Emergency Assistance Notice
Need immediate assistance?
• Dial 211 for local emergency resource referrals, shelter information, food assistance, mental health resources, and other community support services available throughout South Carolina.
• If you are experiencing an emergency or are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Available 24/7 for confidential crisis support, shelter referrals, and safety planning.
• South Carolina Crisis Line / 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Available 24/7 for mental health crises, emotional distress, or urgent support needs.
• Emergency housing and shelter availability can change quickly. Please contact organizations directly to confirm current intake requirements, bed availability, and hours of operation.
At What’s Up Summerville, we believe that a strong community starts with every resident having a safe place to rest their head. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, we all need a little extra support to get back on our feet. Whether you are facing an immediate housing crisis or looking for long-term assistance, please know that you are not alone. Our town and the surrounding Tri-County area are home to incredible organizations dedicated to providing shelter, resources, and a path forward.
This guide is designed to be a practical local resource for neighbors across Summerville and the Tri-County area. If you also need help with groceries, our 2026 Food Pantry Guide is a helpful companion resource for food assistance.
We’ve organized these housing and shelter resources by area, Dorchester, Berkeley, and the wider Tri-County region, to help you find support closer to home.
Remember: reaching out is the first step toward a brighter tomorrow.
Download the Printable 2026 Shelter & Housing Assistance Guide (PDF)
Dorchester Area Resources
If you are in the Summerville or greater Dorchester County area, these local organizations are ready to help with emergency shelter, family stability, and housing navigation.
Keys to Change (Formerly Dorchester County Community Outreach)
Keys to Change is a cornerstone of support in Summerville. They operate specific centers tailored to the unique needs of men and women, providing not just a bed, but a community of care. Their programs focus on helping residents move toward housing independence through professional counseling, financial education, and job advocacy.
Anchor House Men’s Center
Address: 9924 Jamison Rd, Ladson, SC 29456
Phone: 843-469-8858
Light House Women’s Center
Address: 700 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483
Phone: 843-771-2094
Get in Touch
- Website: keystochangesc.org
- Phone: 843-900-4315
- Instagram: @keystochangesc
Help of Summerville
Help of Summerville provides emergency assistance to local residents in crisis. They focus on providing the immediate resources needed to prevent homelessness and stabilize families within our community, including short-term, rapid emergency aid for one-off financial crises.
Get in Touch
- Website: helpofsummerville.org
- Phone: 843-871-0182
- Instagram: @helpofsummerville
- Directory: Help of Summerville Listing
Dorchester Center for Strong Families (Trident United Way)
Working under the Trident United Way umbrella, this center provides a “one-stop shop” for families. They offer financial coaching, resource navigation, and support systems designed to help families move from crisis to long-term stability.
Dorchester Center for Strong Families (Summerville)
Address: 133 E 1st N St, Suite 3, Summerville, SC 29483
Phone: 843-566-7040
Get in Touch
- Website: tuw.org/TUW-CSF
- Phone: 843-566-7040
- Instagram: @tridentunitedway
Berkeley County Area Resources
For those located in Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and surrounding Berkeley County areas, these organizations offer vital support for housing and basic needs.
Helping Hands of Goose Creek
Helping Hands is a faith-based organization that provides emergency assistance to residents of Berkeley County. They focus on helping neighbors through difficult times by providing food, clothing, and financial assistance for essential housing costs.
Get in Touch
- Website: helpinghandsofgoosecreek.org
- Phone: 843-553-7132
- Instagram: @helpinghandsofgoosecreek
- Facebook: Helping Hands of Goose Creek
Trident United Way Berkeley Resource Connection
Similar to the Dorchester location, the Berkeley branch provides comprehensive support for residents seeking to improve their housing situation and overall financial health.
Berkeley Center for Strong Families (Moncks Corner)
Address: 500 S Live Oak Dr, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Phone: 843-761-6033
Get in Touch
- Website: tuw.org/TUW-CSF
- Phone: 843-761-6033
Tri-County Resources
Some of the most robust housing resources in our region serve the entire Tri-County area (Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley). These organizations are equipped to handle complex housing needs and specialized care.
One80 Place
One80 Place is a leader in the fight to end and prevent homelessness in the Lowcountry. They provide a wide range of services, from emergency shelter for individuals and families to specialized programs for Veterans, with priority support for families and those with health or mental health needs. Their goal is to ensure that everyone has a permanent place to call home, and their front desk is available 24/7 at 843-723-9477.
Get in Touch
- Website: one80place.org
- Phone: 843-723-9477
- X (Twitter): @one80place
- Directory: One80 Place Listing
Neighbors Together (Formerly Tri-County Family Ministries)
Located in North Charleston but serving the entire region, Neighbors Together offers a holistic approach to poverty relief. They provide hot meals, clothing, and crisis assistance, including housing referrals and support.
Get in Touch
- Website: neighborstogethersc.org
- Phone: 843-747-1788
- Instagram: @neighborstogethersc
- Directory: Neighbors Together Listing
My Sister’s House
For women and children fleeing domestic violence, My Sister’s House provides a critical safe haven. They offer emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, therapy, safety planning, and legal advocacy to help survivors rebuild their lives in safety. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Get in Touch
- Website: mysistershouse.org
- 24-Hour Crisis Line: 843-744-3242
- Office Phone: 843-747-4069
- Directory: My Sister’s House Listing
Fetter Health Care Network
Housing and health are deeply connected. Fetter Health Care Network provides a dedicated Homeless Outreach program, ensuring that those experiencing housing instability still have access to quality medical, dental, and mental health care.
Fetter Health Care Network
Address: 51 Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843-722-4112
Please call your local office to schedule an appointment.
Get in Touch
- Website: fetterhealthcare.org
- Phone: 843-722-4112
- Instagram: @fetter_health
- X (Twitter): @FetterHealth
How You Can Help
Our local shelters and housing programs rely heavily on the generosity of the Summerville community. If you are in a position to give back, here are the best ways to support these vital organizations:
- Donate Essentials: Many organizations need non-perishable food, toiletries, socks, undergarments, and other daily essentials. Contact the organization first to ask about current high-priority needs.
- Financial Contributions: Monthly recurring donations help non-profits plan ahead and respond to urgent housing needs.
- Volunteer Your Time: Volunteer opportunities may include meal service, administrative help, donation sorting, outreach support, and facility assistance.
- Spread the Word: Share this guide with neighbors, friends, and local networks so more people know where to turn for help.
If you are a local business owner looking to partner with one of these organizations or if you know of a resource we should add to this guide, please reach out to us at What’s Up Summerville. We are stronger when we work together.
Community Resources
Last Updated: May 2026
Information and organization details may change over time. Please contact organizations directly to confirm current availability, intake requirements, and hours of operation.
