Anderson Co. non-profit making strides to protect the unhoused

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — The LOT Project of Anderson is making strides to provide another safe space for those experiencing homelessness or close to becoming homeless.

For 15 years, the Christian-based non-profit has helped thousands get back on their feet.

“Our name comes from Matthew 25:40 where Jesus said, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me,'” said Nate Knox.

Their most recent project is a “Village Home,” a transitional housing unit for someone to live in for 6 to 12 months to ease the transition to life on their own.

“We established three to five goals with them and just walked alongside them and helped them accomplish those goals. As they take steps out of homelessness or a season of addiction, maybe they spend a season living in their car at the salvation army. maybe they just graduated from a local recovery center,” said Knox.

Beyond their housing project, the organization said they have three other projects that have evolved over the years.

Louie’s LOT Project aims to give people access to a free meal, hygiene items and clothing.

“It becomes our objective just to sit down and get to know the people that are in front of us and connect them to their next steps whatever that may be,” said Knox.

Volunteers said another way to connect is through art located in their “West Maker Space” which they say can be therapeutic.

“We just want this to be a place where folks feel welcome and allow them, especially the vulnerable populations we serve, to see what they can do with the fruit of their hands,” said Knox.

Fruits and vegetables are grown at their community artisan gardens..

The organization said the produce is given to neighbors of the alphabet streets for free.

“The purpose of the gardens are, yes, free organic produce, some of the best food in the world but also to have green spaces and gathering places for the neighborhood,” said Knox.

The LOT Project said they wanted to take their efforts up a notch and began fundraising for their second transitional house.

“Not only will this provide affordable and adequate housing for folks in Anderson, but it will also be on site, which means that the people staying there will be close to job opportunities and it will also provide us with a proof of concept,” said Knox.

Organizers said their goal is to raise $60,000 for the second transitional house.

The LOT Project of Anderson will host three open houses over the next several weeks July 25th, August 15th and September 16th.

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