About Us
Navigating from crisis to sustainable, independent living
Mission Statement
We support the vulnerable and unhoused populations by empowering those in crisis to navigate the very complex ecosystem of organizations that provide services they need to rebuild a sustainable, independent life for themselves and their families; while advocating for significant ecosystem improvement.
Who We Serve
There is no criteria to be met to receive our support, we do not turn anyone away. We generally see two groups within our clientele. First, being individuals and veterans experiencing chronic homelessness, serious mental health issues and/or addiction problems; and second being low-wealth families with children lacking sufficient support and stability.
How We Do It
Those in crisis are further burdened by the various barriers in accessing crucial resources and services needed to aid them in reaching stability. These families and individuals in crisis can quickly feel disempowered by this, which is why TNC aims to centralize many of these resources and services at their location. While housing is a large component to many client solutions, we emphasize the importance of addressing root problems by providing mental health services.
Our social workers conduct full assessments with each client to determine their immediate needs and develop tailored, multi-faceted plans. Intensive case management translates to being a guide, coach, and cheerleader to successfully reach the goals in each client plan.
Our History
Military Community Connections (MCC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2015. MCC leaders have combined experience working with veterans and their families who are having difficulties transitioning into the community for over twenty-five years.
In 2018 the city of Charleston asked us to open our doors to the general public. We did so and the Military Community Connections 501 (c)3 organization was renamed The Navigation Center. Military Community Connections is now a division of The Navigation Center.
Meet our team
The Navigation Center would not be possible without the help of so many, especially our board of directors, staff and volunteers.
Our Staff
Marie Elana Roland, CEO
John Govan, Director of Veterans Services & Employment Specialist
Rhonda Goodale, Social Worker, BSW
Caitlin Galley, Social Worker, LMSW
Marie Elana Roland, CEO
Marie Elana oversees the day-to-day operations of The Navigation Center and has been an advocate for the homeless and veterans for over 20 years.
Our impact by the numbers
Partners for kids
Since our partnership with the Lowcountry Orphan Relief Fund began, we have facilitated the provision of clothes, books, toys, and stuffed animals for more than 490 single mothers and 1350 kids.
‘Tis the season
Last year, nearly 100 of our clients received Christmas presents thanks to the generosity of our supporters. It is always our mission to ensure our clients do not go without during the holidays.
Housing for families
On average, The Navigation Center has provided housing for eight clients/families per month and prevented an average of eight families from becoming homeless each month.
Always here to help
Since January 2021, The Navigation Center has served 2880 clients with more than 1924 new clients. More than 340 of those clients served were veterans and over 700 were families with children.
Since Jan. 2021, an average of 36 appointments per month between clients and a mental health practitioner have been facilitated by The Navigation Center.
On average, 30 clients per month receive food from our food closet since the beginning of the year.
An average of 87 preventative applications have been submitted per month since January 2021.
About 10% of our clients were in foster care at some point in their lives.
In 2021 thus far, about 60% of our clients were homeless at the time of their intake.
About 14% were homeless with family members at the time of intake.
Since the beginning of 2021, about 10% of our clients were being evicted at the time of intake.
About 36% of clients were justice-involved at the time of intake.