News Summary
O’Neal Street United Methodist Church in Newberry is opening as a daily cooling shelter, offering relief from high summer temperatures, including food services. The church has a history of supporting the community, previously acting as a warming shelter during winter. With plans for a new facility to aid the homeless year-round, the church addresses essential needs amidst ongoing challenges in the local community, including limited mental health resources.
Newberry – O’Neal Street United Methodist Church is opening its doors as a cooling shelter for local residents seeking relief from the rising summer temperatures. The cooling shelter will operate daily from 10 AM to 5 PM until further notice, providing a respite for those in need.
In addition to a safe and comfortable environment, the church will offer sandwiches and refreshments for visitors at the cooling center. This initiative reflects the church’s commitment to serving the community, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
This isn’t the first time O’Neal Street United Methodist Church has stepped up to support local residents. During winter months, the church acted as a warming shelter for the homeless and struggling residents when temperatures dropped below freezing. The warming shelter was accessible as long as temperatures were at or below 26 degrees Fahrenheit for consecutive nights, highlighting the church’s ongoing role in addressing community needs.
Last year, the church’s Saturday lunch program served a significant number of meals, totaling 9,059 plates. On average, the program served between 40-80 families and more than 250 individuals each week. Recently, the numbers have increased to include individuals from outside Newberry, attracting visitors from nearby areas such as Georgia and Columbia.
However, challenges remain for many homeless individuals seeking assistance. Mental health issues, including conditions like schizophrenia, often impede their ability to seek help effectively. Many of these individuals require support to obtain essential identification documents, such as birth certificates and social security cards, which are necessary to access various benefits.
A notable concern is that many homeless individuals are not counted in census data, resulting in a misrepresentation of the actual number of residents in need of assistance. Local services for mental health care presently have limitations, as organizations like Westview Behavioral Health Services are not accepting new clients at this time, putting additional strain on available resources.
The community has shown strong support for the church’s initiatives, with local businesses and individuals donating food, clothing, and hygiene products to assist those in need. Emergency services have also played a role, contributing supplies such as sleeping cots during cold weather to help the vulnerable population.
In light of the ongoing needs, O’Neal Street United Methodist Church has plans to purchase a facility that will provide year-round support for the homeless. This new facility aims to run programs focused on helping individuals find gainful employment. Additionally, a transitional housing program is being proposed, which would allow individuals to stay for a limited time as they secure jobs and work towards stable housing.
In the civic sphere, a city council task force is set to investigate homelessness in Newberry, exploring potential solutions, including housing options to address this complex issue. Contributing factors to homelessness include not only financial struggles and medical emergencies but also mental illness, underscoring the multidimensional nature of the crisis.
Amid these initiatives, O’Neal Street United Methodist Church is also looking to enhance their facilities. Plans include adding a shower and a walk-in cooler for food storage, aimed at improving the provision of essential services for vulnerable community members. To fund these improvements and support ongoing programs, the church intends to apply for grants and seek additional funding sources.
The urgent need for community support is evident as O’Neal Street continues to address homelessness and provide critical services throughout the year. By opening its doors as a cooling shelter during the summer and a warming shelter in the winter, the church stands as a beacon of hope and assistance for those facing the challenges of homelessness in Newberry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heat Alerts Across 20 States as Summer Sizzles On
Chicago Officially Shuts Down Majority of Cooling Centers Despite Ongoing Heat Wave
Additional Resources
- Obituary: Sherry Updegraff
- Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
- Obituary: Harold Folk
- Google Search: homelessness support programs
- Obituary: Doris Ness
- Google Scholar: community mental health resources
- News Article: No More Blind Eyes and Deaf Ears
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Services
- News Article: Warming Shelter in Newberry
- Google News: local assistance programs
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
