A Cherokee County organization that works with people experiencing homelessness is pushing back on a common assumption about what it takes to solve the problem.
The Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County says that while providing food and shelter in a crisis is necessary, it is not enough on its own to address homelessness in the county.
Bridge vs. Destination
According to the coalition, meal kits and short-term aid serve an important purpose by giving homeless people a measure of safety and stability. But the organization says those efforts should be seen as a bridge, not a final answer.
The coalition says the only long-term solution to homelessness is permanent housing. Without a safe and affordable place to live, it says, a short-term crisis will almost always become long-term instability…