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Crisis Ministries provides food, shelter and hope to Charleston's most vulnerable citizens. This could not be possible without the support of the community. Donate now and be a part of the solution to end homelessness one person at a time, one family at a time.
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Crisis Ministries was established in 1984, but what began as a warm meal and volunteer-staffed shelter has evolved into a comprehensive service agency dedicated to helping families and individuals end their homelessness. Click here to learn about all the services we provide to the hungry and homeless.
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Volunteers help Crisis Ministries provide the basic human needs of food, shelter and hope to our clients. Crisis Ministries would not be able to provide these services without the thousands of volunteers who give of their time and energy and contribute to making our organization a success. Join us in making a difference by clicking here now.
Learn moreRecipe for Success
Unable to pay his rent after a layoff, James lost his apartment. He stayed with relatives and friends but soon found himself with nowhere to go. Anxious and discouraged, James arrived at Crisis Ministries.
James and his case manager worked together to develop and implement a plan to help him return to a stable living situation and get back on track. Working on his plan was not quick or easy. But by dedicating his time to educating himself and staying focused on his goal, James succeeded.
First, James enrolled in South Carolina Work Readiness Program at Crisis Ministries’ HELP center. He took the WorkKeys® assessment, which measures workplace foundational and personal skills. James then took the WorkKeys® certification test to clearly show potential employers his skill levels, and he was encouraged by his results.
“Staying at Crisis Ministries was a chance for me to reevaluate myself,” James said. “It is the chance to analyze the things you’ve gone through and get back on your feet.”
Next, James worked with the Homeless Justice Project on a civil legal issue. Staff attorney Jeff Yungman helped James finalize some paperwork and get his affairs in order. Navigating the legal system without an attorney’s help is difficult for anyone. James did not know how he would afford an attorney’s time, but the Homeless Justice Project lifted this burden from his shoulders.
Throughout this time, James continued to look for work. He picked up jobs here and there and James started putting his earned money aside, saving up for the opportunity to move into his own apartment.
James stood out as a hard worker at Crisis Ministries and was identified as a strong candidate to participate in ServSafe® training. James completed the course and learned appropriate food safety practices. After committing himself to attending classes regularly, studying, saving money, and looking for jobs, James secured a kitchen position at Taco Boy, the popular Charleston restaurant.
James stayed at Crisis Ministries while he continued to save enough money to move into an apartment of his own. He recently moved out and has been doing well. James appreciated the time he spent at Crisis Ministries and he hopes more people in the Charleston community will get involved.
“I hope more companies will hire the guys at Crisis Ministries,” James said. “Find out about what Crisis Ministries has going on and invest in them. I’m glad I took advantage of the programs there.”