March 11, 2025

Efforts By Non-Profit Group Entryway South Carolina Hit Home For Local Residents And Members Of Regional Business Community

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CHARLESTON, SC (March 11, 2025) – Joseph Hopkins needed significant assistance to help turn his life around, which had been thrown into a downward tailspin following his divorce more than 13 years ago. Unsteady employment for more than a decade and mounting financial responsibilities had thrust the North Charleston resident into a seemingly unescapable hole that left him searching for answers and, more importantly, stability. However, his life seemed to change dramatically for the better, quickly taking a positive turn after he connected with Entryway South Carolina.

Hopkins explained that he “had no idea Entryway South Carolina even existed” until earlier this summer, when he “overheard someone discussing the group’s activities while helping a friend at a local car dealership.” In desperate need of a better job, he contacted the group and, approximately two weeks later, landed a position as a groundskeeper at a Charleston-area multifamily community. Adding icing to the cake, Hopkins was presented the opportunity to lease an apartment unit at a below-market rate on the property where he worked.

“Everything moved quickly, and I was extremely surprised about how smooth and effortless the process was,” Hopkins said. “I was qualified after a few phone calls, and before I knew it, the Executive Director of Entryway South Carolina was calling to offer me a job. In addition to a great job, I received a completely furnished apartment which is mine to keep. I wouldn’t describe myself as totally down and out, but instead, as an individual down on his luck and in need of a break,” Hopkins added. “I always knew that if I received some small assistance, that I had the work ethic and attitude to do the rest. Entryway helped get me off the deck and I will be forever grateful.”

According to Entryway South Carolina Executive Director Daniel Stern, the non-profit organization identifies and provides assistance to individuals dealing with tenuous housing situations, including veterans, victims of domestic violence and those impacted by natural disasters. The group also provides job training and placement services for those looking for improved employment.

“The cost of living in or near major cities has risen exponentially, and many people have found themselves priced out of acceptable housing,” Stern explained. “Our mission is to directly help individuals and their families with housing assistance, while also improving their job situation, which directly ties into what they can afford for housing. We are funded by individual donations, relationships with corporate sponsors and special events fundraisers, and always welcome new partners to further our mission. People who are in need live all around us and the issue of housing instability is very real.”

Launched in summer 2022, Entryway South Carolina provided assistance to 25 individuals and 32 of their dependents in the past year by placing people into full-time employment in leasing and maintenance positions in the multifamily industry. The non-profit has also trained approximately 60 individuals to prepare them to enter the multifamily workforce.

Susan Burke, Regional Property Manager for Continental Realty Corporation, has been involved with the group from the time it was known as Shelters to Shutters and has personally witnessed its impact on people’s lives. As South Carolina Advisor Board Chair, she volunteers her time with fundraising initiatives and organizes training programs for individuals looking to reinvent themselves with a stable and better-paying job.

“People tend to turn their heads away from the homelessness issue because they find the problem uncomfortable, but that does not make it go away,” Burke said. “Instead, many of us decide to roll up our sleeves and truly make a long-term difference. Homelessness impacts everyone, and when triggered by a natural disaster or domestic issue, can manifest itself quickly, giving people little time to prepare. Most people don’t realize that many Americans have less than $1,000 in their savings account and are one paycheck away from being homeless.”

Formerly working with a Charleston-area multifamily community, Burke joined CRC last year and manages Central Island Square, The Six Apartments, and Sweetgrass Landing locally.

“CRC could not be more supportive of my efforts to assist Entryway South Carolina, given the company’s philosophy of becoming involved in the local community and constantly looking for ways to uplift area residents and improve lives,” she said. “With our involvement in the housing industry, we see firsthand how critical it is to have confidence in the long-term outlook of your job and housing stability. Entryway South Carolina is a true difference-maker.”

“I wake up every morning and feel energized, confident in myself and ready to work hard and make a difference,” Hopkins said. “I tell others about the positive experience I have had with Entryway, because there are many people like me struggling in the greater Charleston area.”

Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and founded in 1960, Continental Realty Corporation is a full-service commercial real estate and investment company focused on acquiring and operating retail and multifamily properties. The privately held firm owns and manages a diversified portfolio of retail centers consisting of nearly eight million square feet of commercial space and over 9,000 apartment homes across 12 states, with a portfolio value exceeding $4 billion. For additional information, visit www.crcrealty.com.