Finding high-quality child care that is also convenient and affordable is a challenge for any parent. For families struggling to maintain stability due to insufficient income, substance use or other issues, it can seem impossible.
Front Porch Housing, a program designed to support families on the path to stability, will soon meet this need for its participants by opening a child development center on its campus in downtown Greenville. Founded in 2022 through a partnership with Grace Church, Front Porch Housing has been an independent nonprofit for over four years. Today it provides affordable housing, supportive community and wraparound services to more than 400 residents.
Jessica Poore, child and youth development director, said residents come from a variety of situations. They can sign up on their own or be referred by churches and social service agencies.
“Everybody’s story is different, but they’ve all experienced trauma of some sort,” Poore said.
In the community of 121 apartments, 106 are designated for Front Porch Housing residents. The rest are maintained and managed by partner organizations, including Safe Harbor, Jasmine Road, World Relief and Grace Church’s Mosaic program for adult members with disabilities.
Participants have access to discounted medical and dental care, as well as on-site counseling. Educational opportunities include GED and job certification, as well as classes in financial literacy, parenting, and healthy relationships. Fun community activities and spiritual formation bring residents together to create lasting relationships and enhance wellbeing.
Front Porch had already been providing after school child care and summer camp for children of residents, but realized there was a need for full-time care for younger children, Poore said. Plans for the facility began taking shape about a year ago when two adjacent four-bedroom apartments became available simultaneously, creating an opportunity to transform the space into a dedicated early childhood learning center.
Community Foundation of Greenville made a $25,000 grant to Front Porch Housing in 2025 from the Margaret Linder Southern Endowment Fund to support the work needed to renovate the apartments to suit the current needs.
Poore said the funding from CFG and other donors has made it possible to transform the space, making the former living room area into a lobby where staff and parents can meet.
“It is such a blessing when we get grants from community partners,” Poore said. “We’re looking forward to being able to serve our families with children ages 0-4. Having child care on-site makes it easier for parents to take the next steps in their career so they can better support their family.”
To learn more, visit frontporchhousing.org.
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
