With the winter storm approaching, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office wants to help those who are homeless or without heat to stay warm.
“Because the shelter is still under construction, if you or someone you know is currently homeless, has a temporary home, or is looking to accommodate the elderly without adequate heat in their home, the Lee County Shared Hope Board of Directors has allocated funds to to accommodate those individuals or families at either the Southland Motel or the Red Roof Inn,” the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.
According to the sheriff’s office, only residents of Lee County or those currently temporarily residing in the county are eligible for this emergency program. It was specifically designed to help Lee County residents who are either elderly, homeless, or have unheated families.
To register and receive this support, contact LCSH President Luke Giddings at (803) 486-4155 or Operations Director Marsha Hewitt at (803) 727-6420.
Sumter United Ministries’ winter shelter is also preparing for additional guests.
To help those without a home or heating, Daphne Scarborough is busy when it gets cold – really cold. She runs Sumter United Ministries’ winter shelter, which is open from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. when the weather forecast falls below 40 at 215 N. Magnolia St.
Scarborough says they are no longer letting guests into the winter accommodation at 9:30pm. After 9:30pm, guests may be admitted at the discretion of the duty officer.
She said they are preparing to find cover for security and staff to accommodate the area’s transient community and those without heating in their homes this weekend.
The shelter is averaging 15 guests per night this winter, it’s the second in operation. They have room for 30.
She said the neighborhood partners diligently volunteered to bring and serve food each night, but they need non-perishable breakfast items like bars, fruit cups, granola bars, crackers and bottled water.
Water and non-perishable groceries can be dropped off at 36 S. Artillery Drive Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m
