Who we are

Pilgrims Inn is a not-for-profit organization serving Rock Hill and surrounding communities of York County, SC. Individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or are having trouble providing for their basic needs are helped.

In 1981 Tricia Kuhlkin founded Pilgrims Inn with a borrowed office, $200.00 in her pocket and a determination to help those in need with an atmosphere of respect and genuine affection.

Today we have a large campus with mutiple programs that provide immediate, emergency help for those who are hurting, and a system of ongoing support and guidance to help them create a more stable, independent future.

Dorothy Bing Inn Homeless Shelter

This facility houses homeless mothers and their children. We help these families contact community resources for housing, employment, child care, schooling, and financial assistance. In return, the clients must complete high school and attend counseling sessions to help find a more permanent solution to their problems.

Child support center, Open Arms

...provides a safe, nurturing environment for low-income children who have been in a crisis. A truly innovative program, we are one of the first and one of the few care centers licensed by the state of South Carolina to serve homeless children. Parents of enrolled children must be in school or seeking employment and must attend our parenting and counseling sessions.

Our Social Services counseling...

program offers women the tools they need to be independent, addressing intellectual, emotional, physical, and economic needs. We also provide individual counseling and educational and support groups such as parenting, budgeting, and assertiveness.  Finally, we have a children's counselor who works with any children who are struggling as a result of the strains of homelessness and chronic poverty.

Housing

We have three housing programs that enable families and individuals to transition from homelessness to living in private rental housing, subsidizing rent and utility costs while providing intensive case management to help families stabilize and become independent.

Transitional Housing Provides services for a maximum of 24 months in our on-site apartments.  Shelter Plus Care specifically targets families whose head of the household has a moderately severe mental health diagnosis that threatens the stability of the family.  This program has no time limits.  HPRP (Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing) uses federal funds to subsidize rent in community rental propertes, and can assist a family for up to 18 months.

Emergency Assistance

Our services help people in many ways - providing food, school supplies, household goods and furniture, and assisting with rent, utility bills, and prescription drug costs.We serve as a mediator between those who struggle with chronic poverty and official agencies.