Returning to the site of her humble “homeless” beginning, Rachel is proud to share her passionate story.. that took her from drifter to dreamer!
Despite working two full time positions at a local fast food restaurant Rachel and her mother were unable to make ends meet after a series of unfortunate events and Rachel’s father abandoning them a few years prior. Despite their efforts they fell behind in their rent and were forced to vacate their apartment. They took what little money they had between them, left everything that would not fit in two small suitcases and hit the pavement in search of where they would sleep that night.
After a month they applied for Section 8 housing but were informed the waiting list was over a year long. Day by day, as the year progressed, they prayed for strength to get through another day. Eventually, lack of transportation, and other issues led to conflicts with their employment and they were forced to leave their current employment. They were forced to leave their jobs and take temporary handouts and odd jobs such as baby sitting and house cleaning. Sometimes work was simply in exchange for a hot shower and a place to sleep for the night. Many outsiders offered shelter and a meal in exchange for sexual favors. Rachel said, had it not been for the other being there either might have considered such proposals simply out of desperation. However, the strength of each other, along with their four-legged friend, a Sheltie named Whisper, helped them both emotionally.
Unfortunately, a reputation is often associated with being a “street person” and although the character and actions of these two women was exemplary, fear and paranoia often intercepted among the people that offered assistance. However, one business owner of a small sewing shop took a risk and offered kindness to Rachel and her mother by allowing them to stay in her shop for over a month. Rachel and her mother were very grateful as this was during the time that Hurricane Floyd hit South Carolina.
Unemployed, living on the streets, on occasion. others’ homes and squatting wherever they could for nearly a year, Rachel and her mother were dropped off at a local church. It is there that they were able to get assistance. The church was able to get them to the top of the Section 8 list by making a recommendation on church letterhead to the housing authority and they were able to get the hand up they needed.
“Housing is what helped us. It IS the solution.” Rachel said.
This homeless experience, along with her business knowledge an business degree has given Rachel the edge, drive and passion to help the homeless, most especially homeless Veterans. “Veterans are the most neglected people in our country. There are many programs and forms of assistance for women and children. In fact, locally the Mayor of North Charleston is looking into reinstating additional ways to help women and children.
Did you know that 23% of the U.S. home less population are VETERANS? Here in CHARLESTON nearly HALF our homeless population are VETERANS. That is direct from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development website. 1.5 million veterans are considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in substandard housing in the United States. 62,619 veterans are homeless on any given night. But the National average for Veteran’s in need of assistance is 22% our militarytown of Charleston has a need average of between 54%-57%.” Rachel, from drifter to dreamer, has the vision of more than just a homeless shelter for Veterans. It is a community that offers the helping hand many vets want to simply get the break they need.
Rachel’s ideal “dream” property would be the old Carolina Nursery near Monks Corner but with a $17.5 million dollar price tag that vision is on hold. A more affordable alternative is off Paul Cantrell Road in West Ashley. The price tag is $300K but the owner is so on board with the project he is willing to rent the property to Rachel for $2,500 a month with the option to buy in one to two years. She also has an enthusiastic investor. If she can raise $20, 000 upfront she will get $200k toward Humble Diggs. Rachel also has a gofundme (http://gofund.HumbleDiggs) to raise funds for the project but is also willing to take any property donations at this time. The investor is willing to invest if assets (property) value is $20k or more, even if no cash
is raised.
The project property would house numerous completely furnished (including microwave and mini fridge), handicapped accessible, single dwelling 180 sq ft (8×20) houses, a “community/social/club house,” and a garden/farming area. The community house would provide social interaction, a TV, game section, job training areas, laundry facility and daily family-style meals with full kitchen. The long term goal is to also have a hydroponics farm area and Veterans can assist in the pride of growing and preserving of the food intake. An additional long term goal is to acquire an apartment complex in which rent could be provided to further assist with the integration of their residents into full sized housing as well as be able to help families of tragedies like fire, etc. with temporary lodging while their home is repaired.
With Charleston’s Veterans need being higher than the national average I asked about her qualifying criteria. Her response was, “Anyone with any military experience qualifies. However, we will begin by focusing on the most at risk Veterans; the ones with health issues, especially if they end up in the hospital or cannot pay, those with PTSD, or the ones that have lost hope and/or end up going to jail because they were sleeping someplace they shouldn’t, the ones that need medical or mental treatments, etc. Anyone that is or could cause a large bill on the government.
If we can help those first, then we believe the economy can be improved upon quickly.” Rachel went on to explain that once a preliminary exam is passed and the Veteran is accepted, the Veteran signs a commitment agreement to abide by the eleven week program that provides housing, job training, medical care, social and interactive activities to name a few. Any veteran that has a substance abuse issue will be required to commit to complete the rehabilitation program as well.
Once in the program and provided a home, the Veteran will be expected to maintain the general cleanliness of their dwelling. However, general maintenance will be provided. Veterans agree to work for room and board through job training or in the garden area, kitchen facility, wherever they have skills and can contribute. They will be assisted in finding permanent jobs in the community whether by trade skills, self-employment or 9-5 jobs. They will be aware of inspections before being housed through a posted and signed agreement that their home will be randomly weekly inspected. Any violations in the work program rules will be given written warning and several of the same can result in termination of the program and eviction of the home. Everything will be documented.
The Veterans Administration and Rachel have spoken about medical check-ups and treatments on site. Enterprise is talking with HumbleDiggs regarding discounts and donations to help get two vans to transport Veterans to job interviews, etc. Also, a Veterinarian and groomers will be on site once a month to provide care for any four legged friends that continue to maintain the moral of our vets. Upon completing the program, Veterans will be provided a sponsor to assist in their transition to real life, a new world and full sized accommodations. They also will have the potential to receive a Section 8 voucher for an affordable home.
As you can see, the vision is clear. Rachel’s passion is deep. She has gone from no roof to no limits. Many have already stepped up, volunteered and stood beside Rachel in her vision. Her first priority is to gain a property to house our local Veterans. She says it doesn’t matter if it has a building or not, needs cleared or not. Volunteers are standing by to clear land and help with building. She simply needs land. It is her goal to have a property by winter 2015. Lowe’s is considering providing appliances once a property is obtained and will look further once building has begun. Brian Cate of BDean Graphics and Design has been a huge supporter, through his printed materials, designs and cash. The Whitewing’s of Legal Shield promote Humble Diggs at every function they host. John Hoagland has provided cash and supplies to raise money for this project on numerous occasions as well.
So what can you do to help? Rachel is currently offering anyone interested in writing and obtaining a grant for Humble Diggs 5% commission of the amount earned in the grant as a thank you for the work and time you provided. As previously mentioned a Gofundme (http://gofund.me/HumbleDiggs) account has been set up. Even if you can’t afford to contribute, please share it with everyone you know. Like her on Facebook and share her page: https://www.facebook.com/ HumbleDiggs47/timeline. Or for more information on how you can help contact Rachel at: Rachel.HD47@gmail.com. Together we can provide our Veterans the strength that comes from overcoming.