MYRTLE BEACH, SC-     Horry County continues to work with residents to clean-up the Racepath community.  Each year, the county receives federal funding from Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

The grants go toward improvement projects in low to moderate income areas. Council approved funding for Racepath and helped design a revitalization plan that includes sidewalks, lighting, street scape and storm water drainage.

Reverend William Gause hopes to use CDBG funds to build a new community center in the area. The current community center is a single-wide mobile home. Gause uses the building for an after-school program and youth summer camp, which he said serves 75 kids.

“The floor is sinking in some areas,” said Gause.

Gause charges $10/week for kids in the afterschool program and $25/week for the youth summer camp.

“It’s a struggle financially, but I would never shut my doors,” he said.

For over 30 years, Gause has worked to provide a safe place for kids whose parents can’t afford other summer camps. The median household income in Racepath is less than the county average and the area has a reputation for crime and drugs.

“Racepath has a terrible name, but a lot of good comes out of Racepath,” stated Gause.

He said the community center gives children a safe place to stay, away from the streets.

“A lot of kids have burdens that they don’t understand.”

Gause said several kids have told him about their parent being in prison or their dad shooting somebody. He’s watched some of his campers succumb to the streets themselves.

“I look at those ones and if you go back and look at their lives and just listen to them, you see they need a break.”

The Racepath Youth Summer Camp offers two hot meals per day and includes activities like a trip to the waterpark. Gause said his mission in life is to teach youth how to love. He’s currently raising money through a non-profit called Phoenix Renaissance to purchase property for the new community center.

For more information or to donate contact Gause at w_gause@yahoo.com or at (843) 283-3864