Roundtable Alliance
Meeting Notes for 4/24/26
Social Media Updates – Suzanne shared that she has begrudgingly joined the world of social media platforms and GTH now has a FB page and the Roundtable has a FB group. She added “Lowcountry” to the name so there is some geographic distinction so search for it as Lowcountry Roundtable Alliance. There will be album added each month for all the flyers/handouts that are distributed during the meeting. Suzanne asks for grace while she learns how to navigate FB as it is something she has avoided until now.
Here are links for both:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/lowcountryroundtablealliance
https://www.facebook.com/gatewaytohousingchs
H. 4270 Update – Suzanne shared that the 2nd reading of H.4270 passed 77 to 23 with strong support from the floor. The third reading is scheduled for Tuesday, 4/28.
Gateway to Housing Update – Suzanne is still waiting on the new contract with the County but progress has been made recently. She is cautiously optimistic that it will be completed in the next couple of weeks.
Roundtable Survey – After much reflection and discussion with several Roundtable members, Suzanne has realized that the Action Group structure is not a good fit for the Roundtable and has foregone that approach. At this point, she is asking for feedback from Roundtable members regarding their opinions and will be sending out a survey later this week. Please take the time to complete the survey.
CJCC – Sharon Stokes – Sharon gave a presentation on the purpose of CJCC (Criminal Justice Coordinating Council/Charleston County) and asked for help identifying neighborhood association or other community groups that would be willing to let the CJCC Leadership Engagement team attend their meetings. Suzanne, Jeffrey, Brandon and Ellen are all members of this team. Several folks had connections they were willing to share and make good suggestions regarding potential groups.
Potential New Shelter Project – Suzanne shared with the group regarding an innovative shelter project that was shared with her by Sylvia Evans of Soul Harvesters Outreach Ministry. The project is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Attached is the document Suzanne distributed at the meeting. Suzanne emphasized that we do not have to do a carbon copy of their version, but it is a great idea to customize to our region. We definitely have enough empty warehouses that could be repurposed for this type project. Suzanne encouraged folks to check out the website for Avivo Village and review all the amazing programs/services they offer participants. One key factor to their success is they have security on site around the clock and program staff work on site. Everyone present was very excited about this model and we will have follow-up discussions at next month’s meeting. Suzanne made her usual disclaimer that she is not looking to own this project but simply serve as the champion/advocate to gather the right stakeholders together to make this happen. Collectively, the Lowcountry Roundtable Alliance is equipped to work collaboratively to bring this model to Charleston.
Community Announcements
Suzanne congratulated Kenna Coe, Post & Courier reporter, for winning 2nd place in a press state-wide competition for public service impact for the article she wrote last fall focusing on the great need for a medical respite program in our area.
Discussion regarding the announcement of the first food forest at Charleston Farms Community Center. Grand opening is scheduled for December. An innovative solution to help address the food desert in North Charleston.
Sylvia could not attend due to a schedule conflict so she asked that I share some updates from the Adopt-A-Community group:
Our Gun Violence Task Force is actively reaching out to CCSD to build collaboration and support preventative measures aimed at reducing firearm violations among students. Gun violence is rising among our teens and schools present a captive audience to educate.
We have officially heard back from the Residence Inn regarding our potential partnership. They expressed appreciation for our visiting and learning more about Soul Harvesters Outreach Ministry and the Adopt A Community collaborative and they are ready to move forward. However due to rates, the task force is continuing its search for a hotel partner. However, periodically we may use the Residence Inn for short-term overnight stays.
Next meeting is on Friday, 5/29 at 9:30.