes of creating a community between families.
“Housing is the answer, not just in Richland and Lexington County, but across the country,” Sauls said.
Residents of the complex receive supportive services through case management sessions that focus on the needs of each individual family. Residents pay no rent but do pay a program fee.
The project is scheduled to be completed within one year of completion, i.e. in 2026, and will be divided into phases.
Currently, the project cost is estimated at $8 million, including $4.5 million for the land acquisition. Some of the funds, a combination of public and private funds, have already been approved for the project. Sauls said more funding will be needed.
While Homeless No More in Richland County offers similar housing options, Sauls said a study found that 60% of families contacted in Lexington County declined housing because they wanted to stay in Lexington County.
These data suggest that while families in crisis need shelter and services, they still want to remain in their own community.
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