Few purchases give you a sense of pride and accomplishment like buying a new home. From white picket fences and lush green grass to cookouts with neighbors and holidays with the family, owning a home is magical. Like most great things, though, enduring the home-buying process takes a lot of work. There are many steps to take and difficult decisions to make along the way. One of the most crucial decisions is what type of home loan and mortgage broker to choose. Whether it's your first time buying a home or you're a seasoned owner with multiple properties, you will need a trusted mortgage broker in North Charleston, SC, with your best interests at heart.
If you're like most people, you need a mortgage professional whose top priority is their customers - an expert who can provide accurate advice and guidance so you can make educated decisions. That's where Mija Mortgage comes into the picture.
Whether you want the best interest rates or don't know where to start in the home-buying process, Mija Mortgage can set you up in the right direction. From getting you pre-qualified to buy a home to securing a veteran's loan, Mija Mortgage is the trusted solution you need. As North Charleston natives, we're proud to serve the Lowcountry and all of South Carolina with trusted mortgage brokerage services.
Unlike some mortgage companies in North Charleston, SC, we bring years of high-level experience and insight to the table. Having worked with hundreds of clients during our time in business, we know you're probably going through a range of emotions right now. Buying a new home can be a scary process, especially for first-time buyers. That's why we make every effort to make ourselves accessible and available for clients. Our primary goal is to help you make the right mortgage for your family and your budget.
We know that many home loan officers have horrible reputations. Some brokers only see their clients as transactions, and a means to make quick money. They come off as impatient and pushy, failing to understand that this is a very big decision for you. At Mija Mortgage, we take the opposite approach. We encourage our clients to take as much time as needed to ask us questions and review mortgage documents. We could say that our mission is to exceed your expectations, but we'd rather just show you. From assistance finding FHA, VA, or other loans to refinancing your current mortgage, Mija is the team you can trust.
Here are just a few reasons why home buyers choose Mija Mortgage:
Most people simply don't have access to the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to purchase a home with cash. Instead, they take out a mortgage loan to buy a home. Unfortunately, many homebuyers are anxious to get the ball rolling and, due to their excitement, fail to shop around for the best mortgage rates. To some degree, avoiding this step makes sense, as it requires a lot of legwork and research to get the job done. For those not wanting to spend hours researching a reasonable mortgage, there's an alternative to consider - working with a mortgage broker.
To understand the benefits of working with a mortgage broker, you must first understand their role in the home-buying process.
Your mortgage broker is a third party that works to connect you with mortgage lenders. Essentially, a mortgage broker works as an intermediary between a person who wants to buy a home and the entities offering loans to buy a home. The mortgage broker works with both the borrower and lender to get the borrower approved. They also verify and collect paperwork from the borrower that the lender needs to finish a home purchase. Typically, mortgage brokers have relationships with several home loan lenders. Mija Mortgage, for example, has access to 50 different lenders, which gives us a wide range of home loans in North Charleston, SC, from which to choose.
In addition to finding a home loan lender, your mortgage broker will help you settle on the best loan options and interest rates for your budget. Ideally, your mortgage broker will take a great deal of stress and legwork off your plate while also potentially saving you money.
If you're ready to buy a home, getting pre-qualified is a great choice that will streamline the entire process. Your mortgage broker makes getting pre-approved easy by obtaining all the documents needed to get you pre-qualified. In taking a look at your application, they will determine if you're ready for the pre-approval process. If your application needs additional items, the mortgage company will help point you in the right direction to ensure your application is as strong as it can be. Your mortgage broker will also walk you through the different types of loans, from Conventional and FHA to VA and USDA.
In order to be pre-approved for a home in South Carolina, you must have the following:
Most people choose to use a mortgage broker because they have access to different lenders and interest rates. But a great mortgage broker brings more to the table than a choice of lenders.
Save You from Unneeded Stress:One of the biggest advantages of hiring a mortgage broker is that they can find and vet loans while managing the mortgage process on your behalf. The best mortgage companies, like Mija Mortgage, hire brokers who are experts at keeping underwriting on track, coordinating with relevant parties, and handling all paperwork involved. At the end of the day, mortgage brokers save you stress and time and often expedite the closing process.
More Access: We touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating: A mortgage broker provides access to a range of loans, rates, and lenders. In fact, many mortgage brokers can get rates lower than what the average person could get from a lender.
Save You Money: There's a chance that your mortgage broker can get your mortgage fees reduced or waived by the lender, which could save you a good deal of money.
Help with Unfavorable Financial Situations: Expert mortgage brokers can often assist in challenging financial situations, like when a buyer has inconsistent income or less-than-perfect credit. Experienced brokers, like those at Mija Mortgage, are often aware of lenders willing to will work with nontraditional borrowers.
Provide Key Insights: Mortgage brokers share important insights, such as your chances for a home loan approval and exactly how much house you can afford. They can also save you from making costly mistakes based on their years of expertise in the mortgage industry.
While settling on the best type of home loan isn't as exciting as searching for the home of your dreams, it's equally important. Yes, your Mija Mortgage loan officer in North Charleston, SC, will be happy to help explain the differences between home loans. But understanding the basics ahead of time will save you stress and time in the long run.
Conventional loans can be used to purchase a new home or refinance your current one. Conventional loans include fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages. Generally, borrowers must put down a 3% down payment for owner-occupants, 10% for a vacation property, and 20% for an investment home. If you are able to pay 20% of the total cost of the home, you can avoid private mortgage insurance, which is otherwise required. Conventional mortgages are often preferred by buyers with good credit or people needing a non-owner-occupied mortgage.
FHA mortgages are issued by the U.S. government and backed by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). This loan is often preferred by first-time homebuyers because it only requires a 3.5% down payment and offers more flexibility with credit requirements and underwriting standards. FHA loans have several requirements you must meet to qualify. Contact Mija Mortgage today to learn more about FHA loans and whether or not they're best for your financial situation.
Also backed by the government, these loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and don't require money down. These loans have lower insurance requirements when compared to FHA loans, offer 100% financing if you qualify, and allow for closing costs to be covered by the seller. In order to qualify for a USDA loan, you must live in a rural area, and your household income must meet certain standards. These loans are often preferred by low-income citizens who live in rural parts of South Carolina.
Also known as VA or Veteran's Affairs loans, these mortgages are reserved for the brave men and women who served in the military. VA loans help provide our military members, veterans, and their families with favorable loan terms and an easy home ownership experience. Often, those who qualify are not required to make a down payment on their home. Additionally, these loans often include less expensive closing costs.
If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran, contact Mija Mortgage today to speak with our Vetted VA Professional, Debbie Haberny. Debbie helps our military members, veterans, and their family members obtain home loans utilizing veteran benefits and would be happy to help as you search for a home.
Do you have questions about the complexities of mortgages and home loans? As your advocate, Mija Mortgage is here to answer any questions you have about mortgages and the home-buying process. We encourage you to call our office to speak directly with one of our mortgage experts or continue reading below for answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q. I was talking to my spouse about mortgage brokers, and they mentioned the phrase home loan originator. What's the difference between a broker and a loan originator?
A. The mortgage industry is full of confusing jobs and titles, making it easy to confuse roles and responsibilities. Such is the case with mortgage brokers and home loan originators. Though their roles share similarities, a home loan originator in North Charleston, SC, works for a bank or credit union, while a mortgage broker works for a brokerage company. Home loan originators and mortgage brokers are both licensed by the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS).
Q. I've heard from everyone that you must have mortgage insurance to buy a home. What is mortgage insurance?
A. Essentially, mortgage insurance helps protect lenders if a borrower forecloses on the home they bought. One advantage of mortgage insurance is that when borrowers pay it, lenders can often grant loans to buyers when they might not have otherwise. Though not always required to buy a home, mortgage insurance is often needed for down payments of less than 20%.
Q. I have just been pre-approved to buy a beautiful home in South Carolina. Is there anything I shouldn't do now that I'm pre-qualified?
A. Mortgage companies like Mija Mortgage, make getting pre-qualified for a home easy. However, as your loan process continues, your lender is required to run a new credit report before closing on a home. For that reason, it's to avoid any activity that might affect your credit score, such as:
Q. My brother-in-law recently refinanced his home in South Carolina. What is refinancing, and should I consider refinancing my home too?
A. Refinancing your home basically means you're swapping your current mortgage for a new one, most often with a lower interest rate. If you would like to reduce the term of your loan, lower your monthly mortgage payments, or consolidate debt, refinancing may be a smart option. Many homeowners also choose to refinance if they want to switch from adjustable-rate mortgages to fixed-rate mortgages or to get cash back for home renovations. To learn whether refinancing is a viable option for your situation, contact Mija Mortgage ASAP, as loan rates change frequently.
Here at Mija Mortgage, we believe that the best communities begin with the dream of home ownership. Our mission is to make those dreams come true, with personalized service, expert guidance, and good old-fashioned hard work. As one of the most trusted mortgage companies in North Charleston, SC, we have years of experience working with a diverse range of clients, from first-time buyers and investors to self-employed borrowers and non-native English speakers.
Though every mortgage situation is different, one thing never changes: our commitment to clients. Contact our office today to get started on an exceptional home-buying experience.
A charter school in North Charleston is being shut down at the end of this school year that primarily serves students with dyslexia.NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A charter school in North Charleston is being shut down at the end of this school year that primarily serves students with dyslexia, leaving parents feeling lost and confused.The Gates School opened its doors in 2021 and teaches children with dyslexia through Orton-Gillingham approach and a multi-sensory education model that parents say is unlike any other schools in...
A charter school in North Charleston is being shut down at the end of this school year that primarily serves students with dyslexia.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A charter school in North Charleston is being shut down at the end of this school year that primarily serves students with dyslexia, leaving parents feeling lost and confused.
The Gates School opened its doors in 2021 and teaches children with dyslexia through Orton-Gillingham approach and a multi-sensory education model that parents say is unlike any other schools in the area.
“We’ve all just gotten our math testing scores back, and oh my god; the year over year different is huge,” Joseph Hochberg, Gates School parent, says. “It’s quantifiable and tremendous.”
Over 15 parents say their children have jumped multiple grade levels in reading and math testing scores.
“My daughter has only been there for one year and her reading is has just soared,” another parent, Heidi Sezginalp, says. “She’s so much more confident and willing to read in front of us. which she’s never done before.”
The Charter Institute at Erskine, tasked with authorizing charter schools in South Carolina, made the decision to close the school on Monday, citing systemic findings of noncompliance of state and federal special education law.
Some parents, including Roth Scott and Melissa Tranchida, think that Erskine is pulling data from 2021-2022 school year, saying that the charter is not taking everything into consideration.
“They did not take into account this year, where Gates is fully in compliance, has special education teachers, is meeting all the IEPs,” Scott says. “To do that is just robbing these kids of what they deserve.”
“The data speaks volumes. I mean, the growth is tremendous and yet the rug has been pulled out from underneath us, not taking into any consideration our students’ growth,” Tranchida says. “I feel like to make a decision without taking any student growth data into consideration is just deplorable.”
Members of the Institute met last spring to revoke Gate’s School charter for the same reason, but an appeal hearing gave the school a second chance.
“I was shocked that they had violations because from what I saw, everyone was certified in multiple ways in that school,” Gates School parent, Lea Carter, says.
Despite the history of violations and noncompliance at the school, many of the parents, including Ashley Governman, are mostly concerned about bringing their children back into traditional public schools.
“Lots and lots of tears, lots of tears,” Governman says. “We fear the thought of going back to the traditional school setting which failed them before. It was really hard to do.”
As of Monday, about 95 students were enrolled at Gates School, according to the Charter Institute at Erskine.
The Institute says it will notify parents of the closure and work with families to “provide a smooth transition for their students.”
“None of us want it to close. We want it to be properly funded, so that our kids can be properly supported and so that the teachers and staff can be properly supported,” Gates School parent, Julie Stowers, says. “That’s it that is all we want.”
The full list of violations and instances of noncompliance from the Charter Institute at Erskine has not been released.
“The kids are the collateral damage of all of this foolishness and is so not acceptable; it’s time for the parents to stand up.” Robin Moses, Gates School grandparent, says. “It’s time that they [the parents] have a voice; they use that voice and be loud.”
Ashley Epperson, director of communications for the Charter Institute at Erskine, provided this statement regarding the school’s violations:
The Gates School’s history of noncompliance has been extensive. As a result of Gates School’s systemic noncompliance, their students with disabilities are owed more than 220,000 minutes of special education services that the school was required by law to provide. The Charter Institute, in an attempt to remedy this systemic special education noncompliance, provided ongoing support, trainings, and site visits to the school. In an effort to impress upon the administration of Gates School the seriousness of these matters, the Institute placed multiple sanctions on the school from 2021-2023, including the issuance of multiple notices of noncompliance, multiple corrective action plans, and multiple enrollment freezes.
Stephanie Sams, founding board chair for Gates School issued the following statement after Monday’s announcement:
Gates School community is heartbroken and disappointed that the Charter Institute at Erskine Board disregarded the information from special education compliance experts that no statutory grounds for revocation exist. Gates School has always been dedicated to appropriate service and exceptional instruction and experiences for our dyslexic learners. Our focus will always remain on them and their best next steps. The Gates School Board and community will be taking under consideration those best next steps although I have been told that parents have already filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
BeckDriving north out of Florida in the springtime with every homebound “snow bird” is an ill advised activity. But if your destination is North Charleston’s High Water Festival it’s worth the hassle. This was our third year covering the Americana forward festival and first for Under the Radar. No doubt, the Shovels & Rope curated event is one worthy of attending regardless of line-up given its cosy confines and laid back vibe. It ...
Beck
Driving north out of Florida in the springtime with every homebound “snow bird” is an ill advised activity. But if your destination is North Charleston’s High Water Festival it’s worth the hassle. This was our third year covering the Americana forward festival and first for Under the Radar. No doubt, the Shovels & Rope curated event is one worthy of attending regardless of line-up given its cosy confines and laid back vibe. It certainly doesn’t hurt though when your line-up is a stellar one full of artists we haven’t covered before.
First up for us on Saturday was Kentucky’s S.G. Goodman. Being a big fan of Goodman’s Old Time Feeling album from a few years back, it was great to hear that album’s title song and “Space And Time” in good and greasy live performances. Goodman trades on her backwoods vernacular and also got in an extended and funny story on fellow Kentuckian Tyler Childers. Extended takes on “Work Until I Die,” with a sly reference to an Alabama song, and a Waylon Jennings cover showed Goodman firmly rooted in her place in history. Next up on the main stage was Sierra Ferrell (one of our favourites of the weekend who we hadn’t seen before). A country and bluegrass traditionalist, Ferrell was backed by an acoustic trio and accompanied herself on guitar and fiddle throughout the set. An expert at making covers her own, her take on Willie Nelson’s “Seven Spanish Angels” was pristine, while “Give It Time” and “Bells Of Every Chapel,” from 2021’s Long Time Coming album, were also particularly fine.
Not everything on the High Water agenda comes with a country accent and the rest of day’s acts we covered bore that out. Regardless of your view on Jack Antonoff and his outfit Bleachers, Antonoff pulled off the most stunning guest slot of the festival. Two songs into the set, Antonoff casually introduced Lana Del Rey to the stage. Purportedly Del Rey’s first live performance in four years, she and Antonoff performed the gorgeous duet “Margaret” from Del Rey’s just released album. Antonoff knows how to throw a party with dual saxes leading the way on hits from 2017’s Gone Now, like “Let’s Get Married” and “I Miss Those Days.” Next days headliner, Beck, also joined Antonoff on stage for a somewhat head scratching cover of Depeche Mode’s “Just Can’t Get Enough.”
Second to last act for the night, Father John Misty, put on one of the best sets of the festival pulling from his earliest work up through last year’s return to form, Chloë and The Next 20th Century. Not short on the dramatics, with a few drop to the knees moments, Misty lead off with a smouldering take on “The Next 20th Century.” Shrouded in darkness or moody blue lights for most of the set, other highlights included a crowd sing-along inducing “Mr. Tillman” and the country tinged ode to a grieved cat, “Goodbye Mr. Blue.” The closer for the night, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, from the Carolina to the north, gave their fans what they want in high spirited takes on favourites “Devil Like Me” and “Cocaine Jesus.” Not your grandmother’s gospel music.
On a Sunday that threatened rain, thankfully none ever came. But making it rain was a fun and stellar set courtesy of the Black Opry Revue. The Revue consists of a loose collective of approximately 200 Black artists that haven’t historically had access in the country genre. Backed by a three piece “house band,” fronted by the incredible guitar work of Ping Rose, the artists on hand for this festival included Aaron Vance, Tylar Bryant, Nikki Morgan, Jett Holden, Julie Williams and Roberta Lee. Each artist took a turn at the mic with celebratory side stage support from the others and frankly from the crowd of fans out front at well. Vance opened with a twangy tune that could have easily fit in Alan Jackson’s catalog, Bryant aligns more with the new country movement with his witty “Outside The Box Of Wine,” Williams played a song and served as de facto spokesperson for the Revue’s mission, and Lee closed it out with a blustery blues tune.
On a day where recent Under the Radar cover artist, Ezra Furman, was scheduled to perform, sadly she was a last minute scratch due to a brief illness. But the following main stage set from the masked Orville Peck was a wildly entertaining one. Pulling heavily from last year’s Bronco album, Peck and his band sounded great on classic country and Elvis inspired songs such as “Curse of the Blackened Eye” and “Daytona Sands.” Peck also won over the crowd with his dialogue with a five-year old fully decked out cowgirl sitting on the rail. She and her mom were invited backstage for an impromptu photo op. Nicest moment of the festival for sure and representative of the low key atmosphere. Angel Olsen followed back on the smaller stage and put up quite a squall given her recent move to a softer, countrified sound. Olsen was in a mischievous mood which found her joking about a new song they wrote in the parking lot before ripping into “Shut Up Kiss Me.” Plenty of songs from last year’s Big Time album were also on display.
Though historically the festival hosts, Shovels & Rope, have played on the main stage, they wedged their set between those of Wilco and Beck. Wilco played a tight hour and fifteen minute set with only a few songs pulled from last year’s Cruel Country. Eric Slick joined the band on stage for a loose take of “Handshake Drugs” and of course guitarist Nels Cline put on a clinic with solos on songs like “Impossible Germany.” Jeff Tweedy and company were in fine form and the shortened set assured there was no room for filler. Shovels & Rope followed on the smaller stage and always receives a warm welcome from their hometown crowd. Having seen the band many times, their marquee song “Birmingham” was notably absent, but the set didn’t suffer for it.
The festival was closed out by the king of festival sets, the ever present Beck. With a darkened stage, Beck appeared playing solo with acoustic guitar. Five songs in, including a cover of Neil Young’s “Old Man,” it wasn’t clear if Beck was playing a full solo set, but he was joined by his band for “Devil’s Haircut” and the remainder of a 32 (!) song set including other favourites like “Debra” and “Dreams.” He closed out his set with a fitting cover of Daniel Johnston’s “True Love Will Find You In The End.” Bringing the two day festival to successful close and a realization that High Water always gets it right. The Americana leaning festival has made a point to bring diverse artists across a broad array of genres and for that we should all be grateful.
A charter school in North Charleston will close its doors after this school year following a history of violations and instances of noncompliance.NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A charter school in North Charleston will close its doors after this school year following a history of violations and instances of noncompliance, according to the Charter Institute at Erskine.Gates School has been in operation since August of 2021, “founded to serve students with a primary diagnosis of dyslexia,” according to the school&rsq...
A charter school in North Charleston will close its doors after this school year following a history of violations and instances of noncompliance.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A charter school in North Charleston will close its doors after this school year following a history of violations and instances of noncompliance, according to the Charter Institute at Erskine.
Gates School has been in operation since August of 2021, “founded to serve students with a primary diagnosis of dyslexia,” according to the school’s website.
The Charter Institute at Erskine’s Board of Directors, tasked with authorizing charter schools in South Carolina, voted Monday to revoke the charter of Gates School “due to systemic findings of noncompliance of state and federal special education law.”
The board had previously met Mar. 16, 2022 and voted to revoke Gates School’s charter for the same reason, but an appeal hearing from the school gave them a second chance at keeping their doors open and remedying “it’s ongoing noncompliance,” the Institute says.
Live 5 has previously reported on the school’s history of noncompliance, including when the Charter Institute at Erskine paused enrollment just months after the school’s opening due to staffing shortages, specifically special education teachers.
“The Board and our District are tasked with ensuring that every student’s rights are protected under the law and that our schools are complying with all legal and regulatory requirements imposed by our federal and state governments,” Dr. Steven Adamson, President of Erskine College and Chairman of the Charter Institute Board, said. “As we move forward, the Institute and the Board are committed to ensuring a smooth transition.”
As of April 24, 2023, about 95 students were enrolled at Gates School, according to the Charter Institute at Erskine. The Institute says it will notify parents of the closure and work with families to “provide a smooth transition for their students.”
Ashley Epperson, Director of Communications for the Charter Institute at Erskine, provided this statement regarding the school’s violations:
The Gates School’s history of noncompliance has been extensive. As a result of Gates School’s systemic noncompliance, their students with disabilities are owed more than 220,000 minutes of special education services that the school was required by law to provide. The Charter Institute, in an attempt to remedy this systemic special education noncompliance, provided ongoing support, trainings, and site visits to the school. In an effort to impress upon the administration of Gates School the seriousness of these matters, the Institute placed multiple sanctions on the school from 2021-2023, including the issuance of multiple notices of noncompliance, multiple corrective action plans, and multiple enrollment freezes.
Stephanie Sams, Founding Board Chair for Gates School issued the following statement after Monday’s announcement:
Gates School community is heartbroken and disappointed that the Charter Institute at Erskine Board disregarded the information from special education compliance experts that no statutory grounds for revocation exist. Gates School has always been dedicated to appropriate service and exceptional instruction and experiences for our dyslexic learners. Our focus will always remain on them and their best next steps. The Gates School Board and community will be taking under consideration those best next steps although I have been told that parents have already filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
The Charter Institute at Erskine says this is the first charter the board has revoked. Over the past decade, 14 charter schools have been closed in South Carolina.
The Charter Institute at Erskine is compiling a full list of Gates School’s violations and instances of noncompliance.
Officials with Gates School have yet to respond to a request for comment.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
A 40-year-old laundromat in North Charleston has been recently transformed, but what’s special about it is more than just its appearance.NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A 40-year-old laundromat in North Charleston has been recently transformed, but what’s special about it is more than just its appearance.Erin and John Carpenter went on an RV trip around the country during the pandemic, and that’s when they realized how important laundromats were.After the trip, they moved to Charleston and wanted to get...
A 40-year-old laundromat in North Charleston has been recently transformed, but what’s special about it is more than just its appearance.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A 40-year-old laundromat in North Charleston has been recently transformed, but what’s special about it is more than just its appearance.
Erin and John Carpenter went on an RV trip around the country during the pandemic, and that’s when they realized how important laundromats were.
After the trip, they moved to Charleston and wanted to get involved in the community. That’s when they saw Reynolds Laundromat on Reynolds Avenue in North Charleston was for sale.
The old laundromat, which has been in business for over 40 years, looked less than desirable. There were broken machines, broken furniture, and lots of repairs that needed to be done.
“John was like let’s do it,” Erin said. “Let’s make it a better place.”
The couple got the laundromat in July of last year and let it exist the way it was for six months. During that time, they listened to feedback about what was wanted and needed by the community.
It took two and a half months to transform the space, and the new Reynolds Laundromat opened up two weeks ago.
They researched laundry prices in the Charleston area and made sure they were offering the lowest prices. They then made it into a place where people sleep, hang out, eat, watch television, use free Wifi and enjoy a safe, clean space.
The grand re-opening celebration was a free laundry day complete with free loads, food, and games. The couple partnered with Lowcountry Blessing Box Project to make it happen.
“Oh, the need for this is great,” Esther Smith, volunteer for Lowcountry Blessing Box Project, said. “This community here, they really do need to be able to come here and get their clothes washed, you know.”
The couple posted a Tik Tok video of their story, and it went viral, receiving 10.5 million views as of Wednesday.
The post got the attention of many in the community including local organizations, who are reaching out and want to get involved to have more free laundry days and events.
“It was really really cool to engage with people who you know maybe live in the area or have been like hey I live nearby, I’d like to donate or I want to help sponsor more free laundry days,” Erin said.
It’s been especially exciting for manager Steve P. Eddie, who has worked here seven days a week for nine years.
“It’s more than just laundry,” Eddie said. “It’s also been a place that no matter what they’re going through, they can come here, be at peace, be safe, safe knowing that we designed this place for them and knowing that it’s beyond laundry.”
The couple is now watching their project grow before their eyes. They hope that more free laundry days are in the future, with hopes of doing them every few months. They also are adding a kids area with books and toys, as well as creating a laundry pickup and delivery service.
“Now to see people sitting at the picnic tables and kids playing in the kid’s area and using the technology and eating at the different things it’s kinda fun to see it come to life,” John said.
Longtime employee Eddie hopes it’s just the beginning for the newly renovated laundromat.
“My vision for this place is for this place to be here a long time,” Eddie said.
Copyright 2023 WCSC. All rights reserved.
NORTH CHARLESTON — The Performing Arts Center has announced its Best of Broadway 2023-24 season featuring seven shows.Here’s what’s coming to the North Charleston stage.‘Come From Away’ Oct. 20-22, 2023Broadway’s “Come From Away” is a best musical winner across North America.The performance tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them following 9/11. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but...
NORTH CHARLESTON — The Performing Arts Center has announced its Best of Broadway 2023-24 season featuring seven shows.
Here’s what’s coming to the North Charleston stage.
Oct. 20-22, 2023
Broadway’s “Come From Away” is a best musical winner across North America.
The performance tells the true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them following 9/11. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
Dec. 1-3, 2023
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” is based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories. It springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (“Hairspray,” “Kinky Boots,” “Legally Blonde”).
Featured, of course, is Roy Orbison and Bill Dees’ song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which was a smash hit in the 1990 film.
Jan. 2-7, 2024
Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards, including best musical and the 2020 Grammy Award for best musical theater album, this acclaimed new show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin (“Natasha,” “Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812″) is a love story for today and always.
“Hadestown” intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.
Feb. 9-11, 2024
Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” this production tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?
March 12-17, 2024
From Tudor queens to pop icons, the “Six” wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power. This new original musical is a global sensation that won 23 awards in the 2021-22 Broadway season, including the Tony Award for best original score (music and lyrics).
April 26–28, 2024
Direct from Broadway, “Mean Girls” is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (“Legally Blonde”) and director Casey Nicholaw (“The Book of Mormon”).
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
May 10–11, 2024
This special bonus show is an international percussion sensation featuring an eight-member troupe that uses everything but conventional instruments: matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps.
You can see what all the noise is about.