Freedom Fest Empowers Veterans with Support and Awareness

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. — For many veterans, the service they provide to their country doesn't end when they return home. In fact, for some, it's just the beginning of a new challenge. That's where local nonprofit Warriors Haven steps in, offering support and resources to those who have served.

Warriors Haven recently hosted its Freedom Fest event, a community gathering aimed at raising awareness and support for veterans facing homelessness and other hardships in the Lowcountry region. The event brought together hundreds of people, creating a space where veterans could feel seen, heard, and supported.

“Sometimes things just come at you, and you feel like you’re sinking and you’re drowning. And sometimes it just takes a helping hand to come up and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got you,’ and pull them up, and they can move forward with their life. Sometimes it’s all it takes is just a little helping hand,” said Brian Higuera, a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

Warriors Haven is committed to being that helping hand. The Freedom Fest event featured 147 vendors, 14 food trucks, military vehicle displays, and live music, all under the banner of supporting veterans. The organization works tirelessly to assist veterans in any way possible, from providing essential home modifications to feeding the homeless.

“We support them in any way possible. So, we have missions right now that are out feeding the homeless. We have a lady who is she’s elderly, she’s a marine, and she had a shower tub combo and fell. So, we put in a zero-entry shower for her. We were rebuilding another lady’s kitchen because she didn’t have a working oven,” said Lisa Simpson, president of Warriors Haven.

The event also highlighted the importance of veteran-owned businesses, as hundreds of families came out to shop and connect with those who have served the country. Melissa McDonald, a veteran and owner of Mel’s Crafts, shared her perspective on the significance of this support.

“We have no expiration date. We keep doing everything that we can to support our country, to support other veterans. It’s a big family,” McDonald said.

The impact of the event was evident in real-time. Warriors Haven encountered a veteran who had not previously been known to the organization but reached out during the event seeking help.

“We did have a veteran that we had not known about, that came to the event and found us and said, ‘Hey, I’m a veteran, and I could really use some help.’ And we’re like, ‘Well, sit down, let’s talk about it. What can we do to help you?’” Simpson explained.

For many veterans, the work of organizations like Warriors Haven is not just about support—it's about honoring those who gave their lives to protect the country and finding a path forward.

“I’m trying to justify why I came back. Last appointment we were shot at. My gun truck got hit with an IED. I mean, we got blown up, and we all walked away. My friend didn’t. You know, different gun truck, different circumstances. But it’s like I came back. Why? So I’m trying to justify why I’m here. And the way I kind of look at it now, I’m here to help other veterans,” Higuera said.

Local law enforcement agencies also participated in the event, showing solidarity with those who have served. Samuel Richardson, Dorchester County sheriff, emphasized the importance of supporting veterans.

“Freedom is not free; there’ve been a lot of sacrifices around here. There are a lot of people that are limited with injuries where they would like to have the opportunity to have regular employment, and they can’t. You know, and they’ve sacrificed all that they have for their country. And so, you know, I think we as Americans, we should look at that particular piece and try to sacrifice for them as well,” Richardson said.

Freedom Fest serves as more than just an event—it's a reminder of the ongoing commitment to supporting veterans. Warriors Haven continues its mission beyond the festival, offering assistance 24/7.

“We’ll take calls from veterans 24/7. We’ve taken them in the middle of the night. We’ve gone to pick them up in the middle of the night. We’ll do whatever we can. If it’s in our ability, whether it’s comfortable for us or not, we’re going to do it,” Simpson said.

For more information about Warriors Haven and the resources available to veterans, additional details can be found through their website. Veterans in crisis can reach out via the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988, then pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online.