New Directions of Horry County provides comprehensive support to men, women, and families with children experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. Services include emergency shelter and basic needs such as meals, showers, hygiene supplies, and laundry; family-centered housing designed specifically for guardians and children; and case management with access to community resources to address barriers like employment, mental health, and addiction. The organization also offers peer support, life-skills programming, and transitional housing opportunities to help individuals and families move toward stability and long-term independence.

New Directions of Horry County offers an emergency overnight shelter for individuals in immediate need of a safe place to stay. The shelter has 22 beds and operates on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8:00 p.m., with guests departing by 7:00 a.m. the following morning. This is a short-term, overnight-only stay, designed to provide immediate relief from unsafe or unstable conditions. Sobriety is not required, ensuring accessibility for those who may not qualify for other programs. When capacity is reached, a lottery system is used to fairly determine available spaces for the night.

You do not need an ID and you are not required to enter rehab or pass a drug test to stay overnight. Our goal is to remove barriers so individuals can find immediate safety and shelter when they need it most.

However, clients who continue staying with us beyond emergency services are expected to work toward stability. This includes a 30-day work requirement, where individuals actively seek employment, participate in approved work activities, or engage in steps that support long-term recovery and independence.

New Directions of Horry County is not a drug or alcohol recovery program. However, we support individuals who are seeking recovery by connecting them to local resources such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings while they stay at our shelter.

We also provide access to a peer support specialist who can offer guidance, encouragement, and help navigating recovery options. For select individuals in need of long-term recovery, we may offer scholarship opportunities to partner programs to support their next steps toward sobriety and stability.

Our team works one-on-one with clients to identify goals, connect them to resources, and create a plan for housing, employment, and long-term stability. We actively link clients to both local and state resources, including programs like ECHO (Eastern Carolina Housing Organization), SC Works for employment support, Waccamaw Center for Mental Health, Department of Social Services (DSS), Veterans Affairs (VA) services, and local healthcare providers. By coordinating these services, we help ensure each individual or family has access to the support they need beyond our shelter.

To access services or check availability, please call us directly at 843-915-5173. Our team can provide the most up-to-date information on bed availability, intake times, and next steps. If you are seeking emergency shelter, we recommend calling ahead when possible and arriving during intake hours.