United Ministries was founded as Greenville Urban Ministries in 1970, in response to mill closings within the Greenville area resulting in increased needs for financial assistance. Throughout our 55-year history, the agency has continued to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s the agency established an Employment Readiness program to assist individuals with obtaining employment, Place of Hope – the first day shelter in South Carolina for individuals experiencing homelessness that provides basic hygiene services and case management, and the Adult Education program as an alternative to traditional GED preparation. Over time the Employment Readiness program evolved into an Economic Mobility Coaching program now known as Striving to Thrive. This holistic program provides one on one coaching to individuals as they pursue goals related to career, finances, housing, and overall well-being.

In July 2016, Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GAIHN), merged with United Ministries expanding the range of services to begin providing housing to families, with children, who were experiencing homelessness. What started as a weekly rotational model providing shelter to families in local congregations, is now a robust Housing program with individual homes providing safe and stable housing to families paired with Economic Mobility Coaching to achieve stability and long-term self-sufficiency.

Around the time coinciding with the covid pandemic, UM realized many families were struggling with their mental well-being. After efforts to refer participants to outside therapists were unsuccessful, UM hired a part time licensed mental health therapist to provide on-site therapeutic care, free of charge, for participants in our programs. As demand for the service increased, the position was expanded to full time in 2022. Demand for Adult Education services saw a steep decline post-pandemic while demand for initiatives focusing on housing stability and economic mobility grew significantly. To best address the needs of the community and respond to participant feedback, the agency closed its Adult Education program in the fall of 2024 and redirected resources to strengthen and enhance programs related to housing stability, economic mobility, and homeless services. Referrals for adult education services were established with strong community partners including Greenville Literacy Association and Sullivan Center.

Since its inception, United Ministries has adapted to respond to the most pressing needs of Greenville resident. We are honored to have served as a place of refuge and belonging for some of our most vulnerable and marginalized neighbors for 55 years.