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Assistance programs in Charleston County South Carolina.

Low income families and those in an emergency will find churches, charities, or government agencies that offer financial help. Find help with rent or security deposits, grant money to pay electric or utility bills, free groceries from pantries, and even medical or dental care in Charleston County. The financial assistance programs near you in Charleston SC listed below give free stuff or funds to pay bills to help low-income families.

Learn where to apply for help with those bills or government assistance in cities including Charleston, Mt. Pleasant SC, and the county. Find how to get transportation including a free car for job training, free school supplies. gas vouchers or Christmas gifts and other support. There are also loans for poor or low credit borrowers along with free clothes, mortgage and homebuying programs and other aid.

Emergency financial assistance in Charleston County area

Shelternet (Humanities Foundation) provides housing, rent and energy bill assistance. The support is offered from a partnership of local agencies. Get rent, mortgage, and utility bill assistance in Charleston South Carolina from the Shelternet program. It was created in the 1990s and it provides assistance to thousands of people per year. The program relies on the support of dozens of local social service agencies that are located throughout the Charleston County area.

  • Homeowners who are facing a foreclosure, or who are behind on their mortgage, can receive free legal advice and counseling from a clinic that is offered 4 times per month. This is also arranged by Shelternet. Read more South Carolina foreclosure assistance.

The non-profit Shelternet (Humanities Foundation) will provide a variety of financial aid, including grants to help pay rent, low income housing, ways to get help with paying utility bills, and more. They are one of the top organizations in the Charleston area that help low-income families. Contact them at (843) 856-4125 or (843) 881-7550. The address is 474 Wando Park Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464.

Operation Home: Program that provides for the repair and upgrades to the home of people on very low incomes. Free grant money, low cost loans, roof repairs and more is offered. The address is 3973 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405. Call (843) 212-8936

 

 

 

Rural Mission Inc.: This charity offers emergency home repairs and updates for the elderly, disabled or low-income people living in unsafe conditions. There is also expansion of the mission's home repair and maintenance education program. Phone (843) 768-1720. Address is 3429 Camp Care Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455.

If you or your family is facing a hardship, East Cooper Community Outreach (843-849.9220) offers several assistance programs. The homeless, unemployed, low income and others can get help.

  • They offer free groceries, free clothing, and financial assistance for rent or utility bills.
  • Dental services and free teeth cleanings are also offered for low income and uninsured residents.
  • Budgeting, loans, and borrowing information is offered. Any type of loan should be for a last resort, but it can be effective to borrowing money. More on loans for low credit borrowers.
  • Free health care and medications. Community Outreach runs the Med-I-Assist program, which partners with pharmaceutical patient assistance programs (PAPs) and provides needy people with free medications.
  • A free food pantry is also on site, along with many services around paying down debts, payday loans, and general financial literacy. There is information on unit pricing, inflation, and shopping servics. They also help people avoid increasing prices, including find examples of Shrinkflation.

All of Charleston County SC is supported. ECCO is a leading non-profit in the region. Read more on East Cooper Community Outreach.

Another non-profit agency to turn to for help is Neighbors Together (formerly Tricounty Family Ministries). This organization runs offers several services and offers financial resources. They provide free or low cost medical care, food assistance, free clothes and more.

  • There is also counseling and referrals to federal government and South Carolina assistance programs. There is also information on low cost or free transportation, homeless shelter, financial assistance for rent and utility bills, and other vital services to the less fortunate in the Tricounty area. Call 843-747-1788. Learn more on Neighbors Together assistance programs.

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach – Programs cover Johns, James, and Wadmalaw Island residents only. Some of the resources include prescription expense assistance, a free food pantry, GED prep classes. In addition, apply for financial assistance at most every year (12 months).

  • There is emergency/immediate financial help for utilities such as water, electric, and sewer bills. They also run a Benefit Bank Site, in which a counselor can help clients to determine if they are eligible for government programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), TANF, and Children's Health Insurance. Address is 1684 Brownswood Rd., Johns Island, South Carolina 29455, dial (843) 559-4109

 

 

 

 

Crisis Ministries – A resource known as Project Prevent can help with paying rent and the non-profit offer funds for utility bill assistance if you have a shut-off notice or eviction notice. A primary health clinic for the uninsured or low-income is also on site. They offer financial support, cash grants and low interest loans for medical needs, housing and other emergency bills for the needy in Charleston. Or get a free gas voucher for work or gently used car or truck to hold down a job. Address is 573 Meeting St., Charleston, South Carolina 29403, call (843) 723-9477.

Telamon Corporation – Trident – Supports only migrant workers. The non-profit organizations provides assistance for migrant workers with providing food, groceries, employment opportunities, gas/bus fare, job training, or financial help. There may be hardship grants for rent and utility help. Trident One Stop Center, 1930 Hanahan Rd. St 200, Charleston, SC 29406, call (843) 574-1864

Financial help Charleston County SCTrident Area Agency on Aging – Like most agencies, very limited funds. When funding permits may have rent and/or mortgage assistance. Programs are for people over 60 and their families. Can provide specific information and referral for senior citizens and disabled people, and offers facilities such as the benefit bank.

  • Provides for the purchase of meals and other food assistance for eligible homebound seniors in Charleston County. Free groceries, nutritional supplements, Ensure, and more is offered for low-income elderly people and those on social security.

The Aging Center also helps retirees as well as caregivers with their needs, including medical or housing. Or get information on Meals on Wheels, senior medical insurance or Medicare and more. The main address is at 5895 Core Road, North Charleston, SC 29406, telephone (843) 554-2275. More on Trident Area Agency on Aging assistance programs.

Senior citizens and retirees continues to move to Charleston Mt Pleasant, and other areas. They often need financial help. Or they need to learn about activities such as local trips, free meals, or how to apply for Medicare or other senior programs. There are many national and local options out there, and find a list of financial aid programs for senior and retirees.

Emergency rent payment help, housing assistance and moving help is offered. Low income families and individuals can receive housing assistance from non-profits and government programs. Services range from emergency rent help or money for a deposit to assistance in finding safe, affordable housing units. Find listing of Charleston housing and rent assistance programs.

Carolina Children's Charity – The charity organization provides financial assistance with bills and expenses to families with children with birth defects and/or childhood diseases. Can assist qualified people with services related to child's birth defect/disease, e.g., prescription medication, health and medical care, therapies, equipment, prescription eyeglasses, etc. Address is 1064 Gardner Road, Ste. 112B, Charleston, South Carolina 29407, call (843) 769-7555

 

 

 

Neighborhood House is a Johns Island social service outreach ministry. Some of the assistance administered includes a clothes closet, food pantry, as well as free G.E.D. preparation.

  • There is also basic skills training, computer education, direct emergency financial assistance for expenses such as rent or utilities. They also operate a free soup kitchen five days per week. Location is 1684 Brownswood Road, Johns Island, SC 29455, call (843) 559-4109.

Stella Maris Catholic Church Society of St. Vincent de Paul is located on Sullivan’s Island. Assistance provided includes rent, utilities, prescription and mortgage assistance. Or get free groceries for the low-income, diapers, food vouchers and more. Call (843) 814-1229 or  (843) 883-3108. . Also serves Isle of Palms residents.

Programs for water bills are located across the county. The main resource in Charleston South Carolina is the Good Neighbor Program. This can provide income qualified renters and homeowners that are facing a crisis with payments plans or cash assistance for paying their water bills. Find water bill assistance in Charleston South Carolina.

Charleston Department of Social Services processes applications for government benefits and public assistance. Some examples of what is available in the county and South Carolina includes SNAP food stamps, cash assistance from TANF, low income energy bill assistance (LIHEAP), and job training. There are EBT cards, Medicaid applications and free government grany money. Low income parents may even receive vouchers to use to pay for child care. Click more information on public assistance in Charleston County.

Coastal Catholic Charities offers support in the city, North Charleston and nearby communities. Programs include Save a Smile dental assistance, prescription medications, free vision care and eye glasses as well as basic medical check ups for the uninsured. They operate food pantries at churches, help immigrants, and may have referrals to other charities in Charleston County for emergency financial aid. Find more details on programs from Charleston Catholic Charities.

Charleston Area Community Development Corporation focuses on homeowner programs. It can help provide low income families with down payment assistance, owner occupied rehabilitation, and counseling. No help is offered for foreclosures, but referrals are given for local places that offer mortgage relief. Location is 4045 Bridge View Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405. Phone: (843) 202-6976.

World Overcomers Ministries can provide referrals to other non-profits and government programs such as ShelterNet. This can provide emergency rent and energy bill assistance. A voucher is also offered to Goodwill for clothing. Location is 6060 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, South Carolina 29406, dial (843) 746-5180.

 

 

 

Salvation Army Service Unit - Charleston County - Assistance programs provide support to struggling as well as lower income residents. There is gently used clothing, free food (however no support if receiving food stamps), rent help (5 days from due date, due now or late), household and free personal items. The church - charity can also offer referrals to the Benefit Bank site, cooling bills and energy help (utility bill must be late, disconnect notice, be or already disconnected).

  • Note that the applicant needs to have some income (job, self employed, disability, etc.) to receive financial assistance as these are not charity programs.  Documentation of a significant decrease in one's income in the last 60 days is required as well for help. There is also free furniture, school items for kids, and also toys or gifts for Christmas. Call (843) 747-5271. More information on Salvation Army in Charleston County South Carolina.

Loan programs - In an emergency, when charitable funds and other forms of financial assistance have been used, a cash loan may provide assistance. The money may help pay for everything from debt consolidation to rent, car repairs, transportation, and much more. Continue with emergency loans in Charleston.

CCHSC, or the Charleston County Human Services Commission (also known as Palmetto Community Action Partnership), is a leading non-profit community action agency. They offer several financial assistance programs and coordinate employment services as well. Some of the resources in South Carolina include the following.

  • Help for bills and housing expenses. This can include cash assistance for electric, water and rental costs, including possible security deposit assistance.
  • Free food and basic needs from the Human Services Outreach program.
  • Information and referrals to LIHEAP, home repair loans for seniors and the low income, and more.
  • Weatherization is offered too. Charleston County Human Services Commission (phone (843) 724-6760) offers this federal government funded program. It offers low to moderate income households free energy saving upgrades to their homes. For example, homeowners may be able to receive additional floor and wall insulation, weather stripping, caulking, and other updates. All of the improvements are free to applicants, and they can help people reduce their utility bills by hundreds of dollars per year.
  • The Charleston County Human Services Commission may have limited financial assistance to help people pay utility bills, rent, and other expenses. They also run the federal government funded LIHEAP program in South Carolina.

Several other programs are operated, including information on job training, SNAP food stamps, Medicaid and other aid. Dial 843-724-6760. Address is 1069 King St, Charleston, SC 29403. Read Charleston County Human Services Commission.

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach covers the Johns Island SC area. They have emergency financial help for light bills, or housing costs (rent or moving). There is also free food boxes, clothes for kids or adults and other social services for the homeless or low income. the charity is at 1684 Brownswood Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455. Call (843) 559-4109

 

 

 

 

Job training and employment is part of Project Pride. This is a partnership with community action. Phone number 843-724-6760. The goal is to remove barriers to employment by providing the necessary resources for low-income residents of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. For example, they can provide applicants with some job skills, access to computers and other equipment to find jobs, resume review and more. The goal is to help people succeed in the job search or job application process.

Many churches in the region, both the city and North Charleston and nearby towns, help low income families. They may give out free food, clothes, fans or AC units during the summer, some emergency funds and much more. the goal is to help immigrants, the poor, minorities, and others in need. Locate financial help from Charleston County churches.

Charleston Area Urban League has a number of programs, ranging from helping people find a job or start a business to grant money from homeless prevention. The non-profit is at 2133 N Hillside Dr, Charleston, SC 29407. They also help with work clothes, gas cards for an interview, and debt relief or home buying services. Call (843) 769-8173.

St.Vincent de Paul at Christ Our King Catholic Church - They provide financial aid for utility, rental and other bills for Mt. Pleasant residents in Zip code 29464 from the Cooper River up to Six Mile Road. The Help Line is 843-727-1569 or (843) 884-5587. Leave a voice-mail and a volunteer will call back.

Charleston County free giveaways

Free clothing and furniture distribution centers can offer either free items or sell goods at a low price. Each location will have income guidelines in place and the resources at the Charleston County centers are limited, but free stuff is provided to low-income families or people. But they may have the following.

  • Professional work attire for an interview or first day(s) at work.
  • Back to school supplies or uniforms.
  • Charleston County free furniture banks give out beds, desks, computers, appliances and other goods.
  • Christmas programs, such as Adopt a Family, toys, or gifts.

There is other help available too. Most of the charities rely on donations from the community, but other second hand items or vouchers are offered. Find free clothing closets, furniture banks and school supplies in Charleston.

  • School giveaway programs and donation services help the less fortunate in both Charleston as well as nearby counties. Students, including those from the city as well as North Charleston, can get clothes, book bags, general school supplies, and more. Find a list of Charleston SC school supply programs.

Find free holiday meals, Christmas gifts, and Thanksgiving turkey dinners. Several charities as well as churches offer free holiday assistance to the region, including at Christmas and Thanksgiving. Low income families as well as single mothers can apply for free toys for their child or a box of food. More on Charleston County SC free holiday programs.

Legal aid and free lawyer services help the indigent, low-income and seniors over the age of 60. Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services, Inc. offers clients free intake services and consultations. There are many volunteer and free staff attorneys on site. Consultations, online sessions or other support is offered. The legal programs are for low-income Charleston County residents.

  • Attorneys can provide free help with Housing (Landlord/Tenant and Mortgage Foreclosure Defaults), Predatory Lending and Education, or assist with rent eviction notice. There are also free legal consultations for Family Issues. All the programs are for civil legal issues, and the non-profit firm gives free legal advice and counsel on those issues. The location is 111 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401. Call the firm at 843-853-6456. Or find other free lawyers in South Carolina.

 

 

 

 

Free food programs

Lowcountry Food Bank, Inc. provides free food and groceries to thousands of families per year. They partner with other local charities and distribution centers to distribute the free food, groceries, hot meals and other stuff. Or learn about Thanksgiving and Christmas meal services. Call the food bank at (843) 747-8146. The address is 2864 Azalea Dr, North Charleston, SC 29405.

  • Tricounty Family Ministries Food and Clothing Services provides food and clothing, diapers, baby formulas, and more. Dial (843) 747-1788.
  • Market Assembly Church Food Pantry ((843) 821-2600) runs a food pantry.
  • Evening of Prayer Food Pantry, which can be reached at (843) 747-7722, is another place to turn to for free food and meals.
  • If those locations can’t help you, find additional Charleston County South Carolina food pantries.

Community health centers and free medical clinics

MUSC Free Medical Clinic at ECCO, which is based in Mount Pleasant. The uninsured, Charleston County SC families on Medicaid or with no insurance and others can get care. Phone (843) 876-7097. Or click here for other ways to get help with medical bills.

Association for the Blind: This group pays for the purchase of prescription eyeglasses for needy residents of greater Charleston. (843) 723-6915. There are also dentists for people on Medicaid, and look here for dentist that takes Medicaid for adult.

Charleston Jewish Social Services: The agency provides emergency food assistance and free mental health counseling free of charge. Please contact 843-614-6600.

Old Fort Baptist Church - CIFC Program: Has an on site medical clinic and food pantry. Volunteer dentists and doctors help the homeless and low income. Offers dental services, cleaning, and more for victims of domestic violence. The location is 10505 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485. Phone: (843) 873-2283.

 

If the medical programs and community clinics referenced above can’t provide the help you need, there are several other health centers in the area. They all have services for the low income and uninsured, including check ups, prescription medications, dental cleanings and more. Locate additional Charleston free community clinics.

 

 

 

Debt and mortgage help in Charleston SC

Homeowners in Charleston South Carolina or people in debt can call Urban League at (843) 769-8173) or Foreclosure Counseling Program at (888) 320-0350. This housing/foreclosure program helps clients and low-income families throughout the county determine what strategies are best for their financial situation.

  • Learn how to pay off car loans or refinance them, get help with credit card debt or payday or car title loans, budgeting support and more. They also help prevent foreclosure and save their home. The HUD certified housing/financial counselors will discuss these strategies, and all available options, and develop a plan to get people back on track with their mortgage and all debt payments. The agency which helps Charleston SC homeowners and consumers. Receive debt relief, information on mortgage assistance programs, or free credit repair for the low income. Dial (843) 769-8173

Get advice and methods to address other financial issues as well, such as credit card debt, budgeting, etc. Homeowners can be linked with an attorney from a variety of public assistance programs, non-profit law firms or pro bono legal sources to help them during the foreclosure crisis. Learn about all federal government and South Carolina mortgage help programs. Read more SC mortgage hardest hit fund and foreclosure programs.

 

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By Jon McNamara

 

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