The homeless show us the America we know and love

Beaufort County showed America what it is supposed to look like when it reached out to the so-called least among us last Wednesday night – not with guns but with roses.

On Wednesday, communities around the nation took a count of the homeless for the federal government. It’s called a Point-In-Time Count, held on a traditionally cold night.

The two cold-weather shelters in Beaufort County were the focal points this year. They are run by volunteers who serve a warm meal or two and offer a place to sleep whenever the temperature dips below freezing.

Sea Island Presbyterian Church on Lady’s Island has been doing this for many years. On Hilton Head Island, Christ Lutheran Church has been a host for two winters. They are staffed by volunteers, many of them coming in groups from other churches.

“By opening your doors, you did more than provide shelter — you created spaces where people felt welcomed, respected, and loved,” Ben Boswell, director of the Beaufort County Human Services Department in a follow-up email to volunteers. “That generosity leaves a lasting imprint.”

Boswell said that on Wednesday, the turnout was higher than ever at both churches. The total of those served was 85.

The county and volunteers worked had to make it inviting. They tried to make it respectful and humanizing for those who struggle to feel human or feel seen, much less appreciated or loved.

They had games, giveaways such as a sleeping bag in a duffel bag, s’mores at the fire pit, fellowship and a nice meal.

On Hilton Head, Sea Pines Resort prepared and served a gourmet meal at Christ Lutheran with tablecloths.

Here is a taste of the menu from executive chef Aaron Cox: Braised beef short rib with wild mushroom jus, Lowcountry shrimp and stone ground cheese grits with tasso gravy, herb roasted broccolini and heirloom baby carrots, whipped Yukon Gold potatoes, mixed greens, and assorted miniature pastries and verrines.

There was enough left over to serve anyone who showed up the following bitterly cold Saturday night at Christ Lutheran.

Boswell told volunteers: “There is no equalizer quite like sharing a meal together. That simple act reminds us, unmistakably, of our shared humanity.”

Catrina Hanna, the county’s outreach systems coordinator and the person responsible for organizing the Wednesday count, wrote to Boswell: “I thought if I didn’t house people, I wasn’t helping. I was wrong. This event proved that everyone wants to be seen, heard and treated with dignity. And we did that. People got showers, food, resources, information, many a place to sleep for the night and dignity — and that matters.”

Boswell believes there are roughly 100 “unsheltered” people in the county, though the number fluctuates. He said the housing issue is getting increasingly worse.

“The need is growing, and it is growing quickly,” he said. “We met this moment by pooling resources, volunteers, donations and goodwill — but lasting change cannot rest on emergency response alone.

“And still, there is hope.”

Boswell credits the community with responding better than ever.

Here’s a glimpse at what we looked like on one cold night last week:

“Notably, United Way of the Lowcountry played an instrumental role in the implementation of this year’s Point-in-Time Count by contributing significant staff time, leadership and resources to ensure an accurate and meaningful assessment,” Boswell wrote.

“United Way was deeply involved in planning, and deployed staff and its mobile shower unit in direct support of unsheltered residents, greatly enhancing both participation and dignity of care.

“We are deeply grateful to our many partner organizations and agencies that supported this effort, including Beaufort County Nexus Care; Calvary Chapel Lowcountry; the Deep Well Project; Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic; Lowcountry Outreach; New Destiny Ministry; S.C. Department of Public Health; South Carolina Works; Sea Pines Resort (for its generous donations); St. Peter’s Catholic Church; and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH).

“Together, these partners continue to stand alongside our community’s most vulnerable residents with compassion, consistency and care. We also extend our appreciation to the municipalities across Beaufort County and their respective law enforcement agencies, as well as the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, for their coordination, support and partnership throughout these efforts.”

This is the America we know and love.

David Lauderdale may be reached at lauderdalecolumn@gmail.com.