Fully Renovated Facility Providing Home and Hope to Veterans
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – A beacon of hope shines brightly in Myrtle Beach as the Eastern Carolina Housing Organization (ECHO) has officially completed the renovation of their NardMoor facility. The former nursing home has been completely revitalized to provide sanctuary and recovery assistance for up to 40 homeless veterans at a time.
A Second Chance for Heroes
“It’s awesome… if I had to put it in one word,” Joey Smoak, CEO of the ECHO, described the NardMoor facility. “When you have someone coming from a situation where they can find to sleep or whatever the deal is…it’s a God-given pleasure to be able to provide it.”
The NardMoor facility is an innovative approach to rehabilitate and reintegrate veterans into the community, deviating from the traditional nursing home model and investing in top-of-the-line temporary housing instead. “I’ll be honest with you,” adds Smoak, “I’ve seen all of them, and there’s nothing that’s like this.”
Attention to Detail
The facility brims with thoughtful amenities, including new roofing, flooring, and a full commercial kitchen. Staff at the NardMoor facility provide the residents with three nutritious meals a day and plenty of space for them to relax, socialize, recover, and rebuild their lives.
Such comprehensive care doesn’t go unnoticed. The Veterans Affairs Department now considers the NardMoor facility the gold standard for temporary housing in the region. Smoak proudly shared that the ECHO’s hard work is recognized across the region, “We’re considered their best practice model in Region 7, that’s Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina… we’re like their flagship or the best practice model.”
Veteran’s Perspective
Army veteran and NardMoor resident, Prezzie Haney, attests to the quality of the facility. “Top of the line,” Haney confirms. Despite his initial struggles with substance abuse, the resources and support provided by the NardMoor staff have been instrumental in his recovery process. He credits the facility for helping him get his life back on track.
A New Chapter
The NardMoor facility isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a refuge providing a different sort of freedom for those who fought hard to protect ours. The work done by the Eastern Carolina Housing Organization and the renovated NardMoor facility isn’t just a repayment for their invaluable service, but a pledge of unwavering support to the nation’s heroes. “These people served our country and to say it’s a gratitude for their service would be an understatement,” Smoak added.
If you or someone you know are a veteran in need of support, or if you are looking to donate or volunteer, further information can be found on the ECHO’s website.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
