A couple of weeks ago I was able to visit Reedy Place, which is one of our permanent housing programs for people living with mental disability. There are 23 apartments in Reedy Place, and with the help of the SC Department of Mental Health, we are able to permanently place those who they refer to our program.
When I first arrived I was greeted by several residents, and they directed me into the office, where I sat down with facility manager, Adriana Zapata, and learned about the program. The residents are able to interact with the community when church groups come and lead arts and crafts, cooking lessons, and movie days. They have activity rooms in the main building where they can spend time together watching TV or using the computer. The walls in these activity rooms are covered in art work that the residents have made.
I got to go inside one of the apartments and see how the residents live. The small, tidy apartment was brightly lit with a large window in the living room that cast light into the kitchen and small dining area. Each of the apartments has one bedroom and bathroom, and the residents are allowed overnight visitors on a monthly basis.
On my way out, Adriana pointed to some recycling bins and explained that the residents were very involved in recycling. Each resident divides up their trash into paper, glass, and plastic, then carries it to the bins out front. The money made from recycling is added to the community fund that keep the communal pantry stocked and pays for odds and ends around the building. It’s exciting to see the residents of Reedy Place involved in a community activity that builds responsibility and social awareness.
Reedy Place does more than that, though; the residents I met while visiting were so grateful for the fresh start and safe home that the UHCSC is providing for them. Donate today, and help us create permanent solutions to end homelessness in the upstate.
Upstate Homeless Coalition of South Carolina 
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