Charleston mayor presents plan on regional effort to combat homelessness

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)—Charleston Mayor William Cogswell presented his plan for the homeless in the tri-county area on Tuesday.

Mayor Cogswell is spearheading the Rapid Housing Initiative which is a regional collaboration effort to combat homelessness.

Charleston will lead the effort with support from surrounding municipalities and counties to provide homes for the local homeless population.

Mayor Cogswell proposed an interim program designed to provide immediate bridge housing complete with services individuals would need.

The interim plan includes a Rapid Housing campus on Herbert Street in the upper peninsula, which would feature 118 private dwellings with a bed, desk, AC/Heat, and other comforts.

The Lowcountry Rapid Housing Initiative would also include wraparound services like mental health counseling, addiction treatment, job training, access to an industrial-sized kitchen, offices, living areas, and help from non-profits for holistic support.