During the season of thanksgiving, Donald S. would be thankful for a job and custody of his son. Right now Donald is a resident of the Palmetto House while his brother has custody of his son.

Donald, of Summerville, has been unemployed since the construction company he worked for closed down six weeks ago.

Donald S., of Summerville, finds some time to read a book in his room he shares with two others at the Palmetto House.

Donald says after he lost his job, they could not afford housing so he and his son Devon moved around, staying with friends while he looked for a job. After a while he felt it was time for change.

“I felt this environment was not what I wanted for my son.” He then signed over temporary custody of Devon to his brother living in Goose Creek. Soon after, Donald moved to the Palmetto House.

Donald puts on his jacket, one of the prized possessions he carries with him along with photos of his son.

The Palmetto House is a local shelter started in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo hit leaving many homeless. The facility, located in north Summerville, has 42 beds and offers job placement, counseling and meals for residents of the shelter. The shelter also offers the same services to anyone in the community in need.

Donald is one of almost 30 residents staying at the shelter looking for work in a time when more jobs are being cut. He says the prospect of a minimum wage job is looking more realistic than another job in construction – meaning it will take longer to get back on his feet.

Simple rooms leave little privacy but a roof over the head of their guests.

Barbara Washington, executive director of Palmetto House, says as the number they serve will rise. “When it gets cold, this place fills up,” she says.

Donald feels fortunate to have a place like Palmetto House, otherwise he would be living behind Wal-Mart. “I am thankful places like this exist,” he says.

The Palmetto House also has family rooms complete with cribs.

He hopes to get back on his feet soon, get a place and get his son back.

“My son is my biggest motivation; he just wants to come back with his father,” he says. “I keep my spirits up and keep praying. I don’t let it keep me down.”

A child's toy sits resting on a rockychair in a family residence.

Donald wasn’t always as positive about his situation. When he first lost his job and eventually moved into the Palmetto House, Donald just moped and felt miserable without his son.

He says Washington and others at the shelter helped him a lot and he soon realized what he needed to do to get his son back.

Palmetto House volunteers prepare for Thanksgiving with a meal for their guests.

“I can’t get broke down lower than I am right now,” he says. “This is what I have to do to get my job back.” Donald now has a very bright outlook on life; he doesn’t sweat the small stuff. He thanks the Lord for his son and just keeps it all in His hand, and that’s all he can do.

Donald organizes his few personal belongings at the Palmetto House.

“I keep my spirits up and keep praying, I don’t let it keep me down.”

Paul Zoeller is a freelance photographer new to the Low Country. Do you have an idea for a new blog or a question about a current blog? If you do contact Zoeller at paul.zoeller@mac.com.

Comments (4)

Notice about comments:
Journalscene.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Journalscene.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not journalscene.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.

Full terms and conditions can be read here.

Thank you for a great article, you did a wonderful job presenting the work and ministry of the Palmetto house .

Posted by: Floyd Baker, Sr.

Another in a long line of reasons that lowcountry folks should feel blessed. Thank God Almighty for Palmetto House and those who assist and contribute in any way...

Posted by: Philip Fuentes

I pray that Donald will soon find a job and be reunited with his beloved son Devon.

Posted by: co Hoa

Thankful that you bring this story so close to the season of Thanksgiving. We all need to be reminded of what we have and be thankful for it. I pray for all the residents at Palmetto House, to continue getting stronger and praise them for asking for the help. I am thankful that Palmetto House is in our community and helping those in need. Happy Thanksgiving.

Posted by: Amber B.