News Summary
Lexington County is set to address its homelessness crisis with the St. Andrews Village project, transforming a former hotel into 31 supportive housing units for families. Funded by $12 million from various sources, the initiative responds to a 744% increase in housing assistance requests. With renovations expected to complete in 18 months, the facility will provide transitional housing and life skills programs to combat homelessness in the area.
Lexington County is set to receive a significant boost in its efforts to combat homelessness with the development of a new supportive housing project called St. Andrews Village. The nonprofit organization Homeless No More has secured funding and plans to convert the former Suburban Studios hotel on Bush River Road into 31 housing units aimed specifically at families transitioning out of homelessness. The initiative addresses growing needs in the community, where requests for housing assistance have seen an alarming 744% increase from 2021 to 2023.
Three years ago, Lexington County approached Homeless No More to provide critical housing support, as the organization struggled to deliver services in the area. Previous efforts often redirected families in need to Richland County, where temporary shelter options were available. However, over 60% of families contacted in Lexington County declined these offers due to location constraints, revealing a pressing need for local resources.
To support the development of St. Andrews Village, Homeless No More has successfully secured $12 million for renovations, with funding sourced from a mix of federal grants, state housing funds, and local organizations, including $3 million from federal grants and significant contributions from the South Carolina Housing Trust Fund, United Way of the Midlands, and Southeastern Freight Lines.
The renovations of the hotel, first built in the 1980s, are scheduled to be completed within the next 18 months, with the facility designed to house families for a period of six to twelve months. During their stay, families will engage in programs focused on job readiness, budgeting, and life skills. St. Andrews Village will also include a small on-site grocery store and community child care facilities.
This project specifically addresses the needs of families with children who are experiencing homelessness. Many families in Lexington County are classified as “hidden homeless,” often living in unstable environments or cohabitating with relatives. By providing transitional housing, St. Andrews Village aims to support families holistically and prevent reoccurrence of homelessness.
Local community support was crucial in advancing the project, which has previously faced resistance from neighbors for similar initiatives. In response to these concerns, the site will feature 24-hour staff and security as requested by the county, ensuring safety and fostering a supportive environment.
The overall cost for this project is projected to be $8 million, with $4.5 million allocated for property acquisition. Plans for the development are phased, and further public and private funding sources are being explored to meet the financial demands of this ambitious initiative. The goal is to limit family stays to six months, with potential for extensions based on individual progress.
As the project unfolds, the focus will remain on providing wraparound services to support families as they transition out of homelessness. St. Andrews Village is anticipated to be a model for similar future efforts, contrasting with prior services that operated separately in Richland County, and marking a vital step in addressing the growing homelessness crisis in Lexington County.
Completion of St. Andrews Village is projected for around 2026 following the property’s acquisition, signifying a landmark collaboration between government, non-profit organizations, and the local community to strengthen support systems for struggling families. This initiative stands as a hopeful development towards resolving the pressing issue of homelessness in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Raleigh Crowned the Top Large City in America for 2025
Columbia Implements Affordable Housing Strategies
Irmo, S.C. to Build New Town Hall
Community Health Initiatives Thrive in Columbia
Transformative Housing Developments in Lexington County
Raleigh Ranked Fourth Best City for Corporate Headquarters
Rapid Shelter Columbia Celebrates Second Anniversary and Success in Combating Homelessness
New Transitional Housing Facility for Young Women Set to Open in Columbia by 2025
Additional Resources
- Lexington Chronicle: Community Development Block Grants
- WIS TV: Redeveloping Hotel for Homeless Families
- Lexington County Sheriff: Teen’s Journey from Homelessness
- Post and Courier: Homeless No More Quality Inn
- WKYT: Bill for Emergency Homeless Shelters in Kentucky
- Wikipedia: Homelessness
- Google Search: Homeless Support Services
- Google Scholar: Homelessness in Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Google News: Lexington homelessness
