How Laurens County residents can support the Safe Home
October 20, 2026
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Laurens County Safe Home is a reminder that help for victims of abuse depends on the support of the community around them.
The nonprofit has served survivors in Laurens, Abbeville and Saluda counties since 1985, providing a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal guidance and help connecting with other resources. It relies heavily on private support from individuals, churches and businesses, along with grants.
“Here in Laurens County, we are especially grateful for our Safe Home, whose staff consistently goes above and beyond to serve victims and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds said. “Their advocacy, resources, compassion and commitment are so important, and we are thankful to have them as a trusted partner in our community.”
The Safe Home has shown resilience. After a fire destroyed part of its building in July 2020, the community rallied, and the following year the national Purple Ribbon Awards named it Shelter Turnaround of the Year. In 2024, the Safe Home completed a 5,000 square foot expansion costing more than $1 million, funded through donations, grants and a one-time $100,000 American Rescue Plan grant from Laurens County.
“Every gift, whether it is a check, a pack of diapers or an afternoon of volunteering, goes straight to helping a survivor start over,” said Dawn Ardelt, director of the Laurens County Safe Home. “Many of the women and children who come to us leave home with only what they can carry. This community has stood by us through a fire, a pandemic and a major expansion, and that support is what keeps our doors open.”
Bring One Wear One luncheon
One of the best ways to support the Safe Home this month is to attend its annual Bring One Wear One luncheon, the organization’s signature event for about 20 years. The luncheon will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 11:30 a.m. at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 310 N. Broad St., Clinton.
The event brings the community together to pay tribute to survivors and to those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Guest speaker Brenna Lawrence, a survivor, will share her personal journey.
Guests are asked to bring new, unused undergarments, which go directly to Safe Home clients. Gift baskets will also be raffled during the event.
Tickets are $40 and can be reserved by calling 864-682-7270, ext. 4. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Other ways to help
Give money. Donations can be made online at thesafehome.org or by mailing a check to Laurens County Safe Home, P.O. Box 744, Clinton, SC 29325. The Safe Home is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so gifts are tax deductible.
Give items. Many clients arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing. The wish list includes gas cards, food, pillows, blankets, bed sheets, new underwear for women and children, baby wipes, baby clothes and school supplies. Items can be dropped off at Our Little Shop, 1500 Western Square Plaza, Suite F, in Laurens. Donors who need another drop-off point can call 864-682-7270, and staff will arrange to meet at a public location.
Shop. Our Little Shop is the Safe Home’s thrift store, and every purchase helps fund its work. The store also accepts donations of new and gently used items to sell.
Volunteer. Volunteers help in many parts of the program. Those interested can call the Safe Home to learn about current needs.
The Safe Home has also partnered with CrossFit864 on an annual 5K fundraiser.
Anyone in need of help can reach the Safe Home’s 24-hour hotline at 864-682-7270.
