Since 1992, Humanities Foundation has made a significant impact in the communities we serve by developing over 2,500 apartments for low to moderate income individuals and families. The foundation focuses on building environmentally sustainable housing that fits into the fabric of each neighborhood. The Foundation is also a dedicated housing advocate whose members serve on many local, state and national committees. In addition, we provide technical assistance to organizations and governmental entities in our efforts to promote the creation of creative affordable housing solutions. After several years of providing affordable housing in the Charleston area, Humanities Foundation identified the need to prevent homelessness for low income individuals and families. ShelterNet was created in 1995 to provide emergency housing assistance and has helped more than 50,000 people avoid eviction or loss of essential utility services. The fund pays one-time costs such as rental/utility deposits, overdue rent or mortgage payments. ShelterNet receives referrals for financial assistance from over 40 community partners which include social service and mental health agencies, programs for the aging, hospitals, schools, churches, and other nonprofit organizations. During COVID 19, ShelterNet has accessed funding through the Cares Act to assist families that lost their jobs due to the pandemic and continues to help link available resources to the community and to our residents. Since its inception in 2014, the Marketplace program has provided 5,100,000 lbs. of perishable and nonperishable items to our developments with residents in need throughout SC, GA, and VA. Unfortunately, there are many in our communities that suffer from the lack of adequate food for themselves and their families. Humanities Foundation’s ‘Marketplace’ Program has joined together with over 70 community partners in our area to address this critical need. The outpouring of support from volunteers, donors, and community organizations has been wonderful and timely in the wake of Covid 19 and has resulted in over 300 neighborhood distributions to date.
