The Palmetto House is one of the ministries of the Dorchester Interfaith Outreach Ministries, which came into existence in 1989 in response to needs arising from Hurricane Hugo.

The Palmetto House is a temporary residence for those who find themselves temporarily homeless. The usual stay is 30 days or less. However, if the resident is in retraining, a medical or substance abuse program, or is working and putting money away for rent down payment, the Executive Director may authorize a stay up to 90 days.