A Day in their Shoes

July 11, 2025
Written by Taylor Thomas, Executive Director of Pathways Community Center

In just under 24 hours, I stepped into a rhythm that hundreds in our community know far too intimately. I spent the night at the Bethel Men’s Shelter to walk alongside those whose daily experience is often invisible to the rest of the world. I didn’t come with answers. I came to listen.

The journey began at the bus stop outside Pathways Community Center. That’s where one man spotted me and asked, surprised, “What are you doing here?” His question held weight—it was more than curiosity. And it cracked open a door for honest conversation. On the nearly hour-long bus ride to the shelter, he began to share his story: the ups and downs, the frustrations, the hopes.

Some guests welcomed me quickly. Others were cautious—and rightfully so. But once they realized I was choosing to be there, choosing to enter their space with humility and respect, something shifted. Their stories began to unfold.


What struck me most was the diversity: young and old, some using walkers, some working second-shift jobs. Different races, backgrounds, beliefs. But what united them was a strong sense of community—offering each other care, laughter, and dignity despite their circumstances.


That night, we shared a warm meal provided by F3. We cooled off in Bethel UMC’s fellowship hall. I was lucky—because it was early in the month, I had a bed. The bunk room reminded me of scout camp: full of tired bodies, whispered jokes, and the quiet comfort of not being alone. One man dubbed our room “The White House,” saying that’s where “the Chief and the Chef” stayed.


By 1:00 and 2:30 AM, second-shift workers began to trickle in—proof that even those without a home are still grinding, still showing up.

Morning came early. We woke up at 6:00AM and boarded the bus at 7:00AM to head back to Pathways. But because of the 4th of July holiday, the buses were on a delayed scheduled, so Bethel bused us to Pathways where we waited on the Day Shelter to open. That time reminded me how even small delays—even our own systems—can make hard days even harder. 


Inside, I reconnected with women staying at the Life House Cottage. I shared a meal at Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen with a man who’d never been there before—he called it “the best BBQ I’ve ever had.” Another guest and I bonded over a shared connection to Lou Sartor, a mutual friend and longtime leader at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen who had recently passed. We grieved together. And we honored her memory.


Everywhere I turned, I met stories:

  • A man who came to Rock Hill after shelters in Columbia were full. He has no living family.
  • A former caregiver who lost his father, spiraled into depression, and eventually lost his truck—and his income.
  • A proud older man back to working in landscaping, adjusting to the physical toll.
  • One young men living in the woods. Another one with a visible limp from a nerve injury.
  • A man burying his sister that very day.
  • A woman who believes she’s being followed and fears for her safety.
  • A veteran possibly being taken advantage of by his family.
  • A man who recently left the shelter, now has a job, and who now ministers to truck drivers, believing God is using his journey for purpose.
  • And then there were the words I still carry with me: “Just because I’m homeless doesn’t mean I can’t serve.” “Too many people are comfortable.” “I have your back.”


These weren’t just moments. They were mirrors—reflecting the strength, pain, joy, and humanity of our neighbors.


At Pathways, we believe that transformation begins when people are seen. Not processed. Seen. That’s why we’ve built a place where help and hope live under one roof. Through partnerships with 14 on-site agencies—offering mental health care, workforce training, housing assistance, meals, and more—we create pathways forward.


And because our campus reduces overhead through shared infrastructure, low-cost rent, and 24/7 security, our partners save up to 30% annually—freeing up dollars for what matters most: people. This is the power of community. The power of proximity. The power of showing up.


I didn’t leave Bethel with all the answers. But I left with something just as important: conviction.


We all have a role to play in creating a more compassionate city. One where no one is invisible. One where people are given not just a place to rest—but a path to rise.


Let’s keep building that path—together.

June 2025 Newsletter

July 1, 2025
From Crisis to Stability—Made Possible by You When James first stepped through the doors of Pathways, he was worn down—by time, by uncertainty, by the weight of being unseen. Recently laid off, one unexpected car repair had spiraled into a missed rent payment. From there, everything unraveled. He wasn’t looking for charity. He just needed a path forward. At Pathways, James found more than a single service. He found a web of care. Because our campus is home to 14 nonprofit agencies working together under one roof, James didn’t have to bounce from office to office or bus stop to bus stop. In one place, he accessed support for housing, job readiness, food, and emotional care. That’s the power of collaboration—and your generosity fuels it. By giving monthly, you help sustain this life-changing model. You keep the lights on. You make the shared space possible. You let every agency focus less on overhead and more on outcomes. Just $20/month can help someone like James move from crisis to stability—and from being invisible to truly seen. Your consistent giving creates consistent impact. Will you join us?

May's Collective Impact Report

June 13, 2025

May 2025 Newsletter

May 29, 2025
Our Welcome Reception with Taylor Your presence made the morning truly special as we gathered to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate where we are, and cast vision for where we’re going. This reception marked more than just a warm introduction—it was a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to creating a more supportive, collaborative, and dignified space for those we serve. At Pathways, we believe real change happens when people come together with purpose. That’s exactly what this next chapter is about—deepening our partnerships, expanding our impact, and continuing to build a campus that works for everyone. From improved facilities to innovative programming and stronger wraparound supports, we’re excited for what’s ahead—and even more excited to walk it out alongside you. If you’re interested in learning more, getting involved, or scheduling a tour of the campus, we’d love to connect. Let’s continue building the future we all believe in.
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