As we enjoy the warmth of the holiday spirit, the Beaufort County Human Services Department wishes to share community resources available for our unsheltered or heating insecure neighbors. With temperatures expected to drop, communities across Beaufort County have mobilized to make available shelters to provide safe and warm places to stay.

In Beaufort, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Sea Island Parkway, has opened its doors for those in need of a warm space. The shelter will be open each evening from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 a.m., beginning Friday, December 23, and remain open until Sunday, December 25.

All families or individuals who need a warm place to stay are welcome. Sea Island Presbyterian has had overwhelming support and does not currently need volunteers or supplies.

In Bluffton, The Martin Luther King (MLK) Observance Committee will be providing a warm shelter at The Rotary Club, 77 Shultz Road. Currently, the Bluffton warming shelter will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. on December 23 and will evaluate opening through December 26 based on need.

The MLK Committee is still in need of bottled water and snacks. Donations may be delivered to the Rotary Club on Friday, December 23 at 3 p.m.

“It is very important that we, as a community, spread the word as quickly as possible,” said Fred Leyda, Director of the Beaufort County Human Services Department. “The folks who most need this support may not have access to social media and will be relying on word of mouth to learn about these critical and time-sensitive resources. Cold temperatures can be life-threatening for folks without shelter or heat. We are so grateful that our community has stepped up to the plate to ensure everyone remains safe and healthy.”

As the temperatures plummet, please remember to check on elderly neighbors and families with young children. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of an individual exposed to dangerously cold temperatures, please reach out to local first responders.

Remember to bring your pets inside--if you are cold, they are too! If they are unable to come inside, please make sure they have a warm, covered shelter with lots of blankets. Also, make sure they have access to food and water.

Ana Ramirez, the Outreach Specialist for Beaufort County Human Services Department, has been working with community leaders and organizations through the Residential Empowerment Coalition (REC), a Together for Beaufort County initiative focused on empowering our unsheltered neighbors with resources. Meetings are open to the public. If you or your agency are interested in supporting individuals experiencing housing insecurity, please reach out to Ana to inquire about participation. Ana Ramirez may be reached by phone at (843) 941-8997 or by e-mail at ana.ramirez@bcgov.net.