By Adam Parker
The Post and Courier
May 1, 2009

In a deep recession, many find themselves teetering on the edge, struggling to pay the rent or the mortgage, utility and grocery bills. The number of those at risk of losing their home is on the rise, according to Tracy Doran, president of the Humanities Foundation.

To raise awareness of the problem, the foundation is constructing a "House of Hope" in Marion Square at 3:30 today. The house will be built with recycled cardboard by artists John Pundt and Charlie McAlister and provide the community with a giant canvas on which to paint representations of homelessness.

The event also will feature live music by drummer Quentin Baxter and other jazz musicians. Proceeds collected from donations will support the foundation's Shelternet Emergency Fund, which provides rent and utility-bill assistance.

"The event came about because we wanted to get young people involved in the issue of homelessness," Doran said. "We felt like their energy and commitment to causes would help us going forward."

The Shelternet program, now 15 years old, has provided assistance to more than 20,000 people and relies on about 100 service agencies throughout the Charleston area.

Doran said the foundation has seen an increase in requests for aid as other providers run short.

"Although some people aren't in homeless shelters, they are having trouble month to month," she said in a statement. "They are living with friends and family. ... It could be just a matter of time before they fall through the cracks and end up in the homeless shelters."

The Humanities Foundation, established in 1992, develops affordable housing. Since its founding, it has made nearly 1,000 units available to low-income families and individuals, Doran said.

The federal government has made some funding for homelessness available to the state of South Carolina and Charleston County, she said. Service providers can apply, "but those monies won't be available until closer to the end of the year."

Reach Adam Parker at 937-5902 or aparker@postandcourier.com.