13
Sep
#What-kind-of-kind-will-you-be
The Charleston Mayors’ Commission on Affordable Housing and the Palmetto Project organized the 2nd annual Homeless to Hope Fund Benefit Concert on August 25th at the Charleston Gaillard Center. Humanities Foundation’s President, Tracy Doran, was presented with The Homeless to Hope Award for her many years of dedication in addressing homelessness and affordable housing. “The Homeless to Hope Award is given annually to an individual who has made enduring contributions to impact homelessness and affordable housing. With the impeccable reputation and impact Humanities Foundation has made in providing 2500+ affordable housing units over the past 30 years, and their dedication to holistic programming to help improve the quality of life for their residents, we knew that there was no better selection than Tracy Doran as the 2019 Homeless to Hope Award Honoree,” Sandy Morckel, CEO, In Place Impact Charleston and President of Solutions for the Greater Good.
The uplifting musical celebration included Lowcountry Hall of Fame inductees Blue Dogs, soulful vocalist Zandrina Dunning and BlackNoyze Band, percussive Americana Rock band Rene Russell and the Bottom End, the College of Charleston Choir, Charleston Symphony Chorus and the Taylor Festival Choir. In addition, special musical appearances were made by Charleston Mayor Tecklenburg and Mount Pleasant Mayor Haynie. All proceeds support the Homeless to Hope Fund created by Palmetto Project and the Mayors’ Commission on Homelessness and Affordable Housing which provides financial support for rent security and utility deposits or other barriers to help people to obtain housing through a network of service providers.
The Lowcountry musicians and mayors entertained with songs such as “The Weight” by The Band, “Over the Rainbow,” dance worthy tributes to Stevie Wonder and an anthem song specially written for the cause, “What Kind” by Rene Russell. Mayor Tecklenburg sparked his talents on piano and performed solo “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman. Charleston local artists presented paintings, sculptures, and poetry which explored creations of hope and homelessness through an art exhibit, “Onward and Upward.” Raffle tickets were sold for a chance to win VIP tickets and backstage passes to the Hootie & the Blowfish Group Therapy Concert and a guitar signed by musical legends Edwin McCain, Darius Rucker and many more. Prior to the Honoree Award presentation, the audience watched a moving video, produced by Bell Digital Media, highlighting Tracy’s wholehearted contributions to addressing homelessness, creating solutions such as affordable housing and extended efforts in providing services to relieve stresses of those in need for a better quality of life. The finale included all musicians performing together.
In Rene Russell’s anthem song, she sings “What kind of kind will you be?” The Benefit Concert resembled a strong community. Collaboratively joining together with acts of kindness to support a cause and raise awareness and means to help Charleston’s homeless population. The evening was one of a kind.
To learn more about the Homeless to Hope Fund or make a donation visit www.homelesstohopefund.org, or text H2HOPE to 44-321.
15
Jul
Food Pantry Driver Needed!
Humanities Foundation is searching for a part-time food pantry driver to operate a truck, manage and schedule pick-ups/deliveries for its Food Pantry Program. Other duties as assigned. Approximately 15 hours a week. Delivery or truck driving experience preferred. Must have a high school diploma and SC driver’s license. Hourly compensation. Background check and employment screenings apply.
For more information contact Tracy Williams, Director of Human Resources, at (843) 284-5108.
Submit resumes to twilliams@jamesdoranco.com
9
Jul
Summer Camp Kicks Off at SC State House
Humanities Foundation kicks off its 2019 “Pinckney Group” Summer Camp Program with a field trip to the state capital. In June, the children of Seven Farms Apartments located on Daniel Island began a three week summer camp program provided by the Humanities Foundation. The program offers a diverse array of activities, such as educational tours, arts and crafts, sports and recreation, science and technology experiences and mentoring.
The summer camp program was established in response to the merciless acts upon the Emanuel Nine of the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC and is dedicated in memory of the life of Reverend Clementa Pinckney. Rev. Pinckney was also a member of the South Carolina Senate, representing the 45th District and was a strong supporter of education and youth development. This year, Humanities wanted to do something memorable for the campers to highlight Pinckney’s significance and remember the Emanuel Nine with a trip to their state capitol. Accompanied by Sergeant at Arms, Chuck Williams, the campers were given an educational and historical tour of the State House. Williams demonstrated his duties with the State Sword, the symbol for the South Carolina Senate, which is placed in a cradle on the Senate rostrum whenever the Senate is in session. The campers were in awe! The group also gathered around Senator Pinckney’s desk to experience what it was like for Senator Pinckney to demonstrate his legislation and fight for stronger education and means of youth development in South Carolina. In remembrance and extended efforts, the group accessed the Senate balcony catwalk and was proudly photographed with Senator Pinckney’s portrait. “I was delighted to have the children from the Humanities Foundation summer camp join us at the State House for a tour. Our young people should all be given the opportunity to learn about our state’s government and visit our state’s capitol, and I am glad to have organized that opportunity for this wonderful group and next generation of leaders. The work the Humanities Foundation does for families that may be in need here in South Carolina is critically important, and treating their summer campers to a field trip to Columbia is just one of the many ways they strive to make life a little better for those they serve,” State Senator Nikki Setzler (D-Lexington), who facilitated the campers’ trip to the state capitol. The group then recharged at Jason’s Deli for lunch and further cooled off with the deli’s popular “ice cream machine” before their next stop at EdVenture Children’s Museum. Where the campers exuded their energy with some recreational activities such as playing on Eddie and engaging themselves with hands-on exhibits to independently build and construct knowledge of their own.
Enhancing the lives of the youth residing in our communities has become an important initiative. It is our goal to link economically disadvantaged, at-risk children to positive role models and leaders. We want to encourage our youth to become a positive asset to the community in which they live. In providing the summer camp program, space is created where children, many of whom might not be able to attend such a camp otherwise, can learn skills and receive the support that can help them grow into healthy successful adults. Paying for childcare, youth education and learning activities can be a struggle for families living below the area median income. The camp program also allows families to allocate their resources towards creating more financial stability.
Humanities would like to thank Senator Setzler, Williams and staff at the State House for providing an experience the campers will never forget. As well as, Davis Frawley and NAI Columbia for their support and sponsorship of the field trip. Please enjoy the video!
14
Feb
Building Healthy Communities
Over the past 26 years, the Humanities Foundation has fought the affordable housing crisis in America and will continue their mission in finding sustainable solutions. Building healthy communities and improving the quality of life for residents is essential.
24
Jan
2018 New Communities
Humanities Foundation and James Doran Company would like to thank our 2018 corporate partners.
15
Jan
Construction of $18 Million Richmond Apartment Complex Begins
Humanities Foundation has begun construction of Glenwood Ridge Apartments, an 82 unit development for families in Richmond, VA. Valued at more than $18 Million, the complex will be built in the Chimborazo community near the rapidly – gentrifying neighborhood of Church Hill.
7
Jan
ShelterNet Program Receives $5,000 Grant From Boeing
Humanities Foundation receives a $5,000 grant award from The Employees Community Fund of Boeing. We are most grateful for this support for our ShelterNet program.
5
Nov
#GivingTuesday #Seniors2Fit2Sit
We aim to improve the quality of life for our seniors, and so can you! Join the Humanities Foundation on November 27th #GivingTuesday as we “workout” our senior residents’ minds, bodies, and spirits through our health & wellness series. #GivingTuesday is a global giving movement in which anyone, anywhere, can participate by donating your time, skills, goods, and charitable contributions to our affordable senior communities.
30
Oct
3 Ways Affordable Housing Communities Can Meet the Needs of Residents
Many people in the world need help—a place to live, food to eat and adequate medical care—and some of them can be found in Charleston, South Carolina.
