Spartanburg Launches Initiative to Combat Homelessness

News Summary

In response to a significant rise in homelessness, Spartanburg has introduced ‘A Place to Call Home,’ aimed at providing essential resources and support. Deputy City Manager Mitch Kennedy announced the initiative, which addresses the alarming 18% increase in homelessness. Through federal funding and community collaboration, the program seeks to provide affordable housing and essential services to those in need, particularly emphasizing the need for more shelters and mental health support. This initiative represents a hopeful step towards resolving the homelessness crisis in the area.

Spartanburg Unveils Hope with New Homelessness Initiative

In a heartwarming move aimed at addressing the growing challenge of homelessness, the city of Spartanburg has launched an invaluable initiative known as “A Place to Call Home.” On January 21, 2025, Deputy City Manager Mitch Kennedy introduced this collaborative effort, which responds to the alarming rise of homelessness not just here, but across the nation.

Understanding the Crisis

The homelessness crisis is getting serious. Recent data reveals a staggering 18% increase in homelessness from 2023 to 2024, as reported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Among families with children, that increase is even more alarming at 39%. The main culprit? According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, it mainly stems from a severe lack of affordable housing. It’s been seen all over town, with homeless individuals frequently found in popular spots like Morgan Square and nearby park benches, raising some serious eyebrows and concerned conversations among residents.

A Team Effort

The initiative will kick off using funding from the city’s payroll, with plans to transition to a nonprofit organization later on. Hannah Jarrett, a seasoned advocate familiar with the ins and outs of homelessness since 2018 and previously with the United Way of the Piedmont, has been appointed as the founding director. The leadership team for “A Place to Call Home” includes a mix of experts from city and county government, local nonprofits, and healthcare systems. This collaborative approach is key as they tackle homelessness head-on, viewing it as a challenge that can be resolved.

Funding for the Future

Excitingly, federal funds from a $1.9 trillion relief package approved in March 2021 will bolster their efforts. Recently, some evaluations pointed out that existing homelessness services in Spartanburg County were considered “unsophisticated and disconnected.” Current estimates suggest around 250-300 homeless individuals live in Spartanburg County, though experts believe these numbers might not fully capture the situation accurately, due to the timing of surveys.

Housing Insights

According to a housing assessment, nearly half of renters and one-third of homeowners in Spartanburg County find themselves in a tight spot—spending over 30% of their income on housing. The pressing dilemma extends to over 3,000 residents who face housing insecurity in the county. To help address this challenge, officials are looking to allocate $2.1 million in federal grant money dedicated to tackling homelessness and the growing need for shelters.

A Bright Vision Ahead

The county has recently approved the HOME-American Rescue Plan Grant Allocation Plan, allowing $1.3 million to be funneled into affordable rental housing units. Community voices have shared their insights, stressing needs like more shelter space, case management services, mental health support, and affordable transitional housing. The newly implemented HEART team will be out in the community, actively engaging homeless residents and connecting them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

The Harsh Reality

Currently, it’s estimated that around 800 individuals are experiencing homelessness in Spartanburg, with a noticeable uptick that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. City police are facing tough choices, trying to balance property rights and the needs of homeless individuals in public areas. It’s important to note that a significant portion of the homeless population identified in the last Point-In-Time Count were Black or African American, shining a light on the disproportionate impact on certain communities.

Hope on the Horizon

Ultimately, “A Place to Call Home” aims to bring together a diverse range of resources and initiatives. Rather than functioning in isolated bubbles, this collaborative approach seeks to provide a sophisticated and well-connected framework to combat homelessness effectively. With this initiative now underway, residents of Spartanburg can hold onto the hope that everyone’s right to a safe place to call home is not just a dream—it’s a goal within reach.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Spartanburg Celebrates 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Week
New York City Court Acquits Former Marine in Subway Choking Case, Sparking Community Outrage and Reflection
Trial Commences in Manhattan Over Death of Homeless Man in Subway Altercation
NYC Mayor’s Corruption Scandal Could Influence Outcomes of Upcoming Elections
San Francisco Grapples with Rising Homelessness Amid Increasing Housing Costs
Man Found Fatally Shot at Northeast Portland Motel Parking Lot, Police Seeking Public Assistance in Investigation
Supreme Court Ruling May Lead to Criminalization of Homelessness, Disproportionately Impacting Disabled Individuals
Gov. Newsom Signs Budget Aimed at Tackling California’s $47 Billion Deficit with $16 Billion in Cuts
First Drop in Homeless Population In Years Reported in Los Angeles Amid Policy Changes and Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court Decision Looms: Is Former President Trump Immune from Criminal Charges?

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Spartanburg Unveils Hope with New Homelessness Initiative
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
• Fox Carolina: Homelessness Growing Downtown Spartanburg
• Google Search: homelessness support initiatives
• Go Upstate: Homelessness Targeted with Federal Funds
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
• WSPA: HEART Team Addressing Homelessness in Spartanburg
• Google Scholar: homelessness in Spartanburg
• Fox Carolina: City Council Updates Spartanburg Plan