News

College of Charleston Student’s Non-Profit Launches New Program ‘Bridging the Gap’ to Assist Residents of Summerville Homeless Shelters Secure Permanent Housing

Published

1 year ago

October 24, 2023

Press Release

Home Again of the Lowcountry has launched a new program to assist residents of local homeless shelters in securing permanent housing. To help Dorchester County Community Outreach, Home of Hope, and Hopes House residents, Home Again of the Lowcountry is excited to launch Bridging the Gap. This new program will offer residents a one-time stipend of five hundred dollars, which will aid with the upfront expenses of securing housing. This program was born to address the lack of affordable housing in our community, an obstacle for residents of shelters as they work to transition to permanent housing.

One resident will be selected each month to receive the stipend. The funding will be paid directly to the landlord to help offset the upfront cost associated with securing housing.

John Michael Stagliano, 20 and currently a Sophomore at the College of Charleston, founded Home Again of the Lowcountry at the age of twelve to assist residents moving out of the shelters into permanent housing by providing furnishings and household goods needed to make their new house a home. Home Again of the Lowcountry has assisted over 700 people as they transition to home again.

In the past twelve months, there has been a dramatic decrease in requests to furnish homes for residents leaving the shelter. At the same time, rents have risen to an all-time high.

“I hope this pilot program will become a central part of Home Again in 2024 and start a wider discussion and movement in our community to address the lack of affordable housing. ‘Bringing the Gap’ is a win-win. Residents of the Summerville shelters will be able to move out of the shelters into permanent housing sooner, gaining their independence while opening a bed for someone to move into the shelter, impacting not just one but two people impacted by homelessness. And I am excited to be able to assist in furnishing the residents’ homes when they move out,” shared Stagliano.

Ginny Vicini, Executive Director of DCCO, noted, “On behalf of DCCO, Home of Hope, and Hope’s House, we are honored and blessed to partner with Home Again in the “Bridging the Gap” initiative. The men and women served through our facilities commit to maintaining employment and adhere to strict budgets during their stay. The intent is to have enough savings to be able to pay the required deposits and rent upon finding suitable housing. The impact of rising rental costs and stricter criteria is daunting for many. This assistance will aid guests who have identified a permanent place to move into and expedite the process. DCCO will work with Home Again in providing awareness of the housing crisis so many are faced with and advocate for change.”

The first two recipients of the program are from Hope’s House.

~Amber moved into Hope’s House in May of this year. She has been between homes after separating from her ex-husband and a lack of transportation. She also struggled with previous health issues and was not able to work enough hours to support herself. Since her last surgery, Amber has been able to work full-time and has consistently saved the money she’s earned. Additional goals she is working actively toward are to get a vehicle, a high school diploma, and custody of her children. Her career interest is to get back into photography.

~MJ moved into Hope’s House in August. She separated from her husband and is in the process of a divorce. She has worked full-time for the same employer for a year now, and she sees herself staying there long-term. She makes a comfortable amount of money, but staying at hotels and taking Ubers depleted her funds. In a short period at Hope’s House, she was able to save for a vehicle and is taking all the appropriate steps to find housing. After she gets a place, she will request custody of her daughter.

If you would like to assist in bridging the gap, please get in touch with John Michael Stagliano at LowcountryHomeAgain@Gmail.com.