A mother on the run finds help at Star Gospel Mission

Star Gospel Mission provides resources for families struggling to stay in their homes. // Photo by Sarah Chai

Earlier this year, Star Gospel Mission helped a mother and her four children as they escaped domestic violence. 

“She had to leave quickly and leave everything,” said Mission Associate Hope Wells. “She and her children were basically starting over completely.” 

Star Gospel Mission found out about the family through a community referral. When Ms. Wells heard the mother’s story, her heart went out to her. 

“I’ve been through that situation myself, leaving with my child at the last minute,” Ms. Wells said. “I personally related to her and her situation.” 

The family was living with relatives, after fleeing to Charleston from another state. Ms. Wells said she wanted to do whatever she could to help the mother in the aftermath of leaving the dangerous situation. 

“That’s the hardest part,” Ms. Wells said. “I wanted to provide anything I could think of that could relieve some of that anxiety.”

After a brief discussion on the phone, the mother came into Star Gospel Mission to meet with Ms. Wells in person. Ms. Wells provided the family with grocery gift cards to help with food. They received five Walmart gift cards so each of the kids could buy new clothes and supplies for school. 

Ms. Wells also compiled a list of other resources in the community that specialize in help for domestic violence victims, including support groups. She urged the mother to create a safety plan for her family. 

She gave the mother her phone number, in case she needed additional assistance. And she texted her a couple times, just to check in. 

“I wanted to make sure she had the resources she needed,” Ms. Wells said. 

Assistance Beyond Transitional Housing 

Star Gospel Mission is known for its transitional housing program for men. However, the Mission has a greater reach into the community, beyond the men who live on its campus.

“We want to keep people housed,” Ms. Wells said. “Our role in the community is necessary, but it’s not widely known what we do.”

The Mission provides financial support to those struggling to make ends meet. Often, that’s through assistance with paying utility bills. However, the Mission has other ways to help. 

“We want to keep people in their homes. If helping them with groceries is going to free up money for an electric bill, then that’s what we’re going to do,” Ms. Wells said. 

Sometimes, the need is specific. If someone was hired for a new job but needs steel-toed boots or a new battery for their car, the Mission can help. 

“It’s nice to get a unique request, something that I know is going to fix a problem,” Ms. Wells said. “If I can’t help them or if they need more help than I can give them, I’ll connect them with the right place.” 

Mission caseworkers have helped provide families with car seats and diapers and even test strips for tracking blood sugar. Once, they bought a CPAP machine to help a woman struggling with sleep apnea. 

“The Mission has a really huge reach,” Ms. Wells said. “Hopefully in the months and years to come, we can offer more outreach to the community.”

If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

To help Charleston families struggling with housing insecurity, partner with Star Gospel Mission through a donation today.