Rock Hill Homeless Shelter Struggling to Reopen Following Devastating Hail Storm
Crisis at Family Promise of York County
Brown murky water drips from a stained ceiling tile in a room filled with pots, pans, and kitchen supplies. In an adjacent pastel room decorated with Disney princesses, a dozen toys sit abandoned in a corner. In the main gathering area, tarps protect loveseats from moisture, while water-stained floors are burdened by dozens of tote bins filled with styrofoam cups, supplies, and decor.
Family Promise of York County, a daytime shelter for the homeless in Rock Hill, is still trying to recover months after a devastating hail storm destroyed homes and businesses in April.
Rebuilding Amid Challenges
The shelter has had to turn individuals and families away during the repairs, leaving those in desperate need of assistance without their usual daytime haven.
According to a spokesperson for Family Promise, it’s heartbreaking to hear the disappointment in the voices of those they couldn’t help. The building, unfortunately, is not safe at the moment, as it poses risks due to water damage and potential mold issues.
Damage and Delays
With a flat roof, the damage from the hail and rain has seeped into the shelter’s ceiling, causing leaks and encouraging the growth of potentially harmful mold. Progress on rebuild efforts is further stymied by discrepancies between insurance and construction estimates, which have led to delays.
As time passes, the damage to the shelter only worsens, compounded by the fact that the workers’ needed inspections exacerbate the roof’s deterioration.
A Call for Help
In anticipation of moving their stored items to a safer location, Family Promise is requesting public help in the form of tote bins. They have opened a Walmart wishlist for supplies needed during this challenging time, including cleaning items.
Monetary donations are also highly encouraged, as there are certain necessary costs which may not be covered by insurance. “Monetary donations always help because there are some things that insurance is not going to cover that we’re going to need to replace,” said the Family Promise spokesperson.
An Added Burden to Those Already In Crisis
The individuals staying at the shelter, who’ve already experienced traumatic circumstances, are having to deal with the added stress of this situation. However, there is also immense resilience displayed in this community, with shelter guests helping with tasks such as mopping wet floors and emptying buckets of water.
The overriding urge of Family Promise is to return quickly to its primary mission of providing a safe daytime space for the homeless. An urgent push for recovery is needed to start assisting the homeless families currently on the streets of Rock Hill.
How to Help
To donate to Family Promise of York County during this period, visit familypromiseyc.org or call 803-329-2456.
