SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — As demand for home-delivered meals continues to rise in the Lowcountry, Meals on Wheels of Summerville is preparing for a major expansion, including a move to a new headquarters that will help meet the growing needs of the community. The nonprofit, which has operated out of St. Paul’s Summerville Anglican Church for more than 43 years, will soon relocate to the Little Blue House at 118 W. 3rd South Street—a property generously offered by Bethany United Methodist Church.
Renovations to the Little Blue House are almost underway and will include a fully upgraded commercial kitchen and improved infrastructure to support future growth. The project is being led by Gilbert & Lee Construction LLC, with design plans from Eric Epstein of Epstein Architecture. While renovations will take time, a community unveiling and ribbon-cutting celebration is planned for fall 2025.
“This is a monumental step for Meals on Wheels of Summerville,” said Crystal Bovell, Executive Director. “We are overflowing with gratitude to St. Paul’s for giving us a home to establish a strong foundation of community support. Because of their commitment, we’ve been able to grow in ways we never imagined. Now, thanks to Bethany and the incredible generosity of our supporters, we can dream even bigger. This new space will allow us to serve more people, more efficiently, and continue showing up for our neighbors in meaningful ways.”
To support the renovation and expansion, a generous anonymous donor has committed a $55,000 matching gift. In celebration of more than 43 years of service, Meals on Wheels of Summerville will launch a Matching Campaign beginning June 28, running through July 31, with every dollar raised matched up to $55,000. Contributions will directly fund kitchen upgrades, new equipment, and essential building enhancements.
“This partnership with Meals on Wheels made perfect sense,” said David Powell, of Bethany United Methodist Church, who was instrumental in facilitating the property transfer. Through Bethany’s Light On A Hill Foundation, the church hopes to identify and collaborate with local nonprofit organizations like Meals On Wheels in meaningful, transformative partnerships that will benefit and bless the citizens of the greater Summerville area and beyond,” said Powell.
Meals on Wheels of Summerville has signed a lease agreement with Bethany that allows the organization to rent the facility for just $1 per year, a remarkable opportunity that ensures more resources can be invested directly in meal production, delivery logistics, and care for homebound neighbors. Meals on Wheels of Summerville’s executive chef will lead meal preparation and distribution from the new kitchen, working alongside a dedicated staff and a committed network of more than 250 volunteers.
With the need for services continuing to rise and costs escalating, this move comes at a critical time. The new facility will allow Meals on Wheels of Summerville to maintain the quality and consistency that homebound neighbors depend on, while positioning the organization for sustainable growth in the years ahead.