YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A South Carolina emergency shelter is making a difference for people in Chester, Lancaster and York counties by offering a warm meal and safe place to sleep when they have nowhere else to go.
Bethel Shelters said its mission is to provide a safe place and a pathway to self-sufficiency for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or another crisis. Three years ago, the shelter expanded its mission by launching the Bethel Day Shelter, a daytime shelter for men and women in Rock Hill. The shelter said 73% of its residents are from Chester, Lancaster and York counties.
New data from the U.S. Department of Housing shows in 2023 there were more than 4,000 people experiencing homelessness in South Carolina. That number was up around 400 from 2022. The report also found that more men (2,553) experience homelessness than women (1,482).
"That is our target area," the Rev. Emily Sutton, Bethel's executive director, said. "That's our community. That's who we serve. We serve individuals who need emergency shelter, so we are low barrier."
The day shelter operates from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. every day and provides laundry services, showers and restroom facilities. The shelter partners with several agencies in the area to connect clients to needed services, including case management for homeless individuals.
"When you can come here, you have a roof over your head," Gerald Imhof said. "In a safe place where you don't have people trying to rob you."
Imhof, who has been homeless more than once, says he now feels comfortable about being able to do things for himself after visiting the shelter. The 60-year-old says that with the help of the organization, he finally has a grip on his life and has earned some money to pay for things he needs.
"It makes me feel good to make a little extra money on the side," Imhof said.
Sutton said she and her staff believes everyone deserves the dignity of a place to stay. She said the shelter wants to make a difference by helping those in a crisis work toward a better tomorrow.
"Giving folks who have nowhere to go a place to store their items and some assistance getting back on their feet," Sutton said. "They can become productive citizens in our community."
Imhof has seen many others come into the shelter but the wrong attitude led them back to the streets.
"You've got to be willing to move forward," he said. "I've seen people come in and be complacent where they are. That's not going to get you ahead. You've got to be willing to put forth an effort."
Click here to learn more about Bethel Shelters, including volunteer opportunities and tax-deductible contributions.
Contact Larry Sprinkle at lsprinkle@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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