GREENVILLE, S.C. — Hunger. Fear. Discomfort. Just a few of the many emotions felt by foster children as they wait at the Department of Social Services (DSS) for their proper placement. A wait that can last days, if not months.
Isaiah 117 House is a non-profit dedicated to making sure foster children have a safe place to go once removed from their homes. According to Greenville location leader, Jenna Weaver, many children spend hours or even weeks at the state office. Some are even left to spend the night on the carpet of the office floor.
“The house exists for that day so that they don’t have to go back to the office at all,” said Weaver. “We can feed them, clothe them, give them all the things they need while the case worker finds placement.”
Since Feb. 2017, Isaiah 117 House has worked to make this a reality for foster children across the nation. The organization has 53 locations across 12 states and is expanding to build a national training center.
“I believe these homes have the potential to positively affect the children who are coming into custody in ways far beyond what we could ever imagine,” said Founder and Executive Director, Rhonda Paulson. “I believe these homes change the way foster care begins.”
A change that is soon to be felt in the Upstate.
Mario Brown, co-founder of Affordable Upstate, generously donated land to the organization, marking a powerful step in supporting children in need in Greenville.
“It’s just all such a God moment,” said Weaver. “Just another part that we get to tell the kids when they enter the home, ‘someone was praying over their decision here, and chose to give this to us to allow you to have this day in our home.”
Isaiah 117 House needs contractors and volunteers to help move the plan forward. With the help of the community, organization leaders hope the home will be completed by summer 2025.
“It means so much to us,” said Weaver. “Thank you really doesn’t suffice.”
Anyone looking to support the mission, can visit the non-profit’s volunteer page for more information.