The Palmetto House is a temporary residence for a wide variety of people. There are single men and women, young families (which comprise 40% of the homeless population nationwide), and single mothers – usually victims of intimate partner violence. In 2005, 44% of the residents were from the Summerville area, 34% were from other parts of South Carolina and 22% were transient.

A new and larger Palmetto House is presently under construction off Maple Street, near Highway 78. The new facility will have enough room to house up to 42 adults and children at night in family rooms and dormitory style rooms.