The idea to create a home for homeless teens at a Lowcountry high school began more than a year ago. Wednesday, the ribbon was cut on the house that teens will now call home. Smiles and tears of joy were spilled as ribbon for Mickey’s House was cut.
Mickey’s House is a two-story, five-bedroom home created for homeless teen boys. The home is named after Mary Welch. She says she couldn’t have imagined a more perfect house. Community leaders from North Charleston gathered for the celebration.
North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey called it was a great day in the neighborhood. “Today, we’re planting the seed that’s going to help these young men grow and bloom and contribute back to this world in ways that none of could’ve imagined,” Summey said.
Mary Welch is from West Virginia, but spends a great deal time visiting family in the Lowcountry.
“There were so many homeless boys and girls and I thought, somebody needs to do something.” Welch said.
At the young age 87, Mickey retired from her oil and gas business. She sold it, and took some of her money to get this house built.
“I’m just glad I could do it,” Welch says. Some furniture and other items were donated, but one of the biggest contributions came from the house parents.
David Carey and his wife say they were led by their faith to share. “Everyone that’s involved in it is people of faith,” the David Carey said. Inside the home, David and his wife serve as parents to high school males who are at least 17, and are homeless. The hope is Mickey’s House will give them a more stable life — as long as they obey a few house rules.
“Respect, take care of your stuff, make up your bed, anything that I would require of my own son to do,” Carey says. So far, one student has moved in. Carey says the teen is adjusting well to his new environment.
“He’s got aspirations. All “A’s” next semester,” Carey says. We’re going to help him work to that so he can meet his goals.”
Project H.O.M.E. has a house for homeless females in the works, as well.
Source: First teen moves into “Mickey’s House,” new North Charleston house for homeless boys | WCIV
