There is little doubt that South Carolina’s economy has taken a downturn in recent months. Home sales are down, new home construction is down, and the SC unemployment rate hit a record 7.6% in August placing it fifth in the nation¹. It has since dropped slightly, but some SC counties still rank as high as 11.8%. As more people find themselves out of work and unable to pay their mortgages, the rate of homelessness is increasing. Shelters throughout the state are trying to accommodate first-time homeless families, but limited resources and community opposition are adding to an already enormous problem. Add to that the decrease in donorship that inevitably comes with a suffering economy, and South Carolina’s homeless are in for a very difficult winter.

Homeless Man Sitting on His Bunk at a Shelter

A 2007 report by the South Carolina Council on Homelessness found that on any given night, there were 6,759 homeless people in South Carolina – nearly 20% of whom were children. Considering the fact that Camden has just under 7,000 residents, the enormity of the problem becomes easier to grasp. The Council also found that over the course of a year, SC has more than 17,000 documented cases of homelessness – undocumented cases may increase this number significantly².

SC ETV recently filmed a documentary on homelessness as part of its “Carolina Stories” series. It follows Eric Moseley, a homeless man who goes by the name “Protein,” as he walks viewers through a typical day on the streets of Columbia. Protein stays at a temporary shelter, where he is picked up each morning by a bus that takes him downtown to the labor pool. There, he and countless others wait patiently to see if they’ll be given the opportunity to work that day. The pool operates on a first-come/first-served basis. Arriving after 5:30 AM, Protein’s chances of finding day labor are greatly diminished. Still, he and the others wait for official notice that they will not be given work before heading out in search of food.

The documentary, DOWN (but not out), is an informative and honest look into the reality of homelessness, but the true education is the realization that each person is homeless for a different reason. Many assume that homeless people are all alcoholics, drug addicts, or mentally ill. While there is a fair portion of each, some have simply lost their jobs and, as a result, their homes. Some have served time in prison, which disqualifies them from many jobs. Some have left their homes due to abuse or neglect, and still others have not had the education necessary to allow them to earn a living wage.

Homeless Man Holding a Sign

Eric and others categorize people to differentiate between those who are homeless “by acts of God” (natural disasters, fires, etc.), those who are ill, and those who are simply complacent. Regardless of the reasons, however, the population of homeless South Carolinians is on the rise, and public discrimination is making matters worse.

Attempts to build a permanent homeless shelter in our state capital have been thwarted repeatedly. The Midlands Housing Alliance is a Columbia-based non-profit dedicated to relieving homelessness in the region. Recently, as in years past, a proposed year-round shelter has been bitterly challenged by residents living near the designated site. As a result, the “winter” shelter has been forced to move from one area to the next, in order to avoid upsetting any single community with a continuous presence. The MHA and the Salvation Army have been fighting this battle since 1997 and there is no end in sight. People without homes, seeking shelter and a sense of safety, are forced further into a nomadic lifestyle which prevents them from obtaining the necessary tools to re-establish permanence³.

Similar stories about the lack of resources and community opposition are being told throughout South Carolina. We have compiled a list of recent articles and editorials below. If you would like to find out more about what’s being done to alleviate homelessness in your area, take a few moments to look over our guide to SC Resources for the Homeless.

1. Post and Courier, “SC Unemployment Rate Soars” (Charleston: September 19, 2008).
2. South Carolina Council on Homelessness, “2007 South Carolina Homeless Count.“
3. Columbia Star, “Downtown Neighborhoods Face New Neighbors” (October 31, 2008).

Recent Articles and Opinions on Homelessness in SC

• Anytime is the Best Time to Help Charities - November 12, 2008 - The State
• City Board Throws out Appeal on Shelter - November 12, 2008 - The State
• Poor Economy Squeezing Upstate Nonprofit Agencies - November 10, 2008 - The Herald Journal
• City’s Bumbling Antics on Homeless Issue Stunning - November 9, 2008 - The State
• Downtown Neighborhoods Face New Neighbors - October 31, 2008 - Columbia Star
• Will City Allow Homeless Shelter to Fail? | Shelter is Solution to Neighbors’ Problems - October 22, 2008 - The State
• Rock Hill Winter Shelter Kicks off 2nd Year - October 28, 2008 - Herald Online
• SC Homeless Have Right to Vote - October 10, 2008 - WYFF Channel 4, Greenville
• Columbia Leaders Discuss New Homeless Shelter - October 9, 2008 - WIS Television Channel 10, Columbia

Want to Help? Steps to End Homelessness in South Carolina

Think you don’t have the time or resources to help? Good news! It’s easier than you think. Below are just a few of the ways you can help relieve homelessness in your community. For more specific information, just visit our directory of resources for the homeless in South Carolina. Click the city or town nearest you and find simple ways to contribute in your community.

• Sign a Petition - PDF - Print and sign this petition to show your support for the Midland Housing Alliance’s Homeless Transition Center in Columbia
• Go Shopping - PDF - Charleston area residents, add a few simple items to your holiday shopping from Crisis Ministries’ Holiday Wish List
• Become a Bi-Lo Booster - In Florence, simply print the “boosterplus” form and ask the cashier to scan it at checkout
• Tell a Friend - Fill out this online form to tell someone you know about Golden Harvest Food Bank in Aiken
• Build a House - Volunteer to help copnstruct a Habitat for Humanity home in Beaufort County

Founded in 1732, Camden is our state’s oldest inland town. Established by a decree from King George II, Camden started as a small backcountry settlement along the banks of the Wateree River – which at the time was about as far west as most Europeans would venture. Arriving in 1758, Joseph Kershaw, the county’s namesake, gave the area a boost when he opened a mercantile in what he called “Pine Tree Hill.” This fostered trade and lured others to settle in what is now known as the “Olde English District.” Camden’s advantageous position as a crossroad and trading post afforded it an important role in South Carolina’s early history.

	CAMDEN CLOCK TOWER		KERSHAW - CORNWALLIS HOUSE		SPRINGDALE RACE COURSE

The same qualities that made Camden ideal for commerce also attracted the English to use it as a strategic outpost during the Revolutionary War. Occupying the town for almost a year, the Redcoats built fortifications around Camden, some of which have been recreated at Historic Camden. The Kershaw-Cornwallis House served as headquarters for General Cornwallis and dominates the area with its stately architecture. Following heavy losses in the Battle of Hobkirk Hill (April 25th, 1781), the English finally surrendered their hold on Camden, burning most of the town in their wake.

After the turmoil of Independence, Camden quickly became one of our state’s most prosperous towns. The milling and trading of wheat, and later cotton, provided the area with wealth and resources. In 1802, Camden had twice as many homes as Columbia – the state capital. By the 1820s, new locks and canals built along the Wateree River further eased trade with Charleston. Washington Monument architect Robert Mills designed two buildings in town: The Mills Courthouse (1826) and Bethesda Presbyterian Church(1822).

	ROBERT MILLS COURTHOUSE		BOYKIN COMMUNITY		GOODALE STATE PARK

During the Civil War, Camden once again played a valuable role, this time as a supply point and hospital center. Abe Lincoln’s brother-in-law, Dr. G.R.C. Todd, worked here as a surgeon. Ultimately, like so many other towns in South Carolina, Camden did not escape the wrath of Sherman’s men. In February 1865, many of its buildings were once again burned. But as before, the town persevered.

By the end of the 19th century, Camden had been discovered as an attractive place to winter by wealthy northerners. Many elegant homes date from this period, and a passion in equine sports continues to
this day. Springdale Race Course hosts the Carolina and Colonial Cups every year, furthering Camden’s legacy of horse racing. While they are still not
allowed on the sidewalks, it’s clear that, like Aiken, this town loves its horses.

Today, Camden continues to prosper. Tourism, industry, a welcoming lifestyle, and proximity to Columbia all make the town an inviting place to live. Recreational opportunities abound in nearby Lake Wateree and Goodale State Park. Downtown retains much of its historic charm, with over 60 buildings listed in its National Historic District. Not too large, or too small, Camden is a joy to visit. In addition, the surrounding countryside is home to unique communities like Boykin and Elgin.

November is filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of winter’s approach. Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season, and celebrations abound in every South Carolina community. Family, food, music, and dance are a few small things that make this time of year special, giving us the perfect opportunity to introduce two more South Carolina symbols – our state Folk Dance and our state Wild Game Bird.

SQUARE DANCE		WILD TURKEY

November & December’s Featured Symbols:

• SC State Folk Dance: Square Dance – Square dancing is fun for the whole family and has long been enjoyed in South Carolina. Originally formed as a combination of dance styles brought to America from across Western Europe, square dance has been adapted to include dozens (if not hundreds) of steps.
• SC State Wild Game Bird: Wild Turkey – Before you dig into that Thanksgiving feast, take a moment to learn about our State Game Bird, the Wild Turkey. These noble creatures are one of only two native fowl to have been domesticated in North America. Each bird can have up to 6,000 feathers, and Benjamin Franklin wished they had been chosen to represent our nation in lieu of that “lazy” and “lousy” Bald Eagle. (And just in case you decide you like the turkey too much to eat him, we’ve included a link to Compassionate Thanksgiving Recipes too!)

If the upcoming festivities have you feeling a little frantic, take heart! SCIway.net has a wealth of resources to help you through this hectic time. Whether it’s preparing your home for family and friends or joining others in the celebration of the season, we can point you in the right direction.

We hope these links will save you time – and most importantly, we hope you have a safe and wonderful winter!

• Shop SCIway - Give gifts from SC artisans, authors, and merchants this year. Shop online for original SC paintings and photographs, palmetto-tree clothing, gourmet gift baskets, and more.
• Christmas Tree Farms - Find out where to cut your own tree this year, plus tree care tips and info on living trees.
• Churches and Temples - Share the spirit and meaning of the season with others.
• Coffee Shops and Tea Rooms - Warm up this winter!
• Community Service Organizations - Learn how you can help the non-profits working in your community … ’tis the season to give!
• Day Spas - Where to go to get away from it all!
• Holiday Lights Festivals - From the Lowcountry to the Upstate, our state’s holiday spirit is shining through!
• Hotels - Where to send the in-laws. Umm … we mean … great guide for friends and family members in town for the holidays!
• Arts, Entertainment, Sightseeing - Wondering what to do with your friends and family once they’ve arrived? Well wonder no more!
• Malls and Shopping Centers - Sooner or later, it has to be done!
• Resources for the Homeless - Almost 7,000 South Carolinians are homeless this winter – Learn how you can lend a helping hand.
• Restaurants - Too many cooks in the kitchen? Find out where to get a good meal.

An ominous sky bathes this rural scene in the inevitable change of seasons. Colder days approach, and the warmth of summer becomes a distant memory.

—  LEFT BEHIND | MORE INFO  —

Shot by Ryan Hawthorne of Rock Hill, this photo harkens to a past left behind. On his way to work via SC 274 outside Clover, Ryan stopped to capture the atmosphere that winter weather brought to this barn.

If you would like to have your photo featured, please submit it to the SC Picture Project. We select photos for the newsletter from the ones we receive, and it is a great way to bring publicity to you or your organization.

Gaffney Fire Department - Serves citizens through response, education, and fire prevention

Lander Forum - Greenwood - University news, forums, classifieds, and community message board

Natural Imagery - SC photographer’s amazing pictures of flora and fauna throughout our state

Palmetto Animal League - In-home foster care for abandoned animals in the Bluffton-Hilton Head area

Palmetto Free Clinic - Serves the medical needs of uninsured citizens in York County

Save Our Saluda - Protects the Saluda Watershed from environmental effects of development

SCUMS Online - Beautiful photos and facts about mushrooms by the SC Upstate Mycological Society

701 Center for Contemporary Art - Columbia - Encourages an understanding of the role of contemporary art and artists in the larger community

TagRecord.Com - Provides a photographic record of graffiti and street art in South Carolina

Under the Kudzu - A South Carolina native explores his home state - Great history and photos!

We are Radio - Online radio station dedicated to local SC music and musicians, with newsletter, interviews, and an online store

South Carolinians turned out in record numbers for the 2008 elections. Lines were long and problems with voting machines were reported in precincts throughout our state. While some races are still being contested, the majority have been called.

View SC statewide election results.

View SC county election results.