FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Loving arms Incorporated launched a shelter for homeless youth and victims of human trafficking Saturday afternoon on Meadors Street in Florence County.
“Our youth is our future leaders and we are losing them because we are not meeting their needs or you know, servicing them where they need to be so I think Loving Arms is definitely a need for this community,” said program director Jenice Green.
The CEO of the shelter says it’s the first and only shelter for young people in the area.
Cindy Williams is the homes found, She says it’s the first and only shelter for young people in the area.
In fact Williams’ mother and father were foster parents in Florence County for more than 50 years.
So that’s what inspired her to start working with runaway and homeless children in her hometown.
“It’s a much needed service here in the Pee Dee area. No child should have to worry about where they are going to sleep. No child should have to exchange themselves in order for a place to sleep,” said Williams.
While many shelters in Florence County only cater to homeless individuals, none in fact can house kids.
The home will house seven to eight young people who are victims of a trauma and the staff will help those kids get back home.
“We certainly will work with the families as well because it’s all about reuniting families and bringing the children back to their families,” Williams said.
It’s something businesses say is much needed for Florence County.
“I think this is going to be so critical to have in our community and I’m so thankful we have this a part of the community and that they’re offering this,” explained Michelle Beckham with Woodmen Life Insurance.
An opportunity to change a kid’s life.
“We’ll be doing dance classes, arts, everything…all around the board, Friday night gatherings, things that they can do because right now they are bored out of their minds,” said Green.
Loving arms has an original location already in Baltimore, Maryland.
If you would like to become a volunteer you can contact Jenice Green at 843-472-7776 for more information.
