The Power of Place: How 808 Sea Island Parkway is Transforming St. Helena Island
Discover how a small building on a rural road has become a staple of community change in St. Helena Island, uplifting youth, veterans, artists, and local entrepreneurs.
A Space With Purpose
On the surface, 808 Sea Island Parkway might look like any modest building on a rural road. But step inside, and you’ll feel it—a pulse of activity, purpose, and community care that is transforming St. Helena Island from the ground up.
For nearly three years, this site has served as a grassroots community and recreation center. Born out of a shared vision by the Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce and a growing cohort of local organizations, “808” is much more than a space. It’s a launchpad for collective change. It’s where youth are empowered, veterans are served, artists are uplifted, and economic opportunity is nurtured.
Why is this so significant? Because rural areas like St. Helena Island often struggle with fragmented resources, isolated residents, and inadequate infrastructure. Historically, no single hub existed to address the diverse and deeply rooted needs of this culturally rich community. That changed with the vision behind 808.
A Replicable Model for Rural Progress
Hundreds of residents have participated in surveys, town hall-style charrettes, youth activities, and educational programming. The mission is consistent: preserve the past, serve the present, and build a better future—with the Gullah Geechee people at the center of it all.
And it’s working. Programs like “Veterans Helping Veterans” ensure that rural vets have a dignified, local path to VA claim support. Artists like Princess Smith (P. Smith Art) find space to heal and uplift. Entrepreneurs like Da Loc Doc preserve cultural identity through Black-owned business. This isn’t development from the outside. It’s rooted, regenerative stewardship led by those who live here.
From food distribution networks to climate-smart farming education, the work happening at 808 isn’t just inspirational—it’s replicable. And that’s the vision: create a model that can be scaled across other rural areas that deserve the same chance to thrive.
Want to support or get involved?
📧 Contact Us – info@supportsthelena.com
📍Visit – 808 Sea Island Pkwy, St. Helena Island, South Carolina
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