Construction Begins on Crisis Ministries’ New Men’s Shelter

GreenBy3 was chosen as Crisis Ministries’ onsite representative for its focus on collaboration, coordination and sustainability. GreenBy3 has already secured a donation of 127,000 sustainable brick for the new shelter.

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Site work has begun to prepare for the construction of Crisis Ministries’ new 30,000-square-foot men’s shelter and soup kitchen. GreenBy3 was chosen as Crisis Ministries’ onsite representative for the $7 million project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2014.

“We are excited to begin work on this project,” said Jorge Riano, GreenBy3 founder and president. “In addition to our role as the client’s onsite representative, in which we will collaborate and coordinate with all parties involved in the project, we will also look for ways to enhance the sustainability of the building. This includes the use of reclaimed and sustainable materials.”

GreenBy3 already has secured a commitment from CalStar Products Inc. to donate all of the brick for the building’s exterior. Based in Wisconsin, CalStar’s bricks are manufactured from fly ash with up to 37% recycled content in a process that uses up to 81% less energy and emits up to 84% less CO2. Along with their sustainability properties, the products also cost up to 10% less than traditional options.

“Incorporating CalStar’s brick not only fits our budget, but also our mission to build the facility to be as sustainable as possible,” Riano said.

A new men’s shelter has been in the works since 2007 when a volunteer facilities committee recommended a new building after studying the options and designs. Based on recommendations from the study, Crisis Ministries began acquiring properties surrounding the existing facility, located on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. The last piece of land was acquired in spring 2013 and site work has begun to prepare for the new building. The new entrance to the facility will face Walnut Street, which runs parallel to Meeting Street.

The new, 30,000-square-foot building will include a men’s emergency dorm, a dorm for Veterans, a clinic, dental room, a commercial kitchen and dining hall, donation center, as well as counseling offices and a conference room.

The building has been designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. It incorporates energy efficient lighting and HVAC units, as well as plenty of windows to take advantage of natural light. “It makes sense to incorporate practices that will reduce the long-term cost of operating the building,” Riano said.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Crisis Ministries project—and a part of making it green,” said Craig Ratchford, vice president of sales and marketing for CalStar Products. “Because our bricks are manufactured using a low-energy, low-carbon process, they’re helping to reduce the environmental footprint of the building before it is even occupied.”

“We’re building this facility with our current – and future – needs in mind,” added Stacey Denaux, Crisis Ministries’ CEO. “This will be a more efficient and effective facility in which to offer our programs and services that help people end their homelessness. We’re pleased to have GreenBy3 on board to help make this long-time dream a reality.”

About Crisis Ministries

Founded in 1984 out of a soup kitchen in Grace Episcopal Church, Crisis Ministries has evolved into a comprehensive service agency, dedicated to helping homeless people become self-sufficient again. Along with serving a daily meal to the public, these services include emergency housing, case management, primary health care, legal services, employment services and Veteran services.

Crisis Ministries is the largest homeless service provider in South Carolina. Since its founding, Crisis Ministries has served more than 1.8 million meals, sheltered more than 37,500 people, and helped more than 6,250 homeless men and women become self-sufficient.

About CalStar Products Inc.

CalStar Products Inc. develops and manufactures sustainable building products that allow customers to dramatically reduce the embodied energy and carbon footprint of their projects and incorporate significant recycled materials, without compromising building performance or budgets. Founded in Silicon Valley and headquartered in Wisconsin, CalStar’s mission encompasses national priorities of supporting energy independence, mitigating climate change, preserving natural resources, recycling industrial by-products, and creating green jobs.

About GreenBy3

Founded in 2008, GreenBy3 applies coordination, collaboration and sustainability to the management of commercial construction projects for clients. GreenBy3’s service area includes the Lowcountry of South Carolina and Western North Carolina. Its clients range from large high-tech companies to community nonprofits.

###