For years, Star Gospel Mission has been a trusted resource for men who are experiencing homelessness or struggling with substance abuse in the Tri-County region. With the support of a Trident United Way Changemaker Grant, the nonprofit is now expanding its services to include women and children facing homelessness.
The Changemaker Grant will help launch Star Gospel Mission’s Morning Light program, which is designed to offer a safe and supportive environment for women and children in need, providing them with essential resources and care. This expansion is a significant step forward in Star Gospel Mission's ongoing dedication to addressing homelessness and substance abuse in the community.
Dr. Marion Platt, Executive Director of Star Gospel Mission, shared his excitement about the opportunity the grant provides. “Star Gospel Mission is Charleston’s oldest independent faith-based charity. We were founded in 1904 in an old nightclub on King Street. When the theater closed, our founder asked the city if he could use the facility to serve the population in Charleston. Since then, Star Gospel Mission has been dedicated to helping two distinct populations: clients and guests. Clients are individuals from Charleston, Berkeley or Dorchester Counties who are at risk of losing the place they are currently living in, the second population are our guests, those seeking a fresh start through our stabilization program.”
Dr. Platt explained, “Right now, our facility has 30 beds for men who want to restart their lives, but I’m really excited because, thanks to Trident United Way’s Changemaker Grant, we’re moving closer to the day we can begin caring for women and children as well.”
The Morning Light program is designed to offer more than just temporary shelter. It will provide long-term support, including case management, educational resources and other services to help women and children rebuild their lives and achieve lasting stability. The program is a major expansion for Star Gospel Mission, which already owns a facility that can house at least three families. However, Dr. Platt explained, “What we needed was new furnishings, fixtures and equipment to make this program a reality. When I learned about the Changemaker Grant, I knew this was the opportunity we needed. We applied, and our application was received favorably. And now we’re able to move forward.”
A key partner in this initiative is Sonya Jones, Coordinator for the McKinney-Vento Program at the Charleston County School District. The McKinney-Vento Program supports students experiencing homelessness and works closely with Star Gospel Mission to refer families in need to the program. Jones emphasized the critical role of this partnership, saying, “We are always looking to partner with local organizations, agencies and nonprofits to help our families access the resources available in the community. One of the biggest challenges our families face is finding stable housing. Partnering with Star Gospel Mission provides a critical opportunity for them to gain the stability they need to move forward. We are incredibly grateful for this collaboration, as it will make a significant difference for our families.”
As of January 2025, the Charleston County School District identified 415 homeless students and youth, ranging from newborns to 17-year-olds. The Morning Light program is set to open its doors soon, offering support and security to women and children facing the challenges of homelessness. This ongoing collaboration between Star Gospel Mission and the Charleston County School District is paving the way for a brighter future for those in need.
With the generous support of the Trident United Way’s Changemaker Grant, the Morning Light program is more than just a shelter. It’s a source of renewal, offering families a chance to overcome homelessness and rebuild their lives.