Bamberg County assistance programs

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal government funding will be flowing to Bamberg and Orangeburg Counties. It is the result of the federal stimulus plan, and the money will be used to provide various forms of assistance, including rental and utility bill assistance for people who are facing an eviction, the newly homeless or those people who are at risk of homelessness.

If you are interesting in learning more or apply, the Middleton Street Samaritan House will receive the money over a two-year period. they will support people who live in the Orangeburg, Bamberg and Calhoun counties of South Carolina according to the Samaritan House chief operating officer. On average about 20 people contact the Samaritan House per day requesting assistance.

With the weak economy, the increasing number of layoffs and job reductions in the area, plants closing, unemployed, underemployed, and the working poor and the high cost to manage the household has contributed to the increasing need for aid. The funds will be limited and provided until they run out, so apply early. While funding may be replenished, there are no guarantees. The federal money cannot be used for mortgage payments.

 

 

 

There will of course be criteria and conditions to receiving aid. Program eligibility will be based on need after an assessment and screening process of the applicant. The individual or family applying will need to provide evidence of drastic changes in their income or employment which would support their need for help. The applicant must also show their ability to have future financial resources to continue household expenses without returning to any other charity or organization for financial assistance. So in effect the funding is meant to help those people who are facing a short term financial hardship. Click here to find additional rent assistance programs.

For more information or to apply, call 803-533-1005 or 803-533-1075. Or call Jamison at 803-516-0088 to make an appointment.