January 13, 2026

Summerville Prepares for Keys to Change Midwinter Affair

Summerville, January 13, 2026

Summerville is gearing up to host the Midwinter Affair, an essential fundraiser organized by Keys to Change. This event brings together community leaders and residents to foster economic growth and support for individuals facing housing insecurity. Featuring an evening of fine refreshments and live entertainment, the Midwinter Affair aims to empower the community by addressing homelessness and building pathways to self-sufficiency through collective action. As the event approaches, it highlights the commitment and engagement of local entrepreneurs towards creating sustainable change in the Lowcountry.

Summerville Gears Up for Keys to Change Midwinter Affair

Summerville is preparing to host a significant community event, the Midwinter Affair, spearheaded by Keys to Change. This annual fundraiser exemplifies the power of local initiative and private sector engagement in addressing community needs. As Charleston SC business leaders and residents look towards fostering resilient communities and sustainable Lowcountry economic growth, organizations like Keys to Change stand out for their dedicated efforts to empower individuals towards self-sufficiency. The event highlights how determined local entrepreneurs and compassionate citizens can forge pathways to independence, complementing broader economic development by stabilizing lives and contributing to a more robust workforce.

The Midwinter Affair serves as a pivotal moment for Keys to Change to garner essential support, underscoring a commitment to practical solutions for housing insecurity. It represents a collective endeavor where individual contributions and community partnerships are leveraged to create meaningful change. This approach resonates with the spirit of private enterprise and community self-reliance, demonstrating that local challenges can be met effectively through focused, grassroots action and strategic investment in human potential.

A Night of Support for Lasting Impact

The Midwinter Affair, scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, will be held at The Kersey House in Summerville. This elegant evening is designed to bring together community leaders, neighbors, and supporters to contribute to a vital cause. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening of fellowship, fine refreshments, and live entertainment, all while supporting Keys to Change’s mission.

The primary purpose of this signature fundraiser is to ensure that Keys to Change can continue providing critical support and resources. This includes offering shelter, food, case management, and pathways to stability for individuals and families facing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Lowcountry.

Keys to Change: Empowering Independence in the Lowcountry

Keys to Change, formerly known as Dorchester County Community Outreach, is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a safe environment and offering support services that lead to independence for those experiencing a housing crisis. Their mission is rooted in the belief that all individuals deserve basic necessities and the opportunity for a stable future. The organization aims to empower men and women to transition out of homelessness and achieve emotional, spiritual, and financial stability.

Since its inception, Keys to Change has operated both men’s and women’s centers in Summerville. The men’s center, known as Anchor House, first opened its doors in October 2015, providing housing for sixteen men. Following this, a women’s center was established in the summer of 2019, capable of housing up to eight women. Over 600 men and women have been served in these centers since October 2015. These initiatives highlight the direct impact that local organizations can have on individual lives and the overall health of the Charleston County economy.

A Personalized Approach to Self-Sufficiency

Keys to Change distinguishes its approach through a “relationship model” rather than a rapid rehousing model. This methodology focuses on meeting each guest’s individual needs and helping them achieve personal goals for housing independence. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of services including professional and spiritual counseling, financial education, support groups, and job advocacy, all aimed at fostering long-term self-sufficiency.

Guests residing in the centers are provided with a home-like environment, including a bed, food, and clothing. They are also expected to assist in the maintenance chores of the centers and must be capable and willing to seek full-time employment. Prior to residency, prospective guests undergo a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) background check and must commit to maintaining sobriety. These requirements encourage personal responsibility and active participation in the journey toward independence, reflecting a practical path forward for many South Carolina entrepreneurs in spirit.

Investing in the Future: The New Anchor House

A significant development for Keys to Change is the ongoing construction of a new, permanent men’s center, Anchor House, located on Miles Jamison Road in Summerville. This facility is anticipated to open in November 2025. This new building represents more than just an expansion; it symbolizes a secure future where individuals experiencing homelessness can find stability and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Construction of the new Anchor House has been made possible through a combination of government funding, including a State-level SC State Appropriation, along with contributions from Dorchester County and the Town of Summerville governments. While these funds are crucial for infrastructure, they do not cover the ongoing administrative costs of running the organization or implementing its programs. This underscores the continued need for community partners and financial contributions to sustain Keys to Change’s vital services, illustrating how private generosity complements public investment to achieve community goals.

Community and Business Partnership: The Engine of Change

The success of Keys to Change is deeply intertwined with the engagement of the local community and Charleston small business sector. The Midwinter Affair is a prime example of how private fundraising initiatives play a crucial role in maintaining and expanding essential services. The organization actively seeks community partners to contribute financially, emphasizing that tackling homelessness requires a collective effort from residents, businesses, and local organizations.

Every contribution, whether through sponsorships, auction item donations, or ticket purchases, directly aids Keys to Change’s programs and facilities. Since opening its first center in 2015, the organization has assisted over 800 individuals in moving closer to housing independence, demonstrating the tangible benefits of community support. This collaborative model showcases how local innovation and private sector support are indispensable for fostering a resilient and compassionate community, driving positive social and economic outcomes.

Conclusion

The upcoming Midwinter Affair hosted by Keys to Change in Summerville is more than just a fundraiser; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of community, entrepreneurial innovation, and individual responsibility that defines the Lowcountry. By supporting Keys to Change, residents and businesses contribute directly to empowering individuals to achieve independence, thereby strengthening the fabric of the Charleston County economy and promoting overall Lowcountry economic growth. We encourage everyone to consider how their involvement, whether through attending events like the Midwinter Affair or supporting local non-profits, can make a significant difference in building a more stable and prosperous future for all.

Frequently Asked Questions about Keys to Change and the Midwinter Affair

What is the Midwinter Affair?
The Midwinter Affair is an annual fundraiser hosted by Keys to Change in Summerville. It is an elegant evening featuring fellowship, fine refreshments, live entertainment, and opportunities to give back.

When and where will the Midwinter Affair take place?
The Midwinter Affair will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at The Kersey House in Summerville.

What is the mission of Keys to Change?
Keys to Change’s mission is to provide a safe environment, support services, and an avenue to independence for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Lowcountry.

What services does Keys to Change provide?
Keys to Change provides emergency shelter, food, clothing, case management, professional and spiritual counseling, financial education, support groups, and job advocacy to help guests find permanent housing and achieve self-sufficiency.

What is the “relationship model” used by Keys to Change?
The “relationship model” is Keys to Change’s approach to meeting each guest’s individual needs and helping them achieve their personal goals for housing independence, focusing on long-term solutions rather than rapid rehousing.

How many individuals has Keys to Change served?
Since opening its doors in October 2015, Keys to Change has served over 600 men and women in its centers. Overall, over 800 individuals have been helped to move closer to housing independence since 2015.

Is Keys to Change building a new facility?
Yes, Keys to Change is constructing a new, permanent men’s center, Anchor House, on Miles Jamison Road in Summerville, which is expected to open in November 2025.

How is the new building project being funded?
Construction of the new Anchor House is funded through a combination of a State-level SC State Appropriation, Dorchester County, and the Town of Summerville governments.

Does government funding cover all of Keys to Change’s operational costs?
No, the government funding received for the new building project does not cover the administrative costs of running the organization or implementing its programs; community contributions are still essential.

Key Features of Keys to Change and the Midwinter Affair

Organization Name	Keys to Change (formerly Dorchester County Community Outreach)
Mission	Provide safe environment, support services, and avenue to independence for individuals in housing crisis in the Lowcountry.
Midwinter Affair Date	Saturday, January 31, 2026
Midwinter Affair Location	The Kersey House, Summerville
Primary Goal of Fundraiser	Support Keys to Change’s programs and operational costs.
Services Offered	Emergency shelter, food, clothing, case management, counseling, financial education, job advocacy.
Operating Model	Relationship model, focused on individual needs and long-term independence.
Individuals Served (Since 2015)	Over 800 individuals helped towards housing independence. Over 600 men and women served in centers.
New Men’s Center (Anchor House)	Permanent facility in Summerville, expected to open November 2025.
New Building Funding Sources	State-level SC State Appropriation, Dorchester County, Town of Summerville governments.
Community Contribution Need	Essential for administrative costs and program implementation, as government funding for new building does not cover these.