E7 – Sanctuary Housing: In this episode of “Local Voices Bluffton,” hosts Sam Sprunger and Jim Enneking interview Jessica Meyer, co-owner of Sanctuary Housing. Jessica and her husband Ryan purchased a vacant church on Elm Street in Bluffton with plans to convert it into eight apartment units, including two unique short-term rentals. They aim to preserve the building’s historic features, such as stained glass windows and timber frames, to attract visitors to Bluffton. Jessica shares their initial doubts about the demand for short-term rentals, which were quickly dispelled when their first Airbnb listing received an immediate booking. She describes the challenges and excitement of transforming the church, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining its character and history. Jessica also highlights their involvement in the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs’ business plan competition, which helped them organize their project and gain valuable insights. The episode underscores Jessica’s passion for hospitality and her vision to create a unique, community-oriented housing experience that honors the building’s legacy.