Roundtable Alliance
Meeting Notes for 2/20/26
Present: Jeffrey Fleming, Palmetto Project; Kara Moore, LCFB; Chuck Coward, Entrusted Foundation; Jeff Yungman, Charleston County; Brooke Lampe, MUSC; Kiersten Jordan, OriginSC; Brandon Lilienthal, City of North Charleston; Shelby Joffrion, NCPD; Suzanne Young, GTH.
Guest Speaker: Ariel Burgess, Restore Life
Ms. Burgess provided information about this new shared independent living program in Charleston. They currently have availability for one private room at $850 and shared bedroom at $675. The houses are co-ed and they do not accept vouchers. Flyer is attached. If you want more information, please contact Ms. Burgess directly at 843-580-6495.
QR Code Projects Update: Brandon Lilienthal
Brandon shared that 7 signs have been installed on Rivers Ave. In the first 2 weeks, there were over 120 clicks on the QR Code! There have been multiple inquiries about expanding the project to the City of Charleston, Tanger Outlet, and other areas. If you have questions or want more information, contact Suzanne or Brandon.
Berkeley Town Hall on Kratom: Zach & Zack
Zach shared a summary of the Town Hall he and Zack attended on this highly addictive Opioid derivative that is being sold at gas stations, convenience stores, etc.. and specifically marketed to teen-agers. Over 100 people attended and there was a lot of useful information provided. There are 3 House Bills currently being considered: H.B. 4648 which would change the description of what constitutes a Kratom product. H.B. 4636 & H.B. 4641 aim to add Kratom to state’s-controlled substance list. Suzanne shared that you can track the status and progress of legislative bills through the free app, Fast Democracy. Zach also gave an update on new program design at Lantern. Flyers are attached. They are opening 2 new duplexes in March and will be able to house 32 people.
2026 Goals and Structure: Suzanne
As was discussed at December’s meeting, the Roundtable Alliance’s reach is growing as well as the number of initiatives we are fostering. As a result, we need new infrastructure so that Suzanne is no longer the sole point of contact for everything Roundtable-related. Therefore, Suzanne has created Action Groups that she is inviting folks to join; this is not mandatory. Of course, you can join more than one group if you feel so inclined. Please let Suzanne know if you are interested. Handouts are attached.
Action Groups:
Advocacy
Outreach & Engagement
Community Coordination
Shelter Development
Lived Experience Panel
Special Projects (aka Suzanne’s Ideas)
Roundtable Alliance Possible Project
Suzanne shared with the group about a project she learned about from her brother who lives in Charlotte, NC. His church distributes “For You” bags which are sling bags with a host of supplies included for those who are unhoused. She brought one to show everyone and stated that she would like the Roundtable to do something similar. She asked for everyone’s thoughts/questions. After a lot of discussion, the group decided it would be more helpful if we served as a hub for coordinating the distribution of these bags through local churches/faith-based organizations. We would provide the list of donated items for them to collect and also provide a community resource card. Several folks offered that they were active in their church and could help coordinate this effort. Suzanne is going to find out more details on where the Charlotte church orders the sling bags from and we will discuss further at February meeting. If you are interested in being involved with this project, let Suzanne know.
Community Announcements
Brooke Lampe asked for help getting connected to local neighborhood associations. She is with MUSC’s Ryan White Clinic and wants to host testing events in local communities. If you have a connection to share, please contact Brooke at lampe@musc.edu.
Sylvia with Adopt-a-Community shared the update on the negligence motel issue. They have postponed their appearance before the City of North Charleston Council until later in February. They are still gathering information.
Suzanne shared that the COC Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for Wednesday, 1/28 in the evening and early in the morning of 1/29. Everyone was surprised to hear this because there was no information shared directly with the COC members. As we all know, underreported and inaccurate data is harmful when we are trying to raise awareness and gain funding.
Speaking of Funding, Suzanne shared several upcoming grant opportunities:
Sisters of Charity:
Systems Change Grant – LOI due 3/24
Community Engagement Grant- LOI due 3/16
Ben & Jerry’s Foundation
Grassroots Organizing up to $30,000, application due 2/18 by 4:00 p.m.
Next Meeting is on 2/20/26 at 9:30—City of North Charleston in the Montague Conference Room on the 2nd floor on the left (2500 City Hall Lane.)