Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a West Ashley homeless camp is being cleared now

Coming up on the Charleston Patch calendar: Charleston Christmas Special

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Hey hey Charleston! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a West Ashley homeless camp is being cleared now
  • How a new $5M grant will change CCSD student support
  • What tough questions North Charleston neighbors asked police about racial bias

Also on today's calendar: Charleston Christmas Special and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Charlestonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Roger R.!

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Charleston? Post it to Charleston photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Find out what's happening in Charlestonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 55 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Partial sunshine, temps: high: 62, low: 49.
  • Thursday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 69 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Encampment cleared near West Ashley as homelessness rises in the Lowcountry (live5news.com) — A homeless encampment near North Woodmere Drive in West Ashley is being cleared as outreach workers report a sharp rise in homelessness across Charleston and the wider Lowcountry. The HOPE Resource Center says more seniors, women, and children are living outside, and its Charleston-based team is offering showers, meals, and case management while working with mental health partners to reach reluctant residents.
   

2. Charleston County schools secure $5M grant to boost mental health support for students (abcnews4.com) — Charleston County School District has secured a four-year, $5 million federal grant to expand mental health services for students, including telehealth over the summer. The Charleston Serves initiative will add school psychologists, focus on high-need North Charleston schools, and increase family engagement. District leaders plan to track attendance, discipline, and service access to measure impact.
   

3. North Charleston police discuss racial bias audit progress at community town hall (abcnews4.com) — North Charleston residents heard police leaders report completing most recommendations from a 2020 racial bias audit and outline new youth-focused programs planned for 2026. Community members pressed the department on racial disparities, cooperation with federal immigration agencies, and accountability, while advocates renewed calls for a democratically elected community control board with real oversight power.
   

4. College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu Recognized as Top-Performing Leader (holycitysinner.com) — College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu has been named one of South Carolina’s top education leaders, highlighting the university’s growing influence from its historic downtown Charleston campus. Under his leadership, the college has launched new schools in health, environmental sciences, and engineering, plus new STEM and business majors and doctoral programs, strengthening local academic and workforce opportunities.
   

5. CofC Music presents 2nd Monday Series (postandcourier.com) — Charleston music lovers can catch College of Charleston voice faculty in a 2nd Monday Series concert on Jan. 12 at the Simons Center Recital Hall downtown. The evening program blends art songs, opera, and contemporary works, with tickets from $9–$26 and discounts for CofC students and employees through the George Street Box Office.
   

📸 Around Charleston

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📸 This photo was taken in Summerville on our Sunday morning walk. Merry Christmas to all. —Roger R. Like

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Charleston

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My black terrier, Piper just got loose in the Petsmart parking lot.
    She is wearing a blue Christmas sweater but no collar with ID. She slipped out of her collar. She is chipped. I'm sure she is scared to death and… (Nextdoor Stiles Point)
  • LOST: Brown/black tabby cat with distinctive dark swirling/bullseye markings (see photos).
    Last seen: 12/09/2025 on Morton Avenue in Westmoreland neighborhood, West Ashley If seen, please contact Courtney at 843-608-0178 ***PLEASE DO NOT… (Nextdoor Wappoo Heights)
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Late Night Team Member in Charleston. Apply here.
  • Signia by Hilton Atlanta posted a job opening for Housekeeper/Room Attendant - Hampton Inn & Suites Charleston West Ashley in Charleston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charleston here.

Ok Charleston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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