Stephen found a place to call home before the storm

When Hurricane Ian landed in Charleston, unleashing winds at 85 miles per hour and flooding the streets of downtown, Stephen was grateful to be indoors.

Just before Hurricane Ian hit Charleston last month, Stephen found shelter and a home at Star Gospel Mission. 

 “It’s a real nice place to stay. Just everything about it is good,” he said. 

Stephen, 54, was born and grew up in Charleston. He has been living in historic Hampton Park on and off, ever since tragedy struck his life in 2012. 

That year, his mom passed away, and he lost his house to foreclosure.

Steven was used to sitting in Hampton Park every day. But when Hurricane Ian landed in Charleston, unleashing winds at 85 miles per hour and flooding the streets of downtown, Stephen was grateful to be indoors.

“I felt safe and secure,” he said.  

In the four weeks since he’s taken shelter at Star Gospel Mission, the staff has treated him “very well” he said.

It was Stephen’s church that first connected him to his transitional home. Rev. Colin Kerr at Parkside Church told him about the resources available at the mission, just a mile away. 

At Star Gospel Mission, Stephen met the executive director, the Rev. Dr. Marion Platt.

“Pastor Marion is really, really awesome,” he said. “He really cares about people. You can just tell.”

Equipped to Serve

Stephen’s long-term goal is permanent housing. The staff at Star Gospel Mission are equipped and ready to help him. 

“When someone comes to Star Gospel Mission, we’re not just trying to address homelessness, but also the circumstances that surround homelessless,” Dr. Platt said. “The men who come here are often facing the challenges of substance abuse, mental illness, and adverse child experiences.”

Often, the case worker begins with helping men get official copies of their vital records. After facing homelessness for a significant time, some men don’t have their driver’s license or an identification card anymore. They need a social security card and a birth certificate to qualify for jobs, housing and government assistance. 

Star Gospel Mission also focuses on providing healthcare through a partnership with Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic. 

“Very often when someone spends a significant time homeless, their physical and mental well being is not something they think about everyday,” Dr. Platt said. “We drive them to their appointments and make sure they have what they need.” 

Star Gospel Mission can house up to 22 men in its transitional lodge. It also offers eight transitional apartments on its campus. The average stay for men in their program is six months. 

As its name suggests, the Mission’s programs are all faith-based. Every mission guest is expected to attend a service in the chapel on Sunday mornings. A Bible study is offered on Friday mornings. 

Every Monday evening, the Mission hosts a range of life skills classes, usually taught by a volunteer from the community. 

A History of Hope 

Star Gospel Mission is Charleston’s oldest independent faith-based charity. Outside of its work with men, the Mission provides assistance and resources to families at risk of losing their homes. 

The crisis facing Charleston is a lack of affordable housing, Dr. Platt explained.

“What was once a residential neighborhood when I was growing up is now full of unaffordable rentals,” Dr. Platt said. “Everyone wants to experience the history and claim a piece of Charleston’s cobblestone streets.” 

Nonetheless, Dr. Platt says that the guests of Star Gospel Mission come with a sense of hope, despite their challenges. 

Stephen attested to that hope, on his way to discuss his goals and his future with Dr. Platt.

“He’s going to do what he can to help me,” he said.